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.

Dragonfly Capital has closed its fourth crypto-focused investment fund, securing $650 million for projects centered on tokenized real-world assets and financial infrastructure. The firm plans to back blockchain-based payments, lending, stablecoin systems and traditional-style financial products such as card-like services and money market-style funds. The new raise comes after a period of reduced crypto venture activity and a shift in capital flows toward more mature companies accessing public markets.

Strategy acquired 2,486 BTC between Feb. 9 and 16 for $168.4 million, lifting its holdings to 717,131 BTC and funding the buys via at-the-market share sales. Bitmine Immersion Technologies purchased 45,759 ETH, taking its total to 4,371,497 ETH, with 3,040,483 staked. The additions arrived as Bitcoin and Ether traded lower.

A.J. Scaramucci purchased Logan Paul's previously tokenized PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator card for $16.49 million, setting a record for a trading card sale. Gemini is parting ways with its COO, CFO and CLO effective Feb. 17 amid restructuring, while Michael Saylor's Strategy acquired 2,486 bitcoin for $168.4 million, and a global study reports $300 billion in stablecoins are increasingly used as everyday money. DeFi lender ZeroLend is shutting down after a 98% TVL drop as macro data and central bank events line up over the next 24 hours.

On 17 February, CFTC Chair Mike Selig said the agency filed an amicus brief to defend federal oversight of prediction markets it has treated as derivatives for over two decades. The commission is challenging a wave of state-led litigation, arguing these markets fall under federal commodities law and tying this stance to a broader shift in U.S. crypto policy.