Crypto Intel 🎯

2️⃣ With this license, OKX can fully support its new payment products, including OKX Pay and a crypto card launched with Mastercard. The company is keen on integrating stablecoins into mainstream finance, recently backing stablecoin platform STBL through OKX Ventures.

OKX snags European payments license for stablecoin and crypto card expansion The Payments Institution license, gained in Malta, aligns the exchange with European Union regulatory requirements that take effect in March 2026.

1️⃣ #OKX has secured a payment institution license in Malta, enabling it to offer stablecoin payment services across the EU in compliance with upcoming regulations. This aligns with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) and the Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2).

🗞️ @coindesk.com

2️⃣ The new tools include a repository and lnget CLI, enabling AI agents to operate Lightning nodes, access L402-gated APIs, and manage wallets efficiently, enhancing their capabilities in digital transactions.

Lightning Labs Open‑Sources L402 Agent Tools to Power AI Payments Lightning Labs releases open‑source L402 tools enabling artificial intelligence (AI) agents to transact natively on the Lightning Network. Lightning Labs

1️⃣ Lightning Labs has unveiled open-source L402 tools that empower AI agents to transact directly on the Lightning Network. This innovation allows seamless integration of AI with cryptocurrency payments.

@bitcoincom-news.bsky.social

Bank of England Taps Chainlink for Decentralized Securities Settlement Trials - EUROPE SAYS TLDR

Bank of England Taps Chainlink for Decentralized Securities Settlement Trials

https://www.europesays.com/2769106/

TLDR The Bank of England has confirmed Chainlink’s participation in its Synchronisation Lab to test blockchain-based settlements. The…

Trump crypto move? Polymarket sees 27% chance of new ‘token’ by year-end Trump crypto move sparks speculation a new coin as Polymarket prices 27% odds and ethics alarms grow.

Probably the next scam project that funnels your money into Trump's pockets. Stay away from this junk—there’s no such thing as getting rich quick, especially with a convicted fraudster.

2️⃣ Analyst Ted Pillows suggests #Bitcoin could bottom around $34,500, based on historical patterns. Current market signals show limited long exposure, and concerns about macroeconomic factors may prolong a consolidation phase, with prices potentially ranging between £60,000 and £90,000.

Bitcoin Rebound Raises Caution as Analysts Flag Weak Demand and Downside Risks Bitcoin rebounds after a volatile week, but analysts warn the move lacks conviction as falling open interest and weak spot demand persist.

1️⃣ Bitcoin's recent rebound is largely attributed to short covering, with analysts warning that weak demand poses downside risks. Despite a slight recovery, selling pressure remains high, indicating that the market lacks new buying interest.

4️⃣ Strategic Autonomy: Beyond finance, the roadmap includes creating a European payment system to break the Visa/Mastercard duopoly and pushing for energy and defense trade to be invoiced in euros. The goal: A "single legal regime" to unlock €10tn in dormant savings. ⛽🛡️

3️⃣ Debt & Independence: To rival the US Treasury market ($27tn vs EU's €1tn), the paper suggests more joint borrowing for common projects—despite German hesitation. It also proposes transforming the European Stability Mechanism into a full EU debt agency. 📉🏦

2️⃣ Digital Strategy: The Commission warns that the stablecoin market is dominated by the dollar, with euro instruments making up less than 1%. The plan calls for EU-issued stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and CBDCs to prevent capital fleeing to US assets. 🪙💻

Exclusive: Euro zone ministers to weigh euro-stablecoins, more joint debt issuance to boost role of euro, economic security Euro zone finance ministers will discuss on February 16 how to boost the global role of the euro and strengthen Europe's economic security through issuing euro-denominated stablecoins and more joint E...

1️⃣ Euro Boost: Euro zone ministers are set to discuss a bold plan on Feb 16 to strengthen the euro's global role. The strategy? Issuing euro-denominated stablecoins and increasing joint EU debt to counter the "weaponisation" of the global financial system. 🇪🇺 💶

Bitget Taps Bitpanda Veteran Oliver Stauber to Lead Austria MiCA Hub Former Bitpanda Chief Legal Officer Oliver Stauber is the new CEO of Bitget EU. He was recently appointed by the cryptocurrency exchange, which is preparing to receive its Markets in Crypto Assets (Mi...

..."Former Bitpanda Chief Legal Officer Oliver Stauber is the new CEO of @bitgetglobal.bsky.social EU. He was recently appointed by the cryptocurrency exchange, which is preparing to receive its Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulatory approval from Austria in the second quarter of 2026."

2️⃣ Critics argue this could hinder law enforcement's ability to combat money laundering in the crypto space. They warn the bill may create enforcement gaps, potentially inviting illicit activities and complicating prosecutions of financial crimes.

Tim Scott's crypto bill sees criticism from the US Senate - Cryptopolitan Senate Banking Chairman Tim Scott has seen his push to pass sweeping new cryptocurrency regulations hit a stumbling block. The bill has faced criticism from

1️⃣ Senate Banking Chairman Tim Scott's cryptocurrency bill is facing significant backlash, particularly from Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin, who are concerned about a provision that could exempt certain software developers from financial licensing requirements.

$BTC

3️⃣ The Pivot: Tether is now cooperating with US authorities to freeze illicit wallets as it seeks legitimacy in the American market. Meanwhile, Washington plans to sell blockaded oil indefinitely, promising to funnel proceeds back to the Venezuelan people (LOL😂) rather than the elite. ⚖️

2️⃣ Civilian Lifeline: It wasn't just the regime. With the bolivar worthless, Tether became the de facto currency for everyday Venezuelans to pay for everything from haircuts to groceries. Experts warn this "coping mechanism" is here to stay, regardless of who sits in the palace. 📉

Maduro’s Crypto-Backed Oil Deals Put Tether at Center of Venezuela Money Drama The stablecoin served as a tool to avoid sanctions and a lifeline for everyday citizens.

1️⃣ Crypto Crimes: Former President Nicolás Maduro is sitting in a Brooklyn jail, but his financial legacy endures. Reports reveal his regime used Tether to process nearly 80% of Venezuela's oil payments, effectively making the stablecoin the engine of state-sanctioned evasion. 🇻🇪

🎁🗞️ @wsj.com

2️⃣ Security concerns are escalating as researchers warn about the risks of browser-based wallets. Users are advised to review their transactions, revoke unnecessary permissions, and consider moving funds to new wallets while the situation is clarified.

Trust Wallet Users at Risk? ZachXBT Flags Security Warning ZachXBT warns Trust Wallet users after reports of unauthorized fund drains linked to a recent Chrome extension update.

1️⃣ @zachxbt1.bsky.social has raised alarms for Trust Wallet users after reports of unauthorized fund drains emerged shortly after a Chrome extension update. Users claim assets were taken without their approval, prompting an urgent investigation into the issue.

2️⃣ Current gas fees may seem stable, but Buterin highlights the need for a mature market to help users anticipate future costs. This system would enable better financial planning and reduce uncertainty for businesses relying on @ethereum.foundation.

Vitalik Buterin Wants to Let You “Pre-Buy” Ethereum Gas Before Prices Explode Ethereum has long struggled with unpredictable transaction fees, and Vitalik Buterin believes it’s time for the network to adopt a tool that could finally bring clarity to long-term gas pricing.

1️⃣ @vitalik.ca proposes an on-chain futures market for #Ethereum, allowing users to lock in gas prices ahead of time. This aims to provide clearer long-term pricing signals and address the unpredictability of gas costs.

2️⃣ Officials reaffirmed that virtual assets lack legal tender status and called for better monitoring to combat anonymity-related fraud. Meanwhile, companies like PetroChina are exploring stablecoin use for cross-border transactions, indicating a complex landscape for digital currency regulation.

China Begins Policy Talks to Crack Down on Stablecoin and Crypto Payments China prepares new enforcement measures to curb crypto and stablecoin payments as regulators warn of rising financial risks and renewed trading activity.

1️⃣ China is intensifying its crackdown on digital assets, warning of economic risks and preparing new measures to halt crypto and stablecoin payments. Recent meetings with key agencies highlighted concerns over speculation and the rise of scams since the 2021 ban.

www.bybit.eu/invite?ref=P...

Granting of Authorisation Bybit EU GmbH - FMA Österreich Granting of Authorisation Bybit EU GmbH

"Bybit EU GmbH (Commercial Register no. FN 636180i) was granted an authorisation as a crypto-asset service provider pursuant to Article 63 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (MiCAR; Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation) by means of an administrative decision dated 28.05.2025." 👍

2️⃣ This denial comes at a time when market makers are under scrutiny, highlighting the ongoing volatility and uncertainty in the cryptocurrency landscape. Wintermute seeks to reassure stakeholders about its operations and strategic direction.

Wintermute Denies Binance Lawsuit Plans Amid Market Maker Rumors Wintermute founder Evgeny Gaevoy has dismissed widespread speculation that his firm intends to sue Binance over losses from October’s historic crypto crash, stating “literally nothing changed” since h...

1️⃣ Wintermute has officially denied any plans to sue Binance, addressing circulating rumours in the market. The company aims to clarify its position amidst speculation regarding its relationship with the exchange.

2️⃣ While the trade agreement aims to roll back tariffs and boost agricultural purchases, uncertainty persists. Investors are cautious, processing the implications of the deal while navigating previous market losses, indicating a slow path to recovery for cryptocurrencies unless there is a Trump tweet