🎯Today's Crypto Pulse
Updated 2h agoWhat's happening: Michael Saylor’s Strategy adds $204M of Bitcoin in 101st purchase
Michael Saylor’s Strategy completed its 101st Bitcoin purchase, acquiring 3,015 BTC for $204.1 million. The buy pushes total holdings above 720,000 BTC with an average price of $67,700 per BTC, below the firm’s overall cost basis of $75,985.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Pepeto raises $7M in token presale
News•Feb 18, 2026
Canadian Fintech Investment Down Nearly 75% Last Year, After Record-High 2024
Canadian fintech investment plunged 75% in 2025, falling to US$2.4 billion across 113 deals, down from a record US$9.9 billion in 2024. AI and digital‑asset firms dominated the reduced deal flow, while later‑stage platforms attracted the bulk of capital. The three biggest transactions were H.I.G.’s US$898 million buyout of Converge, Wealthsimple’s US$536 million equity raise, and Ripple’s US$200 million acquisition of Rail. Despite the dip, KPMG expects investor appetite for mature, scalable fintechs to rise in 2026, especially as open banking rolls out.
By Financial Post — Finance
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Fees Expansion Planned After Successful UNIfication Rollout
Since UNIfication, we’ve monitored the first wave of fees on v2 and a large subset of v3 pools on mainnet Rollout went very well, with market adjusted TVL up and burn working efficiently Now, we propose enabling fees on remaining v3 pools...
By Hayden Adams
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Stablecoins Poised to Become Default Currency for AI Agents
We’re extremely bullish on stablecoin growth. Stablecoins are the best form of money. Most people in the world would benefit from using stablecoins, and there’s also a second rapidly growing user group - AI agents. I believe stablecoins will be the...
By Brian Armstrong
Podcast•Feb 18, 2026•38 min
Raj Parekh (Monad Foundation) on Stablecoins and The Next Era of Fintech (EP.702)
In this episode, Raj Parekh, Head of Stablecoins and Payments at Monad Foundation, discusses how enterprises can integrate stablecoins into their operations, weighing the prospects of building private corporate blockchains versus using existing networks. He explores whether the market will...
By On The Brink with Castle Island
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Bitcoin's Low Volatility Signals Impending Major Move
The volatility on #Bitcoin is the lowest it has been since the crash. That means; there's a big move on the horizon. If we dip, I'll be a big buyer, for sure. If we go back upwards, I'll start taking...
By Michaël van de Poppe
Social•Feb 18, 2026
OKX Offers 5% Deposit Match Up to $2,500
For my EU followers: OKX just launched a solid promo. 5% deposit match on cash or crypto deposits. Up to $2,500 USDC. The catch? There isn't one. → No lock-up → Rewards paid out over 12 cycles → Min. deposit $1,000 Only for Netherlands, Germany, Poland,...
By Michaël van de Poppe
News•Feb 18, 2026
🎙️ Ep 19: Why Building a Global Venmo with Stablecoins Is Still Hard W/ Mike Hudack (Sling)
The Money Code episode with Sling’s Mike Hudack explains why building a global Venmo‑style app with stablecoins remains challenging. While stablecoins provide a unified ledger that eases cross‑border transfers, the real work lies in local on‑ramps, identity verification, fraud prevention,...
By This Week in Fintech
News•Feb 18, 2026
Cryptojacking Campaign Exploits Driver to Boost Monero Mining
Security firm Trellix uncovered a new cryptojacking operation that spreads through pirated software installers and installs a customized XMRig miner. The malware uses a controller named Explorer.exe for persistence and a signed driver (WinRing0x64.sys, CVE‑2020‑14979) to gain kernel access, boosting...
By Infosecurity Magazine
Podcast•Feb 18, 2026•46 min
Stablecoin Trends and Predictions 2026 - Mouloukou Sanoh & Tara Annison | ATC #599
In this episode, Stephen Sargeant talks with Mouloukou Sanoh, CEO of Mansa, about how stablecoin infrastructure is reshaping global payments, enabling instant cross‑border settlement, and driving adoption in emerging markets, while addressing regulatory challenges and interoperability with fiat. The conversation...
By Around the Coin
News•Feb 18, 2026
Stripe’s Bridge Wins OCC Conditional Approval
Stripe’s Bridge subsidiary received conditional approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a national trust bank charter, filed in October and approved on Feb. 12. The charter would let Bridge issue stablecoins, custody digital assets, and manage...
By Payments Dive
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Bitcoin Poised for Bull Run as Gold Rallies
This chart is all you need to know. Data is the most important factor for me when it comes to investments into #Altcoins & #Bitcoin. In this case; - The 2W RSI is the lowest since previous bear market bottoms. - This...
By Michaël van de Poppe
News•Feb 18, 2026
Zodia Custody and LMAX Group Launch ‘Zodia Switch’ to Streamline Institutional Asset Swaps
Zodia Custody and LMAX Group have introduced Zodia Switch, a custody‑native trading feature that lets institutional clients swap ERC‑20 tokens directly from their secure wallets. The solution leverages LMAX’s execution venues, eliminating the need to pre‑fund external trading accounts and...
By The Fintech Times
News•Feb 18, 2026
American Crypto Holders Are Scared and Confused About This Year’s New IRS Tax Rules
A poll of 1,000 U.S. crypto investors shows more than half fear IRS penalties as the Treasury rolls out Form 1099‑DA, which forces exchanges to automatically report transaction proceeds. The new rule shifts tax compliance from self‑disclosure to broker‑driven reporting,...
By CoinDesk
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Starknet Becomes Native Zk Verification Layer Scaling Truth
I agree with this smart gentleman: - Starknet is becoming The native zk verification layer - Starknet is scaling Truth It's not just about scale in the sense of providing more throughput. It's about an efficient mechanism that enforces truth on whatever requires...
By Eli Ben-Sasson
News•Feb 18, 2026
From 2016 Hack to $150M Endowment: The DAO’s Second Act Focuses on Ethereum Security
A decade after the 2016 DAO hack, the DAO Security Fund will stake roughly 75,000 dormant ETH—now worth about $150 million—to generate yield for Ethereum security initiatives. The fund will keep claims open indefinitely for original token holders and shift from...
By CoinDesk
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Lengthening Cycles Narrative Reemerges in Late Bitcoin Cycle
#BTC Fun fact: „Lengthening Cycles“ became a popular narrative in the latter stages of the 2020-2021 cycle as well $BTC #Crypto #Bitcoin 🚀Follow @rektcapital for more level-headed insights on Bitcoin
By Rekt Capital
News•Feb 18, 2026
Milo Tops $100 Million in Crypto-Backed Mortgages, Closes Record $12 Million Deal
Milo, a U.S. crypto‑lending firm, has originated more than $100 million in crypto‑backed mortgages, highlighted by a record $12 million loan. The company operates in ten states and offers loans up to $25 million secured by Bitcoin or Ether, with interest starting at...
By CoinDesk
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Media Hype Ignored Risks, Gemini IPO Crashes
Remember the excitement in the business media about the Gemini IPO? $GEMI The shares have crashed from over $45 to $6... Remember the softballs thrown to the executives and the admiration bestowed on the Winkelvoss twins by the Fin TV community? I do....
By Doug Kass
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Matcha Protects Swappers From Exploitative propAMM Execution
This is why I am a proud and happy @matchaxyz user Watch this ETH Denver talk from @willwarren, showing how propAMMs create exploitative execution for swappers Thanks Will and Matcha for being a responsible leader in protecting users onchain swaps
By David Hoffman
Social•Feb 18, 2026
LayerZero Shifts From Bridge to Building Its Own Chain
If LayerZero was all about connecting chains, why are they suddenly building their own? @PrimordialAA answers on Uneasy Money https://t.co/2YgOdrosIO
By Laura Shin
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Crypto Branding Must Improve without Alienating Anyone
"We need to figure out how to improve crypto's branding. We should not antagonize everyone." - @tayvano_ https://t.co/kup2M43Ltj
By Laura Shin
Social•Feb 18, 2026
They Tried Harder than Anyone, Despite a Flawed Approach
"I'm not sure if they approached it right... But they definitely tried harder than anyone else." @PrimordialAA on Coinbase's Base App https://t.co/2YgOdrosIO
By Laura Shin
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Bitcoin Could Quadruple in Under Two Years
Prediction: Bitcoin 4x in less than 2 years from here. #bitcoin #opportunity Maybe a @Polymarket bet?
By Tim Draper
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Institutions Prioritize Crypto Interoperability More Than Expected
"You'd be SHOCKED how much institutions care about interoperability in crypto" - @PrimordialAA from LayerZero Wonder why? Tune in! https://t.co/kup2M43Ltj
By Laura Shin
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Optimism Will Shape Their Next Moves
"Optimism is going to figure out what they are going to do now." @PrimordialAA https://t.co/kup2M43Ltj
By Laura Shin
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Base Holds Millions in OP Tokens—Must Return?
Base has millions worth of $OP tokens... Would they have to give them back? 🤔 https://t.co/kup2M43Ltj
By Laura Shin
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Don't Switch Chains to Chase Last Year's Meta
Zora, a tip from Tay: "I wouldn't change chains to chase last year's meta" 🌶️ https://t.co/2YgOdrosIO
By Laura Shin
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Base Abandons OP Stack After Vitalik's L2 Critique
"There's a lot of subtext in Base's blog post announcing they are ditching the OP stack... After Vitalik put the nail in the coffin on L2s... this feels like an unintended consequence of that roadmap." @kaiynne https://t.co/2YgOdrosIO
By Laura Shin
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Base Shifts to Own Stack, Raising Control and Token Uncertainty
Base is moving off a shared OP Stack model toward a unified, Base-operated stack. More upgrade control More independence Unclear impact on the 118M OP token agreement Is this maturity or stack fragmentation? https://t.co/2YgOdrosIO
By Laura Shin
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Unlock 30% Liquidity Zero‑Collateral on FT Put Options
Hold. Refund. Profit. And now including borrow. Access 30% liquidity with 0% collateral against your FT PUT options.
By Andre Cronje
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Coinbase, DAO Branding, and Ethereum’s LLM Future Discussed
Is Coinbase tightening control over Base? Can DAOs really own their brands? And is Ethereum about to go LLM-driven? NOW on Uneasy Money w/ @kaiynne, @tayvano_, and @PrimordialAA. 🎙️ https://t.co/kup2M43Ltj
By Laura Shin
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Which Price Level Marks Bitcoin’s Bottom?
🩸BITCOIN MAX PAIN Which of these levels do you think proves to be the Bitcoin bottom? Let me know👇 https://t.co/PJuvWXxVoz
By That Martini Guy
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Instant USDC Loans Now Available for XRP, DOGE, ADA, LTC
Our crypto backed loan offerings are expanding. Now you can instantly borrow USDC against your XRP, DOGE, ADA, and LTC, as well as BTC and ETH.
By Brian Armstrong
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Base Exits Optimism, Ending Superchain Aspirations
Base leaving Optimism. End of an era. There once was the dream of a superchain. Not enough glue to hold it together. https://t.co/Ck5MDL0KZi
By David Hoffman
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Altcoin Market Update: HYPE, AVAX, BNB, TAO, ALGO, NEAR
New edition of the Rekt Capital Newsletter is live I share an Altcoin Market Update Features analysis on the following Altcoins: $HYPE $AVAX $BNB $TAO $ALGO $NEAR Sign up to read it here: https://t.co/gnlRdF9JIp #BTC #Crypto #Bitcoin
By Rekt Capital
Social•Feb 18, 2026
BTC Trapped Between $66K Support and $70K Resistance
#BTC has been stuck between 2 liquidity zones right now. On the upside, there's a liquidity cluster around the $69,000-$70,000 level. On the downside, there's one sitting around the $66,000 level. https://t.co/hByZcp223y
By Crypto Jack
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Bitcoin's Ideals Clash with Flaws, Alternatives Uncertain
Welcome to the dark side… https://t.co/uYC7hg83ta ...bitcoin’s original purpose of enabling anyone to transact freely outside the reach of purportedly corrupt governments. Yet the network’s problems suggest that an alternative financial system might not be much better." https://t.co/YpZDvUIK20
By Dave Birch
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Blockchains Only Worth It When You Need Decentralization
Blockchains are needed only if you're aiming for decentralization. If you're not aiming for decentralization, then you're just using a very complex and cumbersome technology to achieve something that can be done on web2. Thank you.
By Eli Ben-Sasson
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Bitcoin Near Buy Zone; Tech Stocks Pressured Yet Valuable
Prepare for a period of sideways movement in Bitcoin as it approaches a key buy zone. Tech stocks are also facing pressure, but long-term value remains for smart investors. #Bitcoin #TechStocks #IvanClips https://t.co/a9JhNp1Mpj
By Ivan on Tech
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Pumpfun Rug Pulls Down 97% Since Ramadan
🚨 UPDATE PUMPFUN RUG PULLS HAVE FALLEN OVER 97% SINCE THE START OF RAMADAN. Experts have said this phenomenon will last only 30 days. https://t.co/NPaIpBNsEN
By That Martini Guy
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Arizona Senate Advances State Crypto Reserve Bill
NOW: 🇺🇸 Arizona’s SB1649, creating a state-run crypto reserve holding XRP, BTC, and more, cleared the Senate Finance Committee and now heads to the Rules Committee https://t.co/KSlJxJiDTM
By Wendy O
Social•Feb 18, 2026
20% ETH Swing Triggers $4.6B Liquidations Each Side
$4,600,000,000 in short liquidations if #ETH pumps 20%. $4,580,000,000 in long liquidations if Ethereum dumps 20%. https://t.co/pW1ChJkyR7
By Crypto Jack
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Public Company Stakes NXM, Earns Yield on On‑Chain Risks
Love to see it. A publicly listed company staking NXM to earn yield by backing onchain risks.
By Hugh Karp
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Bitcoin's Rebound Mirrors 2022, March May Trigger Bear
#BTC Bitcoin enjoying a brief post-crash rebound and subsequent stability in very similar fashion to the 2022 cycle If Bitcoin perfectly follows 2022 history then additional Bearish Acceleration could take place as early as next month in March $BTC #Crypto #Bitcoin https://t.co/IRzSMyI46k
By Rekt Capital
Social•Feb 18, 2026
AI Tokens: The New Fifth Lever for Scaling Intelligence
In his famous “how to get rich” thread, naval talks about four types of leverage - labor, capital, media, code. And now there is a fifth. AI Tokens. Look for business models that scale with intelligence - AI tokens. Learn how to use...
By David Hoffman
Social•Feb 18, 2026
AAVE Shows Resilient Monthly Candle Amid Market Downturn
One of the easiest bets and strongest monthly candles in the ecosystem: $AAVE. I would expect this to continue running during the coming period, as despite the market downturns, this one continues to show resilience. https://t.co/4Q2Jzdr8G5
By Michaël van de Poppe
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Limited Bitcoin: A Safe Haven When War Returns
There will always be another war. There are only 21 million BTC. Also very handy to have a few of those in times of war.
By Samson Mow
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Wall Street Underestimates Coinbase Amid Growing Adoption, Regulation
NEW: 🚨 Brian Armstrong says Wall Street underestimates Coinbase, even as it grows stronger through rising adoption, clearer regulation, and improving financial performance.
By Wendy O
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Bitcoin Will Surge Unexpectedly, Defying Bearish Timelines
Bears often insist on staying bearish until some arbitrary condition they set is met. That’s just not how the world works. Bitcoin will just run back up without warning. Suddenly is very sudden.
By Samson Mow
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Altcoins Hit Record‑High Selling Pressure, $209B in 13 Months
🚨 UPDATE Altcoin selling pressure has reached its highest level in history. For 13 consecutive months, alts have been sold non-stop, with net sell volume hitting over $209B! https://t.co/UR08iZO0d3
By That Martini Guy