AxLabs released neow3j v3.24.1 on Feb. 12, aligning the Java/Kotlin/Android SDK and devpack with Neo-CLI v3.9.1 and the Neo 3.9 protocol. The update modernizes storage APIs, expands PolicyContract and native contract support, and introduces NEP-24, NEP-26, and NEP-27 standards alongside new StdLib utilities and infrastructure changes. StorageContext-based methods are now deprecated ahead of their planned removal in version 3.25.0.

On February 16, 2026, the UK government set out plans to bring AI chatbots under the Online Safety Act and strengthen protections for young users. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move would close a legal gap and require providers to block illegal material, with regulators gaining faster powers to act against emerging risks.

ZCash rebounded from the $187.9 long-term support and has now broken above the $300 local resistance, while gaining 9.88% in 24 hours alongside a 25% jump in trading volume. Technical signals highlight key overhead levels at $320, $357, and the $365–$460 supply area, with liquidity clusters near $342 and $360 suggesting further upside before a deeper correction. However, overbought momentum indicators and potential rejection of Bitcoin near $70,000 could trigger consolidation or a pullback for ZEC.

Coinbase shares rose about 16% in a single session, closing at $164.32 after a $23.23 gain. CEO Brian Armstrong said retail users added to or held Bitcoin and Ethereum, and noted February wallet balances were higher than December. Analysts flagged resistance near $186.19 and updated price targets across major brokerages.

On February 16, 2026, at the Consensus Hong Kong conference, policymakers outlined steps to bolster the city's digital asset market, including a perpetual contract framework and plans to grant the first stablecoin licenses next month. Regulators SFC and HKMA signaled willingness to engage industry, while major firms said they are implementing or exploring blockchain. Executives added that clearer direction is encouraging for investment.

Dogecoin climbed over 18% within 24 hours after X's Head of Product Nikita Bier confirmed that Smart Cashtags would roll out in the coming weeks. The move pushed DOGE above a key neckline near $0.11, with on-chain spot accumulation and rising Spot Taker CVD suggesting the rally was backed by real demand rather than leverage. Price now faces downtrend resistance around $0.127, with higher resistance zones near $0.15 and $0.20 if bulls can sustain momentum.

Bitcoin climbed back toward $70,000 as a new $736 million wave of short liquidations hit the market, clearing out crowded bearish positions. The move followed a deeper drop below the $73,000 realized price level, where many active holders were sitting on unrealized losses. With funding rates normalizing and open interest sharply reduced, derivatives data point to a leverage reset that could support further upside if spot demand strengthens.

SPX6900 [SPX] rebounded from a drop to $0.22, defended the $0.30 support, and briefly climbed to a two-week peak at $0.36 before easing to about $0.332. Open Interest, derivatives volume, and buy-side pressure all increased, prompting traders to weigh whether the memecoin can revisit $0.40 and the prior $0.56 resistance or instead retreat toward $0.28.