According to analyst David Lawant, collapsing premiums on CME Bitcoin futures indicate that institutional demand for leveraged exposure has dropped to levels last seen in October 2023. Traders are now showing less interest in upside leverage than during major stress events such as the April 2025 "Liberation Day" sell-off and the mid-2024 "German/JPY" unwind, signaling a shift from panic to deep market apathy.

Kamilah Stevenson, host of a wealth-focused YouTube show, argues that crypto custody is less about passive storage and more about ensuring investors can act when markets or regulations shift. She contrasts retail's focus on safety alone with institutional practices that prioritize segregation, bankruptcy-remote structures, OTC execution, and tax-advantaged wrappers. The core message is that the main risk in a more regulated environment may be being locked into setups that limit movement, borrowing, or portfolio rotation when needed.

On February 17, 2026, the FTSE 100 inched higher while sterling retreated after fresh UK labor figures showed unemployment rising and wage growth slowing. Investors viewed the softer pay data as easing inflation pressure and reducing the need for further Bank of England tightening, lifting exporters and globally focused energy, mining, and pharmaceutical shares.

On February 17, 2026, Citi analysts stated that global oil prices could fall if former President Donald Trump successfully brokers new geopolitical peace deals, as a significant risk premium remains embedded in crude markets. They estimate that geopolitical tensions can add $5 to $10 per barrel, and credible ceasefires or settlements could rapidly unwind this premium even before supply changes, while OPEC+ policy, China's demand and US Strategic Petroleum Reserve decisions continue to shape the broader price outlook.

Russia is preparing to limit access to overseas cryptocurrency exchanges in 2026, with lawmakers aiming to adopt domestic rules for investment and exchange by July 1. Analysts say blocks could follow once local licenses are issued, potentially affecting platforms such as Bybit and OKX, while one estimate puts foreign-exchange fees from Russian users at $15 billion.

On February 17, 2026, Gemini disclosed via an SEC Form 8-K that COO Marshall Beard, CFO Dan Chen, and CLO Tyler Meade left their roles effective immediately. The COO role will remain vacant, with Cameron Winklevoss directing its duties, while interim leaders were named for finance and legal. The update follows plans to cut up to 25% of staff and exit the UK, EU, and Australia.

On February 17, 2026, Nakamoto Inc. said it signed definitive agreements to buy BTC Inc. and UTXO Management GP, LLC in an all-stock transaction valued at about $107.3 million. The consideration totals 363,589,816 Nakamoto common shares at a set $1.12 reference price, with closing targeted for the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions.

CFTC chair Michael Selig said the agency filed an amicus brief to protect its exclusive authority over prediction markets and cautioned that state-level challenges would be met in court. His comments accompanied ongoing state actions targeting event-contract platforms, a Wall Street Journal op-ed he authored, a letter from 23 senators urging restraint, and a November court hearing he referenced.