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Cover image for CME Plans 24/7 Crypto Futures Trading Starting May 29

CME Plans 24/7 Crypto Futures Trading Starting May 29

Bitcoin Magazine CME Plans 24/7 Crypto Futures Trading Starting May 29 CME Group will begin offering 24/7 trading for its regulated cryptocurrency futures and options on May 29, pending regulatory review, expanding access to its digital asset derivatives suite as demand from institutional participants grows. The world’s largest derivatives marketplace said continuous trading will start Friday, May 29 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time on its CME Globex platform. The move is designed to give clients round-the-clock access to hedging and trading tools tied to bitcoin and other digital assets, aligning futures markets more closely with the nonstop nature of spot cryptocurrency trading. Tim McCourt, CME Group’s global head of equities, foreign exchange, and alternative products, said customer demand for risk management in the digital asset sector has reached new highs. “Client demand for risk management in the digital asset market is at an all-time high, driving a record $3 trillion in notional volume across our Cryptocurrency futures and options in 2025,” McCourt said in a statement. CME said the shift reflects the growing role of regulated derivatives in crypto market structure, particularly for professional investors seeking exposure with clearing and oversight protections. Unlike offshore venues, CME’s crypto contracts operate within the U.S. regulatory framework, offering standardized settlement and reporting. Under the new schedule, CME cryptocurrency futures and options will trade continuously with at least a two-hour weekly maintenance period over the weekend. JUST IN: CME Group to launch 24/7 crypto futures and options trading on May 29 pic.twitter.com/TUUsrHGMAg — Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) February 19, 2026 The exchange said holiday and weekend trading from Friday evening through Sunday evening will carry the trade date of the following business day. Clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting will be processed the next business day as well. The change comes as CME’s cryptocurrency complex continues to post record activity. The exchange reported year-to-date average daily volume of 407,200 contracts in 2026, representing a 46% increase from the same period last year. Average daily open interest reached 335,400 contracts, up 7% year over year. Futures trading has driven much of the growth. CME said futures average daily volume stands at 403,900 contracts year to date, up 47% compared with last year’s levels. Traditional markets are accepting crypto infrastructure The move toward a 24/7 schedule follows a broader trend in market infrastructure adapting to digital asset trading patterns. Crypto markets operate without traditional closing hours, and institutional traders have sought products that match the constant availability of underlying spot markets. CME said not all markets lend themselves to nonstop trading, but cryptocurrency products represent a category where continuous access supports risk management needs. The exchange framed the change as a way to ensure clients can manage exposure at any time, particularly during periods of heightened volatility. CME Group operates exchanges across major asset classes including interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agriculture, and metals. Its platforms include CME Globex for futures and options trading, BrokerTec for fixed income, and EBS for foreign exchange. The company also runs CME Clearing, one of the world’s largest central counterparty clearing providers, which plays a role in reducing counterparty risk in derivatives markets. The May 29 launch date remains subject to regulatory review. If approved, the expanded schedule will mark a shift in how U.S.-regulated crypto derivatives are traded, bringing futures and options markets closer to the continuous rhythm of global cryptocurrency trading. This post CME Plans 24/7 Crypto Futures Trading Starting May 29 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for The UAE Has Quietly Built Up a $453 Million Bitcoin Reserve: Arkham

The UAE Has Quietly Built Up a $453 Million Bitcoin Reserve: Arkham

Bitcoin Magazine The UAE Has Quietly Built Up a $453 Million Bitcoin Reserve: Arkham Arkham Intelligence says bitcoin mining operations linked to the UAE’s Royal Group are sitting on roughly $344 million in unrealized profit, excluding energy costs. Arkham attributed about 6,782 BTC to wallets connected with UAE royal-linked mining activity, valuing the holdings at approximately $453.6 million at the time of analysis. The firm said the implied profit reflects the difference between current bitcoin prices and estimated production costs, though it noted the figure does not account for electricity and operational expenses. Arkham’s onchain data also points to a steady pace of mining output. Over the past seven days, the UAE-linked wallets produced around 4.2 BTC per day, suggesting ongoing industrial-scale operations. The analytics firm added that the UAE appears to be retaining most of its self-mined bitcoin, with the last recorded outflow from the wallets occurring roughly four months ago. The findings underscore how the UAE has pursued a different path from many other governments with large bitcoin positions. While countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom hold significant reserves largely tied to law enforcement seizures, Arkham said the UAE’s accumulation has been driven primarily by domestic mining activity. The UAE’s mining push traces back to 2022, when Citadel Mining, an entity linked to Abu Dhabi’s royal family, established large-scale operations on Al Reem Island. That same year marked a broader regional effort to attract digital asset infrastructure, supported by capital from state-connected firms. In 2023, Marathon Digital Holdings and Abu Dhabi-based Zero Two announced a joint venture aimed at developing 250 megawatts of immersion-cooled bitcoin mining capacity in the UAE. The project was one of the largest disclosed industrial mining deployments in the region, reflecting the country’s ambitions to become a hub for crypto infrastructure. Arkham said its latest estimate revises down an earlier projection from August 2025, when the firm attributed roughly $700 million in mined bitcoin to the UAE during a period of higher prices. At that time, Arkham estimated the country had mined about 9,300 BTC and held roughly 6,300 BTC, ranking it among the top sovereign entities with verified onchain holdings. Under the updated figures, the UAE’s holdings represent about 0.03% of bitcoin’s total supply, according to Arkham. Abu Dhabi’s Bitcoin ETF exposure Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth funds are also getting in on the fun. This week they disclosed a major increase in their exposure to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), reporting ownership of 12.7 million shares worth about $630.6 million as of Dec. 31. That marks a 46% jump from the 8.7 million shares previously reported at the end of September. Mubadala, which oversees a global portfolio across technology, healthcare, infrastructure, private equity, and public markets, manages more than $330 billion in assets. Its mandate is to generate long-term returns for the Abu Dhabi government while supporting economic diversification beyond oil. Another Abu Dhabi-based firm, Al Warda Investments, also raised its IBIT position in Q4 2025 to 8.22 million shares, up from 7.96 million in Q3, continuing a shift toward public bitcoin ETF exposure that began earlier in the year. Al Warda, part of the Abu Dhabi Investment Council under Mubadala, has traditionally focused on private investments, making its growing allocation to IBIT notable for the region. Together, Abu Dhabi investment vehicles held more than 20 million IBIT shares at the end of last year, with a combined value above $1.1 billion. Arkham did note that the United States remains the largest sovereign bitcoin holder, with approximately 328,000 BTC valued at $22 billion, largely derived from seizures tied to cases such as the Bitfinex hack and Silk Road investigations. At time of writing, Bitcoin is trading right below $66,000. This post The UAE Has Quietly Built Up a $453 Million Bitcoin Reserve: Arkham first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for Voltage Introduces Revolving Credit Line for Bitcoin Settlement, With USD Repayment

Voltage Introduces Revolving Credit Line for Bitcoin Settlement, With USD Repayment

Bitcoin Magazine Voltage Introduces Revolving Credit Line for Bitcoin Settlement, With USD Repayment Voltage, a provider of Bitcoin infrastructure, today launched Voltage Credit, a revolving line of credit designed to enable businesses to send payments over Bitcoin rails with instant settlement and settle entirely in U.S. dollars, according to a note shared with Bitcoin Magazine. Voltage Credit allows enterprises to draw from a credit line to send payments that clear in seconds, bypassing the delays associated with traditional settlement systems. Businesses repay the credit line in dollars from a bank account, without the need to pre‑fund accounts or hold cryptocurrency on their balance sheet, the company said. Voltage positions the product as a solution for enterprises that face settlement delays, chargeback exposure, and high costs from legacy payment systems. The company says the offering gives businesses access to instant payment finality and low fees characteristic of Bitcoin settlement infrastructure while avoiding forced cryptocurrency exposure. The launch follows Voltage’s role in facilitating a $1 million Lightning Network payment between Secure Digital Markets and Kraken, which the company has cited as evidence of institutional‑scale settlement capability. A revolving, flexible, Bitcoin credit solution Unlike conventional Bitcoin lending products, Voltage Credit functions as a true revolving credit facility. Businesses draw only the amount they need, incur interest on the outstanding balance, and restore available credit upon repayment. Voltage says the product does not require pre‑funding and can be repaid in dollars, simplifying treasury operations and accounting. Credit limits are based on a revenue‑oriented underwriting model that reflects transaction volume processed through Voltage infrastructure. The product supports value movement over both the Lightning Network and on‑chain Bitcoin transactions. Voltage describes the offering as relevant for both crypto‑native companies and traditional enterprises exploring Bitcoin payment infrastructure. For entities outside the crypto ecosystem, Lightning settlement presents lower cost and faster settlement than some legacy rails, and Voltage Credit aims to deliver those advantages without requiring management of crypto assets. For organizations within the digital asset space, traditional financing often treats Bitcoin revenue as unsupported for underwriting and crypto lending products typically require BTC as collateral, creating taxable events and exposing treasuries to market volatility. Voltage Credit carries no origination fees and applies a fixed annual percentage rate on outstanding balances. The product is available to qualified U.S. businesses, the company said. This post Voltage Introduces Revolving Credit Line for Bitcoin Settlement, With USD Repayment first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for Ledn Sells $188M Bitcoin-Backed Bonds in First-of-Its-Kind Deal

Ledn Sells $188M Bitcoin-Backed Bonds in First-of-Its-Kind Deal

Bitcoin Magazine Ledn Sells $188M Bitcoin-Backed Bonds in First-of-Its-Kind Deal Crypto lender Ledn Inc. has sold $188 million in securitized bonds backed by Bitcoin-linked loans, marking a first-of-its-kind deal in the asset-backed debt market. The transaction includes two bond tranches, according to Bloomberg, one of which received an investment-grade rating and priced at a spread of 335 basis points over the benchmark rate, according to people familiar with the matter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. served as the sole structuring agent and bookrunner. The bonds are secured by a pool of more than 5,400 consumer loans issued by Ledn, where borrowers used their Bitcoin holdings as collateral, according to an S&P Global Ratings report. The loans carry a weighted average interest rate of 11.8%. Bitcoin’s price volatility remains a central risk. Loans tied to the cryptocurrency can fall underwater if prices decline sharply. JUST IN: Crypto lending firm Ledn sold $188 million of securitized bonds backed by Bitcoin, making it the first ever BTC deal in the market for asset-backed debt — Bloomberg — Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) February 18, 2026 S&P’s Ledn bitcoin bond ratings S&P said investors may be partly protected because Ledn uses algorithmic liquidation to sell Bitcoin collateral when a default trigger is reached, applying the proceeds to repay outstanding loans. The report noted that bitcoin’s sharp decline in early February forced Ledn to liquidate a “significant share” of loans slated for the deal. S&P said all liquidations were executed below an 81.4% LTV threshold, shifting the portfolio mix toward fewer loans and more cash in the funding account, while keeping the total collateral package at $200 million. S&P’s analysis focused on borrower default behavior, recovery rates during liquidation, and concentration risk. The agency said margin-driven defaults represent the most acute stress scenario because liquidations occur when bitcoin prices are falling, potentially into thin or volatile markets where execution slippage matters most. Because Ledn underwrites loans primarily based on bitcoin collateral rather than borrower credit profiles, S&P said traditional consumer loan performance metrics are limited. At the ‘A’ stress level, the agency applied a conservative 100% default assumption, with modeled stresses for the rated notes including a 79% default rate and 68% recovery for the BBB- class A tranche. S&P highlighted structural mitigants including overcollateralization, early amortization triggers, a liquidity reserve funded at 5% of note balance, and Ledn’s automated liquidation engine, which it said has successfully liquidated 7,493 loans over seven years without principal losses. Ledn plans to require cash interest payments for renewals starting in 2027, which S&P said reduces liquidity stress over time. Bitcoin has since recovered modestly but remains about 46% below its October high, trading near $66,000 today. This post Ledn Sells $188M Bitcoin-Backed Bonds in First-of-Its-Kind Deal first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for Trump Sons Tout a $1 Million Bitcoin Price as Goldman CEO Says He Owns BTC

Trump Sons Tout a $1 Million Bitcoin Price as Goldman CEO Says He Owns BTC

Bitcoin Magazine Trump Sons Tout a $1 Million Bitcoin Price as Goldman CEO Says He Owns BTC Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. used a CNBC interview this week to renew their public support for Bitcoin, calling it the defining asset class for a new generation and predicting a major price expansion ahead. Speaking during a wide-ranging discussion that touched on stablecoins and broader cryptocurrency adoption during the World Liberty Forum, Eric Trump said he remains “a huge proponent of Bitcoin” and argued the asset could eventually reach $1 million. He pointed to Bitcoin’s long-term performance, touching on its recovery from lows near $16,000 two years ago and claiming it has delivered strong average annual gains over the past decade. Trump framed volatility as a natural feature of an emerging asset with significant upside, contrasting BTC with lower-yielding traditional investments such as municipal bonds or U.S. Treasuries. “I’ve never been more bullish on bitcoin in my life,” Trump said. The Trump sons also highlighted what they see as accelerating institutional acceptance. Eric Trump cited major financial firms including Fidelity, Charles Schwab, JPMorgan, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs as examples of Wall Street’s increasing engagement with digital assets. He claimed private wealth clients are being allocated higher percentages of crypto exposure than in past years, positioning Bitcoin as an investment theme for people under 50. JUST IN: President Trump's son Eric says "I've never been more bullish on bitcoin in my life." "I do think it hits $1 million…You're going to have volatility with something that has tremendous upside" pic.twitter.com/uxToAluAGs — Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) February 18, 2026 Goldman Sachs CEO owns bitcoin The comments came as traditional finance leaders signaled a cautious shift in tone. Goldman Sachs Chief Executive Officer David Solomon disclosed that he now holds a small amount of BTC, speaking at the World Liberty Forum held at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Solomon described his holdings as “very, very limited” and said he is not a “great Bitcoin prognosticator,” casting himself as more of an observer than an advocate. His remarks reflect the growing proximity between established financial institutions and the crypto sector after years of regulatory constraints that kept firms like Goldman largely on the sidelines. Solomon has previously expressed skepticism about BTC’s practical role. In a 2024 CNBC interview, he characterized the asset as speculative and questioned its real-world use case, while acknowledging its volatility and investor interest. JUST IN: Goldman Sachs CEO David Soloman announces he owns a small amount of Bitcoin and is an observer of the asset. pic.twitter.com/PPwJd4zQ0U — Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) February 18, 2026 Coinbase Chief Executive Officer Brian Armstrong also addressed Bitcoin’s recent price weakness during his appearance at the forum. Armstrong said the latest decline appears driven more by market psychology than by underlying fundamentals. He dismissed speculation that macro political factors were behind the move and argued that volatility remains part of crypto’s normal cycle. Armstrong maintained that BTC remains one of the best-performing assets of the past decade and said Coinbase does not take a short-term view of price swings. Armstrong also pointed to the policy environment in Washington, suggesting crypto legislation could advance under President Donald Trump’s administration. He described a potential “win-win-win” outcome for the industry, banks, and consumers if regulatory clarity is achieved, adding that proposed measures could reach Trump’s desk within months. Yesterday, Armstrong said the company expects a market structure bill to pass and argued that statutory clarity would provide long-term certainty beyond shifting leadership at agencies like the SEC. If legislation stalls, he said Coinbase would continue operating under existing rules while seeking clarity through regulators or the courts. “I think the bill will get done,” Armstrong said. “It’s in everyone’s interest at this point.” BTC is trading at $66,800 today, with $33 billion in 24-hour volume. The asset is down 1% over the past day as price action remains tight inside its weekly range. BTC is sitting about 2% below its 7-day high of $68,328 and essentially flat from its 7-day low of $66,834, signaling continued consolidation rather than a decisive breakout. Bitcoin’s circulating supply stands at 19,991,396 BTC, against a fixed maximum of 21 million. The total market capitalization is now roughly $1.34 trillion, down 1% from the previous day. This post Trump Sons Tout a $1 Million Bitcoin Price as Goldman CEO Says He Owns BTC first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for FutureBit launches Apollo III, U.S.-Engineered Home Bitcoin Miner

FutureBit launches Apollo III, U.S.-Engineered Home Bitcoin Miner

Bitcoin Magazine FutureBit launches Apollo III, U.S.-Engineered Home Bitcoin Miner FutureBit launched the Apollo III today, a new home Bitcoin mining system combining a high-performance miner and a full Bitcoin node in a single desktop device. The system is built around next-generation 3nm American-designed ASICs and a custom in-house controller, marking the first U.S.-engineered Bitcoin ASIC paired with a domestically built hardware platform in a consumer desktop form factor, according to a note shared with Bitcoin Magazine. The Apollo III continues FutureBit’s mission to decentralize hash power through low-power, individual-focused systems. Founder John Stefanopoulos highlighted the device’s role in strengthening Bitcoin decentralization, referencing the company’s 2024 milestone of mining a modern-era sovereign solo block. “In 2024, our customers mined one of the first modern- era sovereign solo blocks, sending shockwaves through the industry and proving that industrial scale wasn’t a prerequisite for meaningful participation in Bitcoin,” Stefanopoulos said. “Apollo III expands that possibility. Nearly 20 terahash of efficient, accessible hash power in the hands of individuals strengthens the decentralization that Bitcoin was built for.” Key specifications include up to 18 TH/s in Turbo Mode, up to 15 J/TH efficiency in Eco Mode, an integrated full Bitcoin node with solo mining capability, and a desktop‑class controller featuring 8 ARM cores, 8 GB RAM, and a 2 TB SSD. Designed for continuous operation in a home or office, Apollo III provides more than 10 TH/s while consuming power similar to standard household electronics. The company said the Apollo III is a personal computing solution for Bitcoin infrastructure, giving individuals the tools to run both a miner and a node without relying on industrial-scale operations. FutureBit’s Bitcoin mining at home FutureBit’s Apollo line of home Bitcoin miners, including the Apollo II with 10 TH/s and a full Linux node, makes mining at home accessible while promoting network decentralization. The company aims to restore “full Bitcoin citizenship” by combining mining power with running a full node, echoing Satoshi’s original vision. While home mining is no longer competitive for profit, it offers privacy, education, and the ability to verify balances without relying on third parties. Home miners can contribute to decentralization both geographically and in block template diversity, reducing the influence of large industrial pools and potential regulatory capture. By empowering individuals to mine and run their own nodes, FutureBit seeks to foster a more resilient, distributed, and user-controlled Bitcoin network. This post FutureBit launches Apollo III, U.S.-Engineered Home Bitcoin Miner first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for Miles Suter: Cash App Now Offers Best Bitcoin Pricing, Higher Withdrawals for Users

Miles Suter: Cash App Now Offers Best Bitcoin Pricing, Higher Withdrawals for Users

Bitcoin Magazine Miles Suter: Cash App Now Offers Best Bitcoin Pricing, Higher Withdrawals for Users Cash App, the popular digital wallet and payments app, announced a series of changes to its Bitcoin offering, including a massive increase in withdrawal limits, lower fees, new funding rails, and lots more in an exclusive interview with Miles Suter, Product Lead at Block Inc. “Our mission is to make living on bitcoin simple and practical,” Suter told Bitcoin Magazine. The company, which today serves over 58 million active users, recently announced a deep set of upgrades to the app, further integrating Bitcoin into the user experience while improving quality of life for Bitcoiners on the app, and unlocking further functionality. The most awaited and noteworthy update is likely the expansion of the withdrawal limits, which were raised to 10,000 a day from 2,000 and 25,000 a week from 5,000 for eligible customers. This update was rolled out by default to the vast majority of users, who should have access to it now. Suter also mentioned that those who do not see the withdrawal limit expansion can reach out to him or support for further review of eligibility. However, a lot more changed under the hood. Fees and clearing prices also improved with “no spreads” on pricing, according to Suter, one of many user experience updates that may lead the charge across the industry in terms of interface design. Spreads are gaps in the price of an asset like Bitcoin, depending on whether you are buying or selling. Usually, they are the result of order books that match buyers and sellers on a list sorted by exchange rate. A small spread between the most anyone is willing to pay for some bitcoin and the least anyone is willing to accept for theirs, is normal in most exchanges. But it can also be confusing and appear like inconsistent pricing. Many exchanges hide a small commission in this spread, as they look for low-friction profits. Cash App appears to be eliminating this from the user experience, in turn giving users a single price point for both sides of the market. This pricing update, alongside the 0% fees, might make Cash App the most cost-effective way to buy and sell Bitcoin within the United States. Suter goes as far as to say Cash App now has the “best price in the world” for purchases over 2,000 dollars. source: https://cash.app/bitcoin Funding Rails and Stablecoins Funding rails also got an expansion in this update. Historically, Cash App was built to work with debit cards, a strategy that likely unlocked fast retail adoption but came with various funding limits. Suter was excited to share that new funding rails have been added to Cash App, including ACH, which unlocks deposits as high as 10,000, and also integrated wires for large purchases. As such, this is more than a quality of life upgrade for Bitcoiners inside Cash App, it is a historic milestone for the company, which has been servicing retail and small to medium merchants since 2013. When asked about Cash App’s relationships with banks, an area of the Bitcoin industry that many companies and users still struggle with, even during the friendly Trump administration, Suter said that users should have no issue sending and withdrawing from Cash App to U.S. banks. Suter explained that banks are very conservative and hyper-focused on preventing fraud, an understandable business choice for them, but one that highlights “the brittle nature of our current system, where everything is permissioned,” and a clear example of “why we believe having zero intermediaries in Bitcoin is very important.” Putting a finer point on the topic of funding rails, Suter also expressed interest in stablecoin integration, though no timelines were given on the release date of this particular feature. He was also very clear about how stablecoins would be integrated into the app and that users would not be exposed to a myriad of choices in terms of blockchains or ticker name denominations. Instead, all values would be presented as dollars, and all major stablecoin blockchains would be supported in the background. This implies that fees paid in blockchain’s native token will not be shown to users, removing a long-standing pain point that the broader industry has failed to address. Included in this stablecoin integration discussion was the mention of dollars on top of Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, though no details were discussed. 2026 Road Map Looking ahead for the year as we enter 2026 at full speed, Suter expressed a clear vision to further integrate Bitcoin into Cash App, making it available in seamless ways to its large userbase, “we want Bitcoin to be a foundational currency within Cash App. So you can live your life on Bitcoin.” In order to achieve that, Cash App is laying the groundwork to make not just accepting Bitcoin but paying with Bitcoin completely automated. That means any store using Square payment terminals should be able to accept bitcoin via Lightning payments, using the same QR codes and payment flow as with fiat. While any Cash App user should be able to pay lightning invoices by scanning QR codes, even if they don’t have bitcoin on their account. That’s right, automated conversion of USD to BTC, and BTC to USD at checkout, so that everyone can pay how they want and receive the currency they choose. In Suter’s words, “we want all customers and users to be able to receive and send bitcoin without needing to know about it or hold it.” This approach solves a few friction points that have held back the payments use case of Bitcoin since its inception. On the one hand, if users are not holding bitcoin when they spend, there’s no tax event, Cash App does the conversion on behalf of the merchant, so the sender has no bitcoin sale tax event. Suter did not go into details but mentioned this particular issue as an important piece of the puzzle, saying that “Block Inc will pay the lightning invoice on your behalf. No tax liability, no price fluctuation”. On the other hand, merchants who choose to accept bitcoin as payment are likely to get it more often, as anyone using Cash App will effectively have it to pay with. If a merchant, for example, decides to only accept Bitcoin as payment, all Cash App users will be able to purchase from them, even if they don’t have Bitcoin on their account. Merchants may also give discounts on purchases with Bitcoin, something customers will be able to benefit from by using Cash App without having to hold any Bitcoin. This whole design may introduce millions of Americans to Bitcoin who otherwise are not really familiar with it, “there’s moms out there who have never used bitcoin,” Suter noted, “I want to make it so every Cash App user has a lightning URL that matches their Cash App username”. On the active Bitcoiner side of the market, Suter commented briefly on the growing market for Bitcoin-backed loans, saying that the company is actively “exploring” and “engaging customers online” on the use case, and “customers want it”. The company is exploring various ways of offering Bitcoin collateralized loans, including perhaps a line of credit, though details remain scarce. Suter highlighted this use case as an important financial tool for Bitcoiners to “live on bitcoin”, thus aligning with the company’s vision. While no more was said on the topic, Suter did casually add that an announcement was coming for Bitcoin Vegas in May. This post Miles Suter: Cash App Now Offers Best Bitcoin Pricing, Higher Withdrawals for Users first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Juan Galt.

Cover image for Bitcoin Price Holds Near $67,000 as Market Forces Push in Opposing Directions

Bitcoin Price Holds Near $67,000 as Market Forces Push in Opposing Directions

Bitcoin Magazine Bitcoin Price Holds Near $67,000 as Market Forces Push in Opposing Directions The Bitcoin price remains in a narrow but pivotal trading range near $67,000–$68,000, with the market wrestling between sustained consolidation, escalating downside risk, and thematic narratives from technical and fundamentals that frame the near term. Current live data tracking from Bitcoin Magazine Pro shows the Bitcoin price trading below $68,000, with slight declines over the last 24 hours reflecting a lack of dominant drivers in either direction. “Macro news has been closely correlated with crypto’s risk profile the last 12 months,” said Paul Howard, senior director at market maker Wincent, according to Bloomberg. Howard said Bitcoin may enter a consolidation phase as it looks for new catalysts to shape market sentiment. He noted that a U.S. Supreme Court decision on tariffs expected Friday could have a bigger impact than the Fed’s meeting minutes or upcoming inflation data. The asset has held between roughly $65,100 and $72,000 following a Feb. 5 selloff that pushed prices to their lowest point since October 2024. While volatility has eased from the sharp decline earlier this month, the market has yet to show a decisive breakout in either direction. Bitcoin price analysis Bitcoin’s price action has been semi-muted over the last week, with a bounce from a bitcoin price of $60,000 failing to break resistance at $71,800 and instead dipping to support near $65,650 before closing around $67,000. Bears remain in control as buyers have shown little follow-through, and a daily close below $65,650 could open the door to $63,000 and potentially the key Fibonacci level near $57,800. On the upside, bulls would need to reclaim $71,800 to target $74,500 and higher resistance around $79,000. For now, the bias stays bearish, with the bitcoin price likely ranging between the low $60,000s and the mid-$70,000s unless support levels fail. But some big institutions are continuing to buy into bitcoin exposure. Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company increased its stake in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) to 12.7 million shares worth about $630 million as of Dec. 31, up 46% from the prior quarter. Al Warda Investments also raised its IBIT holdings to 8.22 million shares, continuing its move into regulated bitcoin ETF exposure. Together, the two Abu Dhabi funds held more than 20 million IBIT shares valued at over $1.1 billion at year-end 2025. Strategy bought another 2,486 BTC for $168.4 million last week, bringing its total holdings to 717,131 BTC accumulated at an average price of $76,027. With the bitcoin price trading near $68,000, the company is sitting on an unrealized loss of roughly $5.7 billion but continues to frame its aggressive accumulation as a long-term treasury strategy. This post Bitcoin Price Holds Near $67,000 as Market Forces Push in Opposing Directions first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for Milo Tops $100 Million in Crypto Mortgages, Record $12 Million Home Loan

Milo Tops $100 Million in Crypto Mortgages, Record $12 Million Home Loan

Bitcoin Magazine Milo Tops $100 Million in Crypto Mortgages, Record $12 Million Home Loan Milo, a Miami-based financial technology firm focused on crypto-backed lending, announced it has originated more than $100 million in crypto mortgages, marking a milestone in the use of digital assets as collateral for home financing and purchasing. The company said the total includes its largest single transaction to date, a $12 million crypto mortgage, as demand grows among institutional and high net worth borrowers seeking alternatives to traditional mortgage structures. Milo’s crypto mortgage product allows clients to pledge Bitcoin to secure financing for home purchases without selling their holdings. The company said it offers up to 100% financing with loan amounts up to $25 million, removing the need for cash down payments and avoiding taxable events that can come with liquidating crypto assets. Chief Executive Officer Josip Rupena said the milestone reflects broader adoption of crypto-based financing. “Crossing $100 million in originations demonstrates the maturity and stability of our lending infrastructure,” Rupena said. “We’ve moved beyond proving the concept. Now we’re proving the execution.” Milo said its mortgage portfolio has not experienced any margin calls, and that its interest rates average around 7%. The firm attributed its underwriting approach to AI-driven servicing and real-time collateral monitoring, which it said allows for faster risk assessment compared with traditional lenders. Milo’s self-custody mortgages The company also highlighted a self-custody mortgage option, which lets borrowers maintain control of their Bitcoin while still qualifying for financing. In its standard crypto mortgage structure, Milo said client collateral is held through custodians Coinbase and BitGo. Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream, said crypto-backed mortgages could expand real-world financial use cases for Bitcoin holders. “While Bitcoin continues to appreciate, buyers are able to build equity in real estate and don’t have to sell their long term conviction,” Back said. Beyond mortgages, Milo said its crypto loan business also expanded sharply, with its loan book quadrupling in 2025. The firm offers crypto-backed loans starting at 8.25% interest, which it said clients have used for purchases including additional Bitcoin, land acquisitions, home renovations, and business investments. Back in 2022, Milo began developing what it now calls the first U.S. bitcoin mortgage, allowing buyers to use their BTC holdings as collateral to purchase property without selling for a down payment. The company said the 30-year product can finance 100% of a home purchase, with CEO Josip Rupena and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez framing it as a way for bitcoin holders to qualify for mortgages while keeping exposure to BTC’s upside. Milo operates as a licensed lender and said it is SOC 2 audited, positioning its products within regulatory oversight as crypto lending continues to develop in the U.S. financial market. This post Milo Tops $100 Million in Crypto Mortgages, Record $12 Million Home Loan first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Addresses “Paper Bitcoin” Claims, Claims Bitcoin ETFs Are Fully Backed

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Addresses “Paper Bitcoin” Claims, Claims Bitcoin ETFs Are Fully Backed

Bitcoin Magazine Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Addresses “Paper Bitcoin” Claims, Claims Bitcoin ETFs Are Fully Backed Executives at Coinbase used a recent company ‘AMA’ call to address growing scrutiny around Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, defending the firm’s dominant role as a custodian and pushing back against claims that spot Bitcoin ETFs are backed by “paper Bitcoin” rather than real assets. Responding to a question from Bloomberg’s James Seyffart, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said the company holds a commanding share of the U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETF custody market, estimating Coinbase’s share at more than 80%. He framed that concentration as a competitive advantage rather than a risk. “We do have pretty dominant market share in terms of custody for the ETFs. I see that as a strength. We’re the trusted counterparty on the institutional side. I think we’re far ahead there, and it’s a great business for us,” Armstrong said on the call. He acknowledged concerns about concentration risk but noted that large ETFs often diversify custodians as assets scale, which has allowed competitors to gain limited market share over time. Armstrong said Coinbase remains the dominant custodian for U.S. bitcoin ETFs, with roughly “80% plus market share,” while noting that larger funds often diversify custodians as they scale, a shift he called “healthy and good.” Armstrong touched on the security of Coinbase’s custody infrastructure, pointing to cold storage systems that are regularly penetration tested and audited. He said Coinbase has secured patents related to its custody technology and employs cryptographers to harden defenses against attacks. Large financial institutions and government clients also conduct their own audits, he added. When Seyffart asked about sentiment circulating on social media that Bitcoin ETFs are not fully backed by real Bitcoin. Armstrong said he does not understand where those concerns originate, reiterating that spot Bitcoin ETFs are required to be fully backed by the underlying asset. Coinbase CFO Alesia Haas offered more detail, explaining that critics are often calling for public “proof of reserves,” such as disclosure of on-chain wallet addresses tied to ETF holdings. Haas said Coinbase does not disclose client wallet addresses for security and confidentiality reasons, but stressed that ETF issuers and custody clients can independently verify their assets on-chain. Haas said the custody business is ‘separately audited,’ noting that Coinbase produces SOC 1 and SOC 2 reports that demonstrate controls are in place and operating effectively. Those audits reconcile holdings back to the blockchain and confirm that assets are segregated by clients, including ETF issuers. Haas said every custody client can see its assets on-chain and knows the addresses associated with its holdings. “We would never disclose addresses that we hold on behalf of clients,” she said, adding that Coinbase could explore tools that allow clients to disclose proof of reserves themselves if they choose. Coinbase executives touch on the Clarity Act Later on in the call, Armstrong and Haas addressed regulatory developments around Coinbase’s stance on proposed U.S. crypto market structure legislation often referred to as the CLARITY Act. Armstrong pushed back on claims that Coinbase withdrew support for the bill, saying the company objected to the specific draft that it viewed as unworkable. Coinbase has spent more than $100 million over several years advocating for regulatory clarity, Armstrong said, arguing that earlier drafts made concessions to traditional financial trade groups that could stifle crypto innovation. He said negotiations are ongoing and that lawmakers, regulators, and industry participants remain engaged. Armstrong said the company expects a market structure bill to pass and argued that statutory clarity would provide long-term certainty beyond shifting leadership at agencies like the SEC. If legislation stalls, he said Coinbase would continue operating under existing rules while seeking clarity through regulators or the courts. “I think the bill will get done,” Armstrong said. “It’s in everyone’s interest at this point.” This post Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Addresses “Paper Bitcoin” Claims, Claims Bitcoin ETFs Are Fully Backed first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Boosts Bitcoin ETF Holdings to $630 Million

Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Boosts Bitcoin ETF Holdings to $630 Million

Bitcoin Magazine Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Boosts Bitcoin ETF Holdings to $630 Million Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala Investment Company, disclosed a significant increase in its position in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), reporting ownership of 12.7 million shares valued at approximately $630.6 million as of December 31. This represents a 46% rise from the 8.7 million IBIT shares previously reported as of September 30. Mubadala manages a broad global portfolio spanning technology, healthcare, infrastructure, private equity and public markets, with assets under management exceeding USD 330 billion. The fund’s strategy aims to generate sustainable returns for the Government of Abu Dhabi and support economic diversification beyond oil. Also in Q4 2025, Abu Dhabi-based Al Warda Investments increased its holdings in IBIT to 8.22 million shares in Q4 2025, up from 7.96 million in Q3, continuing a strategy shift that began earlier in the year. The firm, part of the Abu Dhabi Investment Council under Mubadala, has historically favored private investments, making this public BTC ETF allocation notable for the region. In other words, Abu Dhabi investment vehicles together held over 20 million shares of BlackRock’s IBIT at the close of last year, with a combined value exceeding $1.1 billion. JUST IN: Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala reported owning $630.6 million of BlackRock's spot #Bitcoin ETF pic.twitter.com/4oE7xZhZdc — Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) February 17, 2026 Massive investment firms are buying Bitcoin exposure via IBIT On top of this, Jane Street reportedly boosted its IBIT holdings by 7,105,206 shares in Q4 2025, bringing its total stake to 20,315,780 shares valued at $790 million. Alongside Jane Street, BlackRock and Morgan Stanley also increased their IBIT positions by more than 2.37 million shares. Last week, Goldman Sachs disclosed roughly $2.36 billion in total crypto exposure, including a $1.1 billion position in IBIT, signaling a shift from its earlier skepticism toward bitcoin. SEC filings also showed smaller holdings in Fidelity’s BTC fund, bitcoin-related companies, and options positions tied to IBIT, alongside exposure to Ethereum, XRP, and Solana. In November of last year, Texas became the first U.S. state to purchase Bitcoin for its Strategic Reserve, acquiring $5 million IBIT shares worth approximately $87,000 per BTC. The purchase was made while the state finalizes plans for self-custody of the asset. Texas had previously explored legislation to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve without using taxpayer funds. Harvard adjusted its crypto holdings in Q4 2025, cutting its Bitcoin position by 21% to 5.35 million IBIT shares ($265.8 million) while establishing a new $86.8 million stake in BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust. This post Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Boosts Bitcoin ETF Holdings to $630 Million first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for Satoshi’s Exercise for the Reader

Satoshi’s Exercise for the Reader

Bitcoin Magazine Satoshi’s Exercise for the Reader The Bitcoin whitepaper is clear about Bitcoin’s core feature: it is permissionless. Anyone in the world can pay anyone by joining the peer-to-peer network and broadcasting a transaction. Proof of Work consensus even empowers anybody to become a block producer, and means that the only way to reverse a payment is to overpower everyone else through hashpower. But Proof of Work only defines how to choose a winner amongst competing chains; it does not help a node discover it. A 51% attack – or a 100% attack – is much easier if an attacker can prevent nodes from hearing about competing chains. The job of discovery belongs to the peer-to-peer module, which juggles many contradictory tasks: Find honest peers in a network where nodes constantly join and leave, but without authentication or reputation. Always be on the lookout for blocks and transactions, but don’t be surprised if most data is garbage. Be robust enough to survive extreme adversarial conditions, but lightweight enough to run on a Raspberry Pi. The implementation details for a permissionless peer-to-peer network were left out of the whitepaper, but constitute the bulk of the complexity in Bitcoin node software today. Filters are for Spam The whitepaper acknowledges public transaction relay as the cornerstone of Bitcoin’s censorship resistance, but only says a few words about how it should operate: “New transactions are broadcast to all nodes. Each node collects new transactions into a block. Each node works on finding a difficult proof-of-work for its block.”1 Many find it amusing that Satoshi suggested every node would mine. Due to the centralizing pressure of mining variability, the vast majority of nodes on today’s network do not work on finding a proof-of-work. Perhaps that is an acceptable or even successful result of economic incentives; we traded a portion of decentralization for increased hashpower and thus security. However, Bitcoin’s censorship resistance will collapse if we also give up decentralized transaction relay. Our desire for a wide pool of transaction relaying nodes must contend with the practicality of everyday computers exposing themselves to a permissionless network and processing data from anonymous peers. This threat model is unique and requires highly defensive programming. In block download, a block’s proof-of-work elegantly serves as both Denial of Service (DoS) prevention and an unambiguous way to assess the utility of data. In contrast, unconfirmed transaction data is virtually free to create and might just be spam. For example, we cannot know whether the transaction meets its spending conditions until we have loaded the UTXO, which may require fetching from disk. It costs attackers absolutely nothing to trigger this relatively high latency activity: they can craft large transactions using inputs that do not belong to them or do not exist at all. Validation steps such as signature verification and mempool dependency management can be computationally expensive. Famously, transactions with a large number of legacy (pre-segwit) signatures can take minutes to validate on some hardware2, so most nodes filter out large transactions. Resource usage is not only local to the node either: accepted transactions are typically gossiped to other peers, using bandwidth proportional to the number of nodes on the network. Nodes protect themselves by limiting the memory used for unconfirmed transactions and validation queues, throttling transaction processing per peer, and enforcing policy rules in addition to consensus. Yet these limits can also create censorship vectors when not designed carefully. The simple logic of not downloading a transaction that has already been rejected before, limiting the size of the transaction queue for a single peer, or dropping requests after failed download attempts can lead to nodes blinding themselves to a transaction. These bugs become accidental censorship vectors when exploited by the right attacker. In this vein, while it is entirely logical to not keep unconfirmed transactions that are double-spends of each other (only one version can be valid), rejection of a double-spend means that an earlier broadcast precludes a later one from being mined. A double-spend could be an intentional attempt to fake a payment or, when a UTXO is owned by multiple parties, a pinning attack that exploits mempool policy to delay or prevent second layer settlement transactions from being mined. How should nodes choose? This question brings us to the second element of transaction relay: incentive compatibility3. While fees are not relevant to consensus beyond limiting what a miner can claim as a block reward, they play a huge role in node policy as a utility metric. Assuming miners are driven by economic incentives, nodes can approximate which transactions are most attractive to mine and discard the least attractive ones. When transactions spend the same UTXO, the node can keep the more profitable one. While nodes do not collect fees, they can consider zero fee transactions as spam: they are likely to use up network resources but never be mined, yet cost virtually nothing to create. These two design goals — DoS resistance and incentive compatibility — are in constant tension. While it is attractive to replace a transaction with a higher feerate-version, allowing repeated replacements with tiny fee bumps could waste the network’s bandwidth. Accounting for dependencies between unconfirmed transactions can create more profitable blocks (and enable CPFP), but can be expensive for complex topologies. Historically, nodes relied on heuristics and dependency limits, which caused user friction and opened new pinning vectors. Mempools that track clusters can assess incentive compatibility more accurately but still must limit mempool dependencies. These types of restrictions create pinning vectors for transactions involving multiple parties that don’t trust each other: an attacker can prevent their co-transactor from employing CPFP by monopolizing the limit. It is easy to trivialize these issues: pinning attacks are a niche type of censorship that only apply to shared transactions and typically only result in temporary transaction delays. Is it worth the effort to help non-mining nodes squeeze a few extra satoshis of fees? A Deal with the Mevil Shared transactions are the backbone of UTXO-mixing privacy solutions and second layer protocols. Much of Bitcoin development is focused on creating scalable, private, feature-rich applications in a second layer that falls back to settling on-chain. A common pattern is to temporarily delay withdrawals or settlement, allowing parties to respond to misbehavior within a time window. But many designs – including ones that are used to motivate consensus changes – gloss over fee-bumping in these scenarios. A time window to prevent misbehavior is also a window of opportunity for attackers. These two conditions – shared transactions and confirmation deadlines to prevent misbehavior – create the perfect storm that upgrades the severity of pinning attacks from temporary transaction delays (meh) to potential theft (oh no!). Pinning has been the subject of years of research and development effort resulting in the Topologically Restricted Until Confirmation (TRUC) transaction format4, Pay to Anchor (P2A) output type5, Ephemeral Dust policy6, Cluster Mempool7, limited relay of packages8, and various improvements to transaction relay reliability. These features are designed to provide stronger guarantees for propagating higher fee replacements of shared transactions. Still, proper fee management involves overhead in the form of larger transactions, more complex wallet logic, and handling unlikely edge cases. An easy shortcut is to strike a deal with a miner: in exchange for a fee, the miner guarantees that their transactions will be mined promptly. This solution may prove more reliable than using the peer-to-peer network, which can have high latency and poor propagation due to heterogenous mempool policies. Adoption of direct-to-miner submission can grow quickly when there is commercial interest. Exchanges represent a large proportion of transaction volume and probably prefer predictable timing over optimizing fees. Popular applications may be plagued with pinning attacks or want to use nonstandard transactions that common node policies prohibit. Companies and custodians concerned about quantum short-range attacks may create a private channel with a miner. As private Miner Extractable Value (MEVil)9 becomes necessary to stay competitive, the network can snowball toward a model of centralized blockspace brokers. These services can become chokepoints for attackers and government mandates and undermine the premise that becoming a miner is permissionless. If the transaction relay network becomes irrelevant for node operation, then participating in it may also feel unnecessary. In this hypothetical future, will we chuckle at the idea of every node on the network relaying unconfirmed transactions, the way we think it’s funny that Satoshi envisioned every node to be a miner? The irony is that mining centralization does not begin with overt collusion or regulatory capture. It begins with a few rational shortcuts: more efficient agreements, custom relay paths, or performance optimizations that are beneficial to their participants. Nobody can stop these agreements from taking place. But we can try to reduce the competitive edge that private services have over the public network: iron out mempool pinning vectors before considering proposals for consensus changes that increase the potential for Mevil; make the public transaction relay network an efficient marketplace to bid (and update bids) for block space. The peer-to-peer network is where many of Bitcoin’s core ideologies come to life. It is also an engineering challenge with painful tradeoffs between efficient node operation, censorship resistance, incentive alignment, and protocol complexity. It will only get harder as Bitcoin grows. How it should choose to reconcile these competing design goals is left as an exercise to the reader. Get your copy of The Core Issue today! Don’t miss your chance to own The Core Issue — featuring articles written by many Core Developers explaining the projects they work on themselves! This piece is the Letter from the Editor featured in the latest Print edition of Bitcoin Magazine, The Core Issue. We’re sharing it here as an early look at the ideas explored throughout the full issue. [1] https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf [2] https://delvingbitcoin.org/t/great-consensus-cleanup-revival/710 [3] https://delvingbitcoin.org/t/mempool-incentive-compatibility/553 [4] https://github.com/bitcoin/bips/blob/master/bip-0431.mediawiki [5] https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/30352 [6] https://bitcoinops.org/en/topics/ephemeral-anchors/ [7] https://delvingbitcoin.org/t/an-overview-of-the-cluster-mempool-proposal/393?u=glozow [8] https://bitcoinops.org/en/topics/package-relay/ [9] https://bluematt.bitcoin.ninja/2024/04/16/stop-calling-it-mev/ This post Satoshi’s Exercise for the Reader first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Gloria Zhao.

Cover image for Abu Dhabi’s Al Warda Raises Bitcoin ETF Stake to 8.2 Million IBIT Shares in Q4 Filing

Abu Dhabi’s Al Warda Raises Bitcoin ETF Stake to 8.2 Million IBIT Shares in Q4 Filing

Bitcoin Magazine Abu Dhabi’s Al Warda Raises Bitcoin ETF Stake to 8.2 Million IBIT Shares in Q4 Filing Abu Dhabi-based Al Warda Investments continued to expand its exposure to bitcoin through BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) in the fourth quarter of 2025, extending a strategy shift that began earlier in the year. In a filing released today, Al Warda reported owning 8,218,712 shares of IBIT as of Dec. 31, up from 7,963,393 shares at the end of the third quarter. The increase follows a sharp Q3 buildup, when the firm more than tripled its stake and raised its bitcoin ETF exposure to $517.6 million. Al Warda operates under the Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC), part of Mubadala Investment Co., one of the region’s leading sovereign wealth groups. The council has rarely taken public positions in listed digital assets, typically favoring private market investments such as buyouts, infrastructure, and real estate. Its growing allocation through a U.S.-listed bitcoin ETF signals a shift in institutional positioning within the Gulf. A spokesperson for ADIC previously told Bloomberg that bitcoin is increasingly viewed as a long-term store of value alongside gold, citing its role in portfolio diversification as financial markets move toward a more digital future. The Q4 increase comes after bitcoin surged toward an October peak near $126,000 before retreating below $90,000 in November. Bitcoin is currently trading near $67,000. Other institutions exploring Bitcoin via IBIT Last week, Goldman Sachs disclosed roughly $2.36 billion in total crypto exposure, including a $1.1 billion position in IBIT, signaling a shift from its earlier skepticism toward bitcoin. SEC filings also showed smaller holdings in Fidelity’s Bitcoin fund, bitcoin-related companies, and options positions tied to IBIT, alongside exposure to Ethereum, XRP, and Solana. In November of last year, Texas became the first U.S. state to purchase Bitcoin for its Strategic Reserve, acquiring $5 million IBIT shares worth approximately $87,000 per BTC. The purchase was made through BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) while the state finalizes plans for self-custody of the asset. Texas had previously explored legislation to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve without using taxpayer funds. In June, the governor signed the law creating the state’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Harvard also adjusted its crypto holdings in Q4 2025, cutting its Bitcoin position by 21% to 5.35 million IBIT shares ($265.8 million) while establishing a new $86.8 million stake in BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust. Combined crypto exposure totaled $352.6 million, with Bitcoin remaining the endowment’s largest publicly disclosed equity. This post Abu Dhabi’s Al Warda Raises Bitcoin ETF Stake to 8.2 Million IBIT Shares in Q4 Filing first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for Strategy ($MSTR) Buys $168M in Bitcoin, Expands Holdings to 717,131 BTC

Strategy ($MSTR) Buys $168M in Bitcoin, Expands Holdings to 717,131 BTC

Bitcoin Magazine Strategy ($MSTR) Buys $168M in Bitcoin, Expands Holdings to 717,131 BTC Strategy, the bitcoin treasury company led by Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, purchased $168.4 million in bitcoin last week, continuing its long-running accumulation strategy despite ongoing volatility in the crypto market. The company disclosed that it acquired 2,486 BTC over the past week, expanding its already sizable holdings. The company’s total bitcoin reserves now stand at 717,131 BTC, making it one of the largest corporate holders of bitcoin globally. According to the company, the full position has been accumulated for $54.52 billion, representing an average purchase price of $76,027 per bitcoin. With bitcoin currently trading around $68,000, Strategy’s holdings sit below its aggregate cost basis. The difference implies an unrealized loss of roughly $8,000 per coin, or approximately $5.7 billion across the company’s total stack. Saylor confirmed the latest purchase in a statement posted Tuesday, noting that Strategy continues to build its bitcoin position as part of its broader corporate treasury strategy. The company has consistently added bitcoin through market cycles, framing the asset as a long-term reserve holding. Strategy accounted for more than 90% of net new public-company purchases in January. Public companies now hold about 1.13 million BTC total, with Strategy controlling nearly two-thirds, while also expanding its influence through hybrid digital credit instruments like STRC and STRF. Strategy’s common stock sales The filing also detailed how the most recent purchases were financed. The company said the bitcoin buys were funded through $90.5 million in proceeds from common stock sales, alongside $78.4 million raised from sales of its STRC preferred series. The company has relied on a mix of equity issuance and other financing tools in recent years to support its bitcoin accumulation program. Strategy’s approach has drawn both strong support and criticism from market participants. Advocates view the company as a pioneer in institutional bitcoin adoption, while skeptics point to the risks of leveraging corporate capital markets activity to increase exposure to a volatile asset. The purchases come at a time when bitcoin has traded well below record highs, putting pressure on companies with large treasury allocations. Its average acquisition cost now exceeds the current market price, highlighting the drawdowns that can occur even for firms that have built positions over multiple years. In equity markets, Strategy shares reflected continued investor caution. MSTR stock was down 3.2% in premarket trading Tuesday and has declined more than 60% year-over-year, according to market data. Last Friday, shares of MSTR surged over 10%. Despite the near-term losses implied by Bitcoin’s pullback, the company has maintained its commitment to holding and acquiring more BTC. The company has repeatedly stated that it views bitcoin as a long-duration asset and a central pillar of its balance sheet ideas. This post Strategy ($MSTR) Buys $168M in Bitcoin, Expands Holdings to 717,131 BTC first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for Nakamoto Inc. ($NAKA) to Acquire BTC Inc and UTXO Management

Nakamoto Inc. ($NAKA) to Acquire BTC Inc and UTXO Management

Bitcoin Magazine Nakamoto Inc. ($NAKA) to Acquire BTC Inc and UTXO Management Nakamoto Inc. (NASDAQ: NAKA) announced today that it has entered into merger agreements to acquire BTC Inc, the leading provider of Bitcoin-related media and events, and UTXO Management GP, LLC (“UTXO”), an investment firm focused on private and public Bitcoin companies (collectively, the “Transaction”). The Transaction is expected to close in the first quarter this year, subject to customary closing conditions, and will be financed entirely with Nakamoto common stock in accordance with Nakamoto’s call option under the Marketing Services Agreement (the “MSA”), using a price of $1.12 per share. The Company’s option to acquire BTC Inc and UTXO, through BTC Inc’s call option with UTXO, was previously disclosed as part of Nakamoto’s proposed merger with Nakamoto Holdings, Inc. (“Nakamoto Holdings”). The MSA, outlines the terms of the Company’s option and was publicly filed and approved by the Company’s shareholders in connection with that transaction. Following shareholder approval, Nakamoto, BTC Inc, and UTXO engaged in extensive joint marketing initiatives across BTC Inc’s media and events platforms. Nakamoto exercised its call option with BTC Inc and BTC Inc exercised its call option with UTXO concurrently with signing of the merger agreements. The Transaction is intended to further establish Nakamoto as a diversified Bitcoin operating company with a global brand, established distribution networks, and institutional capabilities across media, asset management, and advisory services. BTC Inc and UTXO are expected to provide recurring earnings to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet and support growth initiatives, including additional Bitcoin accumulation and strategic acquisitions. “Bringing BTC Inc and UTXO into Nakamoto has been a part of our vision since day one,” said David Bailey, Chairman and CEO of Nakamoto. “We intend to operate a portfolio of companies across media, asset management, and advisory services that can scale with Bitcoin’s long-term growth. BTC Inc and UTXO are global leaders in Bitcoin media and asset management. This transaction signifies the first step of the company we intend to build, and we’re just getting started.” The Transaction will be financed entirely with Nakamoto common stock in accordance with Nakamoto’s call option under the MSA, using a price of $1.12 per share. BTC Inc and UTXO securityholders will receive, on a fully diluted basis, 363,589,816 shares of Nakamoto common stock, subject to customary purchase price adjustments at closing, The combined value of this consideration is $107,295,354, before any such customary purchase price adjustments, which is based on Nakamoto’s closing price on February 13, 2026, of $0.2951. BREAKING: Bitcoin Magazine's parent company BTC Inc to be acquired by Nakamoto Inc. (NASDAQ: NAKA) pic.twitter.com/l9lyQVHib2 — Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) February 17, 2026 BTC Inc: The Global Leader in Bitcoin Media and Events BTC Inc, headquartered in Nashville, is the one of the largest Bitcoin media companies in the world, based on event attendance, online audience, and brand portfolio. Its holdings include 27 media brands, reaching approximately 6 million people globally through its aggregated social media followers. BTC Inc organizes The Bitcoin Conference, the largest Bitcoin event series in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, which hosted more than 67,000 attendees in 2025. BTC Inc is also the parent company of Bitcoin Magazine, which was first published in May 2012, establishing the publication as the longest-running source of Bitcoin news, information, and expert commentary. BTC Inc also operates Bitcoin for Corporations, a membership-based platform for companies adopting Bitcoin as a strategic treasury asset, which currently hosts over 40 member companies and has a 5-year brand partnership with Strategy Inc. for hosting networking events and educational content. “For more than a decade, BTC Inc has focused on informing, convening, and advancing the global Bitcoin community,” said Brandon Green, Chief Executive Officer of BTC. “Combining with Nakamoto represents a significant opportunity to scale our reach, deepen engagement, and support the next phase of Bitcoin’s growth across enterprises and investors.” UTXO: Investing in Bitcoin Acceleration UTXO is the adviser to 210k Capital, LP, a hedge fund focused on Bitcoin, Bitcoin-related securities, and derivatives. The investment team leverages extensive experience in the Bitcoin ecosystem to allocate capital across public and private market opportunities. “UTXO was founded to back the builders and companies shaping the Bitcoin economy,” said Tyler Evans, Chief Investment Officer of Nakamoto and Chief Investment Officer of UTXO. “Leveraging Nakamoto’s public platform and robust treasury, we see a powerful opportunity to compound value across the Bitcoin ecosystem and reinforce Bitcoin’s role as a foundational asset in modern capital markets.” About Nakamoto Inc. Nakamoto Inc. (NASDAQ: NAKA) is a Bitcoin company that owns and operates a global portfolio of Bitcoin- native enterprises spanning media and information, asset management, and advisory services. For more information, please visit nakamoto.com. Bitcoin Magazine is published by BTC Inc. BTC Inc. has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Nakamoto Inc. (NASDAQ: NAKA); the transaction has not yet closed. This post Nakamoto Inc. ($NAKA) to Acquire BTC Inc and UTXO Management first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik and Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for Bitcoin Bears Dominate: Failure to Break $71,800 Keeps Downside Risk Alive

Bitcoin Bears Dominate: Failure to Break $71,800 Keeps Downside Risk Alive

Bitcoin Magazine Bitcoin Bears Dominate: Failure to Break $71,800 Keeps Downside Risk Alive Bitcoin Price Weekly Outlook The past week’s price action has been rather lackluster for Bitcoin. After seeing a big bounce from $60,000, the price failed to get above short-term resistance at $71,800 last week. Instead, the price tested the short-term support at $65,650 before bouncing back up to close the week out at $68,811. While the weekly chart is showing some buying strength below $66,000, the lack of follow-through for buyers on the bounces so far is a sign of weakness. Look for the price to drift towards the $60,000 lows this week if the bulls can’t keep it above $71,000 on a daily close to challenge higher levels. Key Support and Resistance Levels Now Last week, $65,650 proved to be valid short-term support as the price dipped just below it before rallying quickly back above it. If a day closes below $65,650, look for $63,000 to act as support. Below $63,000, we have the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement at $57,800. This is a key level to hold as there isn’t much support below until $44,000. If the bulls can muster up some strength, resistance still sits overhead at $71,800. Closing above this level leads to $74,500, with $79,000 resistance above here. If the bulls can somehow manage to get above $79,000 (unlikely), $84,000 remains as a very strong barrier up above. Outlook For This Week The outlook for this week is a tough one to call. U.S. markets are closed on Monday, so don’t expect too much movement until Tuesday morning. We really could go either way from this $68,800 close. I would look for the $67,000 level to be tested early this week, and if we see support near there, we may be able to push past $71,000 later into the week. If $67,000 is lost, though, look for the low $60,000 to be challenged once again. Market mood: Very bearish – The price could not manage to gain any upward momentum last week at all. The bears are in full control. The next few weeks As I mentioned last week, the price may range in the area from $60,000 to $80,000 for a while, with maybe a wick down to the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement at $57,800. At the moment, this ceiling can be lowered to $74.5k. There is no telling exactly when the impending “Crypto Bill” will be passed by Congress, or exactly what it will entail for the crypto space as a whole. It is not guaranteed to result in higher prices for bitcoin when it eventually passes, either, so for now, we must rely on the technicals to guide us. For the time being, the bias is still bearish, and if we lose $57,800, the bitcoin price will likely take the next leg down. Terminology Guide: Bulls/Bullish: Buyers or investors expecting the price to go higher. Bears/Bearish: Sellers or investors expecting the price to go lower. Support or support level: A level at which the price should hold for the asset, at least initially. The more touches on support, the weaker it gets and the more likely it is to fail to hold the price. Resistance or resistance level: Opposite of support. The level that is likely to reject the price, at least initially. The more touches at resistance, the weaker it gets and the more likely it is to fail to hold back the price. Fibonacci Retracements and Extensions: Ratios based on what is known as the golden ratio, a universal ratio pertaining to growth and decay cycles in nature. The golden ratio is based on the constants Phi (1.618) and phi (0.618). This post Bitcoin Bears Dominate: Failure to Break $71,800 Keeps Downside Risk Alive first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Ethan Greene - Feral Analysis and Juan Galt.

Cover image for Metaplanet Reports $619 Million Loss as Bitcoin Holdings Take Hit

Metaplanet Reports $619 Million Loss as Bitcoin Holdings Take Hit

Bitcoin Magazine Metaplanet Reports $619 Million Loss as Bitcoin Holdings Take Hit Tokyo-based Bitcoin treasury firm Metaplanet posted a net loss of 95 billion yen ($619 million) for fiscal 2025, driven by a 102.2 billion yen ($665.8 million) valuation decline on its bitcoin holdings. The disclosure marks the latest example of a corporate bitcoin buyer facing pressure as the cryptocurrency’s price slid from record highs in October. The company closed the year with 35,102 BTC, valued at approximately $2.4 billion, making Metaplanet the fourth-largest public corporate bitcoin holder globally, behind Strategy. Since it began accumulating bitcoin 21 months ago, Metaplanet has spent nearly $3.8 billion, averaging $107,000 per coin. As of December 31, the company’s holdings were down roughly 37% on paper, representing an unrealized loss of about $1.4 billion. In the fourth quarter alone, the stash lost 102 billion yen ($664 million) in value. Metaplanet’s revenue surge Despite the valuation loss, the firm’s operating performance showed significant improvement. Revenue jumped 738% to 8.91 billion yen ($58 million) from 1.06 billion yen ($6.9 million) the previous year, the company said. Operating profit surged 1,695% to 6.29 billion yen ($41 million), driven primarily by premiums from bitcoin option transactions, which accounted for about 95% of total revenue. The company’s largest acquisitions occurred when bitcoin traded above $100,000. Notable purchases included 25% growth of its bitcoin holdings with a $630 million buy in September at roughly $106,000 per coin, followed by a $615 million acquisition in October near $108,000. The firm has funded its purchases largely through common stock issuances, while also adopting preferred shares to secure additional capital. Metaplanet introduced MERCURY and MARS, its first preferred share offerings in Japan, as a means to strengthen its balance sheet and create a buffer against crypto market volatility. For fiscal 2026, Metaplanet forecasts revenue of 16 billion yen ($104 million) and operating profit of 11.4 billion yen ($74.3 million), reflecting roughly 80% growth in both metrics. The company did not provide net income guidance, citing ongoing bitcoin price volatility, but reaffirmed a long-term target of 210,000 BTC by 2027, equivalent to about 1% of the total bitcoin supply. Metaplanet’s stock edged up slightly to 326 yen on Monday, according to Yahoo Finance, after a six-month decline exceeding 62%. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading near $68,000. This post Metaplanet Reports $619 Million Loss as Bitcoin Holdings Take Hit first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for Trump Family-Backed American Bitcoin Keeps Stacking Bitcoin, Holdings Pass 6,000 BTC

Trump Family-Backed American Bitcoin Keeps Stacking Bitcoin, Holdings Pass 6,000 BTC

Bitcoin Magazine Trump Family-Backed American Bitcoin Keeps Stacking Bitcoin, Holdings Pass 6,000 BTC Trump family-backed American Bitcoin Corp. (ABTC) has pushed its Bitcoin reserves above the 6,000 BTC mark, building one of the largest corporate treasuries in the public market and placing the firm among the top 20 listed Bitcoin holders worldwide. Blockchain data tracked by Arkham Intelligence shows American Bitcoin now holds 6,060 BTC, valued near $413 million. The company added or mined roughly 217 BTC over the past month, expanding its reserve during a period as bitcoin tries to reclaim levels above $70,000. The accumulation reflects a strategy that blends mining output with direct market purchases, a model that has gained traction among firms seeking long-term exposure to bitcoin as a treasury asset. American Bitcoin’s bitcoin stash is closing in on Galaxy Digital’s holdings, according to data from BitcoinTreasuries.net. The site lists Galaxy Digital as holding 6,894 BTC. It’s been a rough couple of months for the company’s shares. ABTC shares traded around $1.14 after Friday’s close up about 1.75%, though the stock remains lower on the year. ABTC shares have slid over the past two months. The stock traded above $2 in early January but has declined as bitcoin’s price weakened into the new year. Shares are now down roughly 45% year to date. The firm has framed its approach as a “mining to treasury” pipeline rather than a pure mining business, aiming to outperform traditional operators by retaining bitcoin rather than selling production into the market. JUST IN: Trump family-backed American Bitcoin increased its holdings to over 6,000 Bitcoin Nothing stops this train pic.twitter.com/NAwsXrkzGx — Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) February 16, 2026 American Bitcoin’s bitcoin yield Earlier this year, American Bitcoin reported reserves near 5,843 BTC and cited a bitcoin yield of roughly 116% since its Nasdaq debut in September 2025 through late January 2026. Bitcoin yield tracks growth in holdings from mined or purchased coins, separate from capital raising activity. With reserves now above 6,000 BTC, American Bitcoin joins a growing cohort of public companies treating bitcoin as a core treasury asset. On Saturday, Bitcoin rebounded above $70,000 following a sharp February increase, aided by cooler-than-expected U.S. inflation data that boosted risk appetite. Softer inflation strengthened expectations of earlier Federal Reserve rate cuts, lifting crypto markets and pushing Bitcoin’s market cap back above $1.4 trillion. Last year, American Bitcoin Corp. (ABTC) debuted on Nasdaq in September following a spin-off from Hut 8 Corp. Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. helped launch the company as Eric serves as co-founder and chief strategy officer. Donald Trump Jr. is listed as an investor. This post Trump Family-Backed American Bitcoin Keeps Stacking Bitcoin, Holdings Pass 6,000 BTC first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Cover image for Payjoin Foundation Gains 501(c)(3) Status, Enabling Tax-Deductible Donations for Bitcoin Privacy Development

Payjoin Foundation Gains 501(c)(3) Status, Enabling Tax-Deductible Donations for Bitcoin Privacy Development

Bitcoin Magazine Payjoin Foundation Gains 501(c)(3) Status, Enabling Tax-Deductible Donations for Bitcoin Privacy Development The Payjoin Foundation, a U.S. organization advancing the development of Bitcoin privacy software protocols, has just received 501(c)(3) Status, enabling tax-deductible charitable contributions for some U.S. taxpayers. “Receiving 501(c)(3) status establishes a framework to sustain the Payjoin Dev Kit and future developments,” said Dan Gould, Executive Director of Payjoin Foundation. “It allows us to prioritize the development of infrastructure designed to endure, accountable to the public interest.” Payjoin Foundation is a nonprofit research and development organization maintaining the Payjoin Dev Kit. It is dedicated to developing and distributing open-source software and standards that improve privacy, security, and usability in peer-to-peer digital transactions with a primary focus on Bitcoin. The Foundation conducts research, publishes freely available software and educational materials, and supports the adoption of the technology it develops by providing reference implementations, technical documentation, and integration guidance to developers and infrastructure operators. The Foundation also works to advance public understanding of privacy-preserving financial infrastructure. “Now that the IRS has recognized Payjoin Foundation as a 501(c)(3), donations from U.S. taxpayers are generally tax-deductible. The exact treatment depends on the donor’s circumstances. Consult your tax advisor,” said Gould of the announcement. With more sustainable funding, the efforts of the foundation can accelerate, as it improves protocols like Async Payjoin, which protects Bitcoin users from indiscriminate or targeted surveillance of various kinds. Bitcoin has long been criticized for having poor privacy for users not savvy to its more advanced tooling, and the Payjoin dev kit makes it easy for wallets to upgrade the privacy of all its users with a high-quality open source software library. The adoption of Payjoin as a privacy solution is not done at the Bitcoin protocol level and so does not require any kind of consensus change, soft fork or hard fork, instead, wallet providers can integrate the dev kit into their software, and unlock the capability to their users, which is backwards compatible with normal onchain address QR codes and intelligently identifies if the sender or receiver also supports the standard or not. Users interested in easier and more broadly adopted Bitcoin privacy should reach out to their favorite Bitcoin wallet providers and encourage them to integrate the Payjoin Devkit, or consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the Payjoin Foundation. A variety of wallets already offer some support for the Payjoin dev kit, including but not limited to: BTCPay server Blue Wallet Bull Bitcoin Mobile Wasabi Wallet Cake Wallet Bitmask JoinMarket Sparrow Wallet This post Payjoin Foundation Gains 501(c)(3) Status, Enabling Tax-Deductible Donations for Bitcoin Privacy Development first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Juan Galt.

Cover image for Harvard Trims Bitcoin Position by 21% in Q4 Portfolio Shift

Harvard Trims Bitcoin Position by 21% in Q4 Portfolio Shift

Bitcoin Magazine Harvard Trims Bitcoin Position by 21% in Q4 Portfolio Shift Harvard Management Company switched up its crypto exposure in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, establishing its first position in an Ethereum exchange-traded fund while cutting back its Bitcoin holdings, according to a regulatory filing released Friday. The endowment’s investment manager purchased 3.87 million shares of BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust, a stake valued at $86.8 million as of Dec. 31. The move marked Harvard’s first publicly disclosed investment tied to Ethereum. At the same time, Harvard reduced its position in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust. The firm held 5.35 million shares worth $265.8 million at quarter’s end, down from 6.81 million shares in the prior quarter. The reduction amounted to roughly 1.48 million shares, or about 21%. Despite the trim, Bitcoin remained Harvard’s largest publicly disclosed equity holding, exceeding the endowment’s reported stakes in major technology firms such as Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon. Combined exposure to the two cryptocurrency funds totaled $352.6 million at the close of the quarter. The portfolio shift took place during a turbulent period for digital assets. Bitcoin reached a peak near $126,000 in October 2025 before sliding to $88,429 by Dec. 31, according to Bitcoin Magazine Pro data. Ethereum declined roughly 30% over the same span. Bitcoin’s lack of intrinsic value According to Harvard’s The Harvard Crimson, the university’s investment strategy has drawn criticism from academic observers. Andrew F. Siegel, emeritus professor of finance at the University of Washington, described the endowment’s Bitcoin investment as risky, pointing to a 22.8% decline year-to-date and arguing that Bitcoin’s risk stems in part from its lack of intrinsic value. Beyond crypto, Harvard opened a new $141 million stake in Union Pacific Corporation, one of the largest freight rail operators in the United States. The investment followed Union Pacific’s July 2025 announcement of a planned merger with Norfolk Southern, a deal expected to create the country’s first transcontinental railroad network. The quarter also brought exits from prior holdings. Harvard sold its entire 1.1 million-share stake in Light & Wonder, a gambling products manufacturer that had been among its largest positions, and liquidated a smaller stake in Maze Therapeutics, a biotechnology firm focused on precision medicines. Harvard increased exposure to several technology companies, more than tripling its stake in Broadcom and raising holdings in Google and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. The endowment reduced positions in Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia. This post Harvard Trims Bitcoin Position by 21% in Q4 Portfolio Shift first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.