On 28 February 2026, Tether co-founder Reeve Collins argued in an interview that artificial intelligence could be the missing layer needed to make crypto usable for mainstream audiences. He highlighted intent-based wallets, stablecoins such as USDT and STBL, and AI-powered micropayments as core pieces of an emerging AI-native financial ecosystem.

On 28 February 2026, SoFi introduced direct on-chain Solana (SOL) deposits for its 13.7 million members, becoming the first nationally chartered U.S. bank to enable this feature. Customers can now move SOL from private wallets into regulated bank accounts over the Solana network, combining native blockchain settlement with traditional banking products.

On 28 February 2026, Tether disclosed that it has frozen a total of $4.2 billion in USDT tied to illicit activity since the stablecoin’s inception, with roughly $3.5 billion of that occurring between 2023 and early 2026. The frozen amount represents about 2.3% of USDT’s roughly $180 billion circulating supply, with more than half of the blocked tokens on the Tron network, while analysts note the peg and liquidity remain stable.

On 28 February 2026, Midnight Network confirmed that Google Cloud and MoneyGram have signed on as founding federated node operators ahead of the Kūkolu mainnet launch planned for late March 2026. The network is starting with a 10-node federated model, using Zero-Knowledge Proofs to enable selective disclosure and target regulated institutional use cases.

On 28 February 2026, U.S. authorities reported seizing more than $580 million in crypto assets linked to Southeast Asia-based scam operations. Officials estimate Americans lose around $10 billion per year to such schemes, with $1.5 billion taken in the first three quarters of 2025. The interagency Scam Center Strike Force, created in November 2025, is using blockchain forensics to trace funds, dismantle fraud infrastructure, and pursue restitution for victims.

On February 26, TeraWulf Inc. reported fourth-quarter results that missed expectations, with revenue at $35.8 million versus $44.1 million forecast and a $1.66 loss per share. Management highlighted pressure from Bitcoin's decline and noted AI/HPC leasing revenue increased to $9.7 million while mining revenue fell to $26.1 million.

On 25 February 2026, the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency outlined how it intends to enforce the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act, including strict limits on branded and white-label tokens. Under the proposal, permitted issuers would be capped at a single stablecoin brand, barred from offering yield, required to hold fully liquid 1:1 reserves and meet capital and reporting standards as the roughly $318 billion market shifts toward more heavily regulated players. The framework also opens a 60-day comment period ahead of rules that could become effective before January 2027.

On 27 February 2026, Citigroup detailed plans to introduce a comprehensive digital asset platform that will place Bitcoin directly within its core banking and custody systems. The initiative includes on-balance-sheet custody, 24/7 operations, Swift and API connectivity, and integration with internal tools such as CIDAP and Citi Token Services. The move aims to let institutional clients manage Bitcoin alongside traditional assets under the same risk, compliance, and reporting framework.

On February 26, Senate Democrats held a closed-door session to revisit the CLARITY Act ahead of a March 1 deadline set by the White House. The draft would split oversight between the SEC and CFTC, while rules on stablecoin yields remain the chief sticking point. a16z escalated GOP outreach and pledged $50 million to a new $100 million super PAC.