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Binance Joins Forces with $1.6 Trillion Asset Management Giant Franklin Templeton
Franklin Templeton, which manages approximately $1.6 trillion in assets, and Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by daily trading volume, have launched a new program of great interest to institutional investors. The program allows large-scale investors to trade in cryptocurrency markets without transferring their assets to the exchange. Under the new structure, tokenized money market fund (MMF) shares issued through Franklin Templeton's Benji Technology Platform can be used as collateral on Binance. However, there's a critical detail: these assets are not directly sent to the exchange. Instead, they remain held in regulated custodians.The system works as follows: The institutional client uses the tokenized fund shares held in the custodian as collateral. Binance then "reflects" the value of this collateral in its own trading infrastructure. Thus, the investor can carry out buy and sell transactions; however, the underlying assets remain outside the exchange, within a regulated custodial structure.This model addresses concerns about increased counterparty risk, particularly following past exchange failures and custody crises. One of the biggest question marks for institutions was the risks that holding high-value assets on centralized platforms could create.The new structure aims to mitigate this risk. While assets remain under regulated custody, investors can still actively trade in crypto markets. Moreover, money market fund shares held as collateral continue to generate returns. Thus, capital efficiency increases compared to balances sitting idle on the exchange.Custody and settlement processes are handled by Ceffu, Binance's institutional custody partner. Tokenized fund shares are held there; only the collateral value is integrated into the trading environment on the Binance system.Traditional products are being brought to the blockchainThis step is seen as part of a trend among asset management companies and banks to adapt existing cash and liquidity tools to blockchain infrastructure by tokenizing them, rather than launching entirely "crypto-specific" new products. Franklin Templeton has recently made several updates to make its money market funds compatible with blockchain-based consensus systems. The company also modified two of its institutional funds to develop structures compliant with stablecoin reserve requirements in the US. The Benji platform is also expanding by opening up to different networks. Launched on BNB Chain in September 2025, the platform currently operates on Ethereum, Arbitrum, Solana, and Stellar networks. This expansion paves the way for the use of tokenized traditional finance products across multiple blockchain ecosystems. Franklin Templeton Head of Digital Assets Roger Bayston stated that the focus of the collaboration with Binance since 2025 has been to develop scalable solutions tailored to institutional needs. According to Bayston, the over-the-counter collateral model offers the possibility of secure trading in crypto markets with assets that continue to generate returns under regulated custody. A more constructive tone is also noticeable on the regulatory front in the US. SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda recently stated that unnecessary obstacles should not be created at a time when tokenization is moving from theory to practice.
Goldman Sachs Has Taken Positions in Bitcoin, Ethereum, SOL, and XRP
Goldman Sachs revealed a remarkable position in crypto assets in its 13F filing for the fourth quarter of 2025. According to the filing submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the bank holds a total of over $2.36 billion in digital asset-linked ETF positions.What's in the Wall Street giant's portfolio?Looking at the portfolio breakdown, approximately $1.1 billion in Bitcoin ETFs, $1 billion in Ethereum ETFs, $153 million in XRP ETFs, and $108 million in Solana ETFs stand out. These items represent approximately 0.33% of the bank's reported investment portfolio. While seemingly small in proportion, in terms of nominal size, it makes Goldman Sachs one of the major US banks with the highest exposure to crypto-linked assets.The detail regarding XRP is particularly noteworthy. The bank's approximately $152–153 million XRP position is held not through direct token custody, but through exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The total net asset value of spot XRP ETFs traded in the US has exceeded $1 billion, and the products have only recorded net outflows for a few days so far. This indicates that institutional demand for XRP through regulated instruments remains stable.Goldman Sachs, managing approximately $3.2-3.6 trillion in assets, is a leading global player in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and asset management. Therefore, the bank's portfolio statements are often read as a leading indicator of broader institutional trends.Goldman's approach to Bitcoin has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Before 2020, bank executives and research teams described Bitcoin as a highly volatile, non-cash-flow generating speculative asset. It was frequently emphasized that crypto assets were not suitable for conservative portfolios and that regulatory risks outweighed other considerations.However, after 2020, increased institutional demand and market depth softened this rhetoric. The bank reactivated its crypto trading desk, expanded access to derivatives, and published research acknowledging Bitcoin's potential as a hedge against inflation. Despite this, it avoided positioning crypto as a primary asset class.During the crypto winter of 2022, attention was drawn again to infrastructure and counterparty risks. The recent strategy offers a more cautious participation model; instead of directly holding spot assets, it proceeds through ETFs, structured products, and tokenization projects.ETFs play a critical role here. For traditional financial institutions, ETFs offer a liquid and transparent access channel that is compliant with existing regulatory and risk management frameworks. Banks can thus be exposed to crypto price movements without directly undertaking custody, technical infrastructure, or operational risks.
SBF Issues Strong Accusation: "FTX Never Went Bankrupt"
Sam Bankman-Fried has re-emerged as one of the most controversial figures in the cryptocurrency world in recent years. The founder of FTX, once one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, targeted both the bankruptcy process and the legal proceedings with his posts on the X platform. Bankman-Fried, currently serving a 25-year prison sentence, argues that FTX never went bankrupt and that the bankruptcy filing was "forced" by lawyers. In his post, Bankman-Fried stated, "FTX never went bankrupt. I did not file such a complaint." He claims that control of the company passed into the hands of lawyers and a "fake" bankruptcy filing was made in just four hours. SBF alleges that the aim of this move was to plunder the company's assets through legal expenses. To support these claims, he cited a sworn court document dated January 2023. What does the court document contain? The document shared involves Bankman-Fried and lawyer Mr. The transcript includes conversations between Miller and Bankman-Fried prior to the bankruptcy filing. According to SBF, Miller specifically opposed the inclusion of FTX.US in the bankruptcy filing. His reasoning was that the technical team had checked the wallets and determined that FTX.US was not affected by the customer shortage. Bankman-Fried wanted FTX.US to remain afloat and be sold to compensate both customers and shareholders for their losses. However, Miller allegedly argued that FTX.US needed to be included in the filing for the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell to handle the bankruptcy proceedings. The justification given was that FTX.US had sufficient cash to pay S&C's advance fee. Bankman-Fried claimed, "Without this money, S&C wouldn't have opened the file." SBF also alleges that Miller stated Sullivan & Cromwell would place "their own people" in charge of the companies, implying that the over $200 million in cash held in LedgerX would be used to cover legal expenses. The Tweet that Started the ControversyThe person who ignited this outburst was Bitcoin trader Alex Wice. Wice described the FTX case as a "show trial" and argued that crucial evidence in favor of the defense was withheld. According to him, Judge Lewis Kaplan prevented the jury from being presented with data on the company's solvency and the "trusted lawyers" defense. Wice suggested that this defense could eliminate the element of intent.Wice also claimed that former FTX executive Ryan Salame was imprisoned for refusing to testify against Bankman-Fried. Bankman-Fried responded to this post by saying, "I agree with almost all of this." Serious Accusations Against ProsecutorsIn another series of posts made the day before, SBF claimed that prosecutors deliberately concealed certain evidence to mislead the jury. He alleged that this evidence was documented by a prosecutor who was later dismissed during the Trump administration. Bankman-Fried also claimed that Salame was threatened with fabricated charges and that pressure was exerted on him through his pregnant fiancée. In all his posts, Bankman-Fried frames the case as a "legal battle," or "lawfare" as he calls it. However, a federal court ruled that FTX's collapse resulted in approximately $8 billion in customer losses and convicted Bankman-Fried on seven separate counts of fraud.
South Korean Exchanges Simultaneously Delist Two Altcoins
A significant development marked the beginning of the week in the South Korean crypto market. Upbit and Bithumb, the country's two largest exchanges, decided to delist SXP and OAS tokens from the spot market. The announcements, made consecutively on the morning of February 10, 2026, quickly created considerable uncertainty, particularly for investors heavily exposed to the Korean market. The decision stems from a joint assessment under the DAXA, the exchange coordinating in South Korea.Delist decisions for 2 altcoinThe timing of the announcements was also noteworthy. Upbit announced the delisting of SXP from spot trading at 10:00 AM. Bithumb followed immediately with a similar announcement. Approximately half an hour later, both exchanges simultaneously announced the delisting of OAS. The decisions only apply to the spot market. High-volume pairs such as SXP/KRW, SXP/BTC, and OAS/KRW were delisted, and users were specifically instructed to withdraw their assets within the specified timeframe. SXP is known as the native token of the Solar ecosystem. The project, previously known as Swipe, stood out with its claim to combine payment solutions with the DeFi world. Used for staking, governance, and on-network transactions on the Solar network, SXP was launched in 2019 by a London-based team. However, in recent months, questions have arisen regarding the project's financial sustainability and transparency. SXP, which has been on DAXA's "investment alert" list since January 2026, had previously had its deposits suspended by Upbit. The delisting decision led to sharp fluctuations in the token price, which fell by 7% in the last 24 hours. The situation is slightly different for OAS, but the result is the same. The OASys network is positioned as a game-focused Layer-1 blockchain. Targeting Web3 game studios with its Ethereum-compatible architecture and near-zero gas fees, the project had long generated a positive perception thanks to collaborations with industry giants like Square Enix and Sega. Despite this, weakening trading volume on South Korean exchanges and communication problems on the project side led to OAS receiving a DAXA delisting warning. The token quickly faced selling pressure after the delisting news, falling by 3% in the last 24 hours.Korean Won-based trading pairs with Upbit and Bithumb continue to be the main source of liquidity for many altcoins. Therefore, delisting decisions affect not only local investors but also the global market. In the past, similar actions have resulted in value losses exceeding 20% for some tokens. For investors, the process is clear: assets must be withdrawn before the deadline set by the exchanges. SXP and OAS are still being traded on platforms such as Binance, MEXC, and Gate.io. However, it is likely that the liquidity leaving the South Korean market will continue to put pressure on these tokens for some time.
HYPE Commentary and Price Analysis - February 10, 2026
HYPE/USDT Technical AnalysisHYPE has become active again this year. The token has risen sharply in a short period and has seen a significant increase in trading volume. New features on the platform have made it easier for users to open positions across different markets, which has increased interest in HYPE. Falling Wedge Structure On the HYPE side, a falling wedge formation is clearly visible. A bullish breakout had previously occurred, but price failed to sustain it and moved back inside the wedge. This indicates that direction still needs confirmation in the short term.In the current structure, the 27.77 – 28.83 range is a critical support zone.As long as price stays above this area, we can say that the breakout has not completely failed and that the possibility of another upside attempt remains valid.In this scenario:Sustained price action above 28.83 → first 32.05, then the 35.62 – 36.99 range comes into playA renewed high-volume breakout above the wedge’s upper band would confirm a medium-term trend reversalOn the downside risk:Closes below 27.77 → positive structure breaksIn this case, price may pull back again toward the 24.72 and 20.48 support levels.In summary:27.77 – 28.83 is the short-term decision zoneAbove scenario: renewed wedge breakout and $32+Below scenario: formation invalidation and risk below $24These analyses do not provide investment advice and focus on support and resistance levels that are considered to offer short- and medium-term trading opportunities depending on market conditions. However, responsibility for execution and risk management lies entirely with the user. In addition, the use of stop loss is strongly recommended.
Crypto Funding Slows Down; Demand for XRP, SOL, and ETH Increases
According to CoinShares' weekly report, the sharp outflow from cryptocurrency investment products has slowed significantly. In the last week, a total net outflow of $187 million occurred from digital asset-based investment products. This figure represents a sharp slowdown compared to the approximately $1.7 billion in outflows seen consecutively in the previous two weeks. While the market is still under price pressure, this loss of momentum in fund movements is interpreted as approaching a potential breaking point in investor sentiment.What does the CoinShares report show this week?According to the report, CoinShares Research Director James Butterfill emphasizes that changes in the rate of flows, rather than absolute inflow/outflow figures, have historically provided more meaningful signals. According to Butterfill, the fact that outflows haven't completely stopped doesn't automatically mean a negative picture; what's important is the slowdown in the momentum of these outflows. In past cycles, similar slowdowns have coincided with periods when local lows were formed in the markets.On the cryptocurrency price side, the picture remains challenging. Although Bitcoin has lost approximately 9% of its value in the last week, its attempt to recover towards the $70,000 level is noteworthy. Despite this, total assets under management (AUM) fell to its lowest level since March 2025, reaching $129.8 billion. At that time, US tariff announcements caused a sharp market volatility.On the other hand, trading volumes are showing a strong increase. Weekly trading volume in cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs) reached an all-time high of $63.1 billion, surpassing the previous record set in October.Looking at the regional distribution, flows are not homogeneous. European markets stand out, with Germany leading the way with $87.1 million in inflows. Switzerland, Canada, and Brazil were also among the countries that recorded positive inflows. In contrast, outflows were noticeable in the US.What is the latest situation with Bitcoin and altcoins?When examined on an asset basis, Bitcoin showed the weakest performance of the week. With a total net outflow of $264 million, Bitcoin stood out alone on the negative side. However, some altcoins managed to attract investor interest again. XRP saw net inflows of $63.1 million, Solana $8.2 million, and Ethereum $5.3 million. XRP, in particular, has been the strongest performer since the beginning of the year, with total inflows of $109 million. Smaller-cap altcoins also saw noteworthy movements. Chainlink experienced quiet but steady demand with a weekly inflow of $1.5 million, while Litecoin flows remained almost balanced. While Sui saw very limited weekly outflows, the fact that total inflows since the beginning of the year remain positive is noteworthy. The $9.3 million inflow seen in multi-asset products suggests investors are shifting towards more balanced portfolios rather than focusing on a single asset. Conversely, the $11.6 million outflow from Bitcoin-indexed short positions (Short Bitcoin) is interpreted as a weakening of expectations for a sharp decline. In other words, investors are preferring to readjust their risk at current levels rather than aggressively seeking profits from a decline.
Binance Delists 20 Crypto Trading Pairs: Details
Binance, one of the cryptocurrency exchanges with the highest trading volume, announced that it will delist 20 different trading pairs traded on the spot market. According to the official announcement published on February 9, 2026, this delisting decision will take effect on February 10, 2026, at 08:00 UTC (11:00 GMT+3). The exchange management cited low liquidity and insufficient trading volume as the primary reasons for this move. 20 Spot Trading Pairs are Being DelistedThe trading pairs included in the delist are listed as follows: ARDR/BTC, BB/BNB, BB/BTC, BERA/BTC, DIA/BTC, FLUX/BTC, GALA/FDUSD, GPS/BNB, GRT/FDUSD, GUN/FDUSD, ICP/ETH, ICX/BTC, KAITO/FDUSD, KERNEL/BNB, MANA/ETH, NOM/FDUSD, REQ/BTC, XNO/BTC, YGG/BTC, and ZRO/BTC. Binance states that these pairs do not offer sufficient depth as a result of periodic market evaluations and increase the risk of price slippage for users. An important point stands out in the exchange's statement: The delist does not mean that the tokens in question are completely removed from the platform. For example, ARDR will continue to be traded on Binance through different trading pairs (such as ARDR/USDT). However, Spot Trading Bot services associated with the relevant spot trading pairs will also be suspended on the same date and time. Binance specifically reminds users to close their open bot positions in advance and take the necessary risk management steps.Projects on the Delisted List: DetailsAmong the delisted projects are some well-known names in the industry. To give a few examples; Ardor (ARDR) stands out as a blockchain-as-a-service platform aiming to solve the scalability problem with its parent-child chain architecture. Offering energy efficiency with its Proof-of-Stake based structure, Ardor caters to different use cases through customizable child chains. The Graph (GRT) is one of the fundamental protocols that enables the indexing of on-chain data in the Web3 ecosystem. The GRT token is used in paying query fees, indexer rewards, and governance processes. Internet Computer (ICP), on the other hand, presents a more ambitious vision aiming to transform the traditional internet infrastructure with a decentralized structure. It provides high-speed transaction and data storage capabilities thanks to Chain Key Technology. LayerZero (ZRO) is a protocol positioned in the field of cross-chain interoperability. Thanks to its Ultra-Light Node architecture, it enables cross-chain messaging and asset transfer without the need for bridges. FLUX, on the other hand, is a decentralized network focusing on Web3 infrastructure, bringing together node operation, staking, and governance processes under a single ecosystem. This decision is noteworthy as Binance's second major delisting step throughout February 2026. Recently, it delisted 20 crypto trading pairs from the spot markets. The delisting of 2 pairs from futures trading also attracted attention. Increased volatility in the relevant tokens can be expected in the short term, as past examples show that investors should exercise caution. Previously, similar delisting announcements have led to sharp declines in some assets, while speculative price jumps have also occurred from time to time. Binance reiterates that it determines its delisting criteria based on development activities, regulatory compliance, liquidity levels, and user feedback. The stock exchange management emphasizes that such steps aim to improve market quality and strengthen user security in the long run.
BNB Commentary and Price Analysis - February 8, 2026
BNB/USDT Technical AnalysisImportant steps are being taken to reduce network transaction fees, provide faster transfers, and attract users. One of the most notable moves is BNB Chain’s plan to launch its own stablecoin. In addition, the zero-fee policy for stablecoin transactions will continue throughout the year, which represents a significant advantage for users. BNB Current Outlook On the BNB side, the main ascending trend has not been broken yet. Despite the recent sharp decline, price has pulled back to the ascending trend line marked on the chart and reacted from this area. This zone is technically a meaningful support level.In the short term, the $628 level is critical. As long as price remains above this level, the current reaction is technically preserved. Above $628, the $668 – $681 band is monitored as an intermediate resistance area. If this zone is broken, $720 and subsequently $760 come into focus. As long as the trend is not lost, $760 stands as the final target.In the downside scenario, closes below $628 may push price back toward the $570 region. $570 is also the last line of defense for the trend. Losing this area signals a structural breakdown and brings the $516 levels into focus.These analyses, which do not provide investment advice, focus on support and resistance levels that are thought to create short- and medium-term trading opportunities depending on market conditions. However, the responsibility for trading and risk management belongs entirely to the user. In addition, the use of stop loss is strongly recommended for all shared positions.
Sberbank Officially Launches Crypto-Backed Loans
Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, is preparing to officially launch loans to companies using cryptocurrency assets as collateral. In a statement to Reuters, the bank announced that it is developing this product and aims to serve cryptocurrency mining companies and other institutional clients holding digital assets.From pilot success to commercial productIn fact, the foundations for Sberbank's move were laid last year. In a pilot transaction conducted with mining company AO Intelion Data in December 2025, the bank provided loans with cryptocurrency collateral for the first time. Intelion Data provided its own digital currency as collateral, while Sberbank secured the collateral using its own blockchain infrastructure and Rutoken hardware solution. Anatoly Popov, Sberbank's deputy chairman of the board, stated that this pilot application tested digital collateral mechanisms and would shape future regulations.The bank emphasized its readiness to cooperate with the central bank in developing the regulatory framework. Sberbank's move parallels similar products being explored by global financial institutions such as JPMorgan and Wells Fargo. Second in the competition, but strongIn Russia, the first step in the field of crypto-backed loans was taken by rival Sovkombank. However, Sberbank's entry into this market is significant because, as the central institution of the country's financial system, Sberbank's decisions are trendsetting.Sberbank's crypto initiative is an extension of its years-long strategy to build digital asset infrastructure. The bank, which announced in 2020 that it would create a digital financial assets platform, received approval from the central bank as a DFA (Digital Financial Assets) issuer in March 2022.Today, this platform is showing tremendous growth. According to Sberbank's announcement on February 2, the total value of digital financial assets issued on the platform reached 408 billion rubles ($5.3 billion) in 2025. This figure is 5.6 times the 73 billion rubles ($948 million) in 2024 and 204 times the 2 billion rubles in 2023.In early February, Sberbank announced that only 231 billion rubles ($3 billion) of new DFAs would be issued in January 2026, an amount comparable to the previous year's six-month period. The volume of digital assets held on the platform increased sevenfold in six months, rising from 25 billion rubles to 185 billion rubles ($2.4 billion). Regulatory roadmapThe Central Bank of Russia currently defines cryptocurrencies as foreign trade assets, allowing for their purchase and sale while prohibiting their use in domestic payments. The regulator has set July 1, 2026, as the deadline for finalizing a more comprehensive legal framework for crypto assets.
Alarm in ETH: Vitalik Buterin Sales on the Agenda
The recent surge in selling pressure on the Ethereum market is centered directly on Vitalik Buterin. Onchain data reveals that Buterin has made significant sales of his Wrapped Ethereum (WETH) positions, further increasing pressure on the already fragile ETH price. According to the Arkham data, Vitalik Buterin transferred WETH via Cow Protocol in recent hours, receiving PYUSD stablecoin in return. The size of these sales, which occurred in just a short period, reached approximately $2.5 million. The transactions, spread throughout the day, suggest that these sales may not be a one-off event, but rather part of a planned and gradual process of reducing positions. Buterin's wallet movements are being monitored in real-time by on-chain analytics platforms, reinforcing the perception of a "founder sell-off" in the market. Ethereum price falls.These developments coincide with a period when the ETH price has fallen below the $2,000 level. Ethereum's native asset, ETH, has lost approximately 60% of its value since August and over 40% since the beginning of the year. While Bitcoin and some large-scale altcoins experienced more limited declines during the same period, ETH's negative divergence is noteworthy. The selling pressure doesn't appear to be limited to Vitalik Buterin alone. Onchain data shows that tens of thousands of ETH have been released into the market in recent days to pay off loans on the decentralized lending platform Aave. As the price of ETH falls, its collateral value weakens, forcing borrowers to sell more ETH to avoid liquidation risk. Thus, the price drop becomes a feedback loop that triggers further selling. However, Vitalik Buterin's sales have a separate symbolic significance within this picture. While the reduction of positions by founding figures technically creates limited volume, its psychological impact can be much greater. Market participants interpret the selling by an "insider" as a strong signal of weakening risk appetite. On the other hand, the picture isn't bright for ETH on the institutional side either. Companies that emerged in the last year, dubbed the "ETH treasury," added ETH to their balance sheets as a long-term strategic asset. One of the best-known proponents of this approach, Tom Lee, has long maintained an optimistic stance on ETH. However, the sharp price drop has left a significant portion of these companies facing substantial unrealized losses. The general market perception is clear: the buying side for ETH is weak. Sales aren't solely driven by leveraged positions or fear of liquidation; founder sales, unraveling in derivative markets, and long-term investors incurring losses are all at play simultaneously. Ethereum's technical superiority or its leading position in the ecosystem is not being questioned in this process. However, pricing is shaped more by market psychology than fundamental data. Vitalik Buterin's WETH sales have further exacerbated this psychology. While it remains uncertain whether sales will continue, finding a strong short-term recovery narrative for ETH is becoming increasingly difficult. In the current landscape, ETH is acting less like an asset held by strong hands and more like an asset that nobody wants to get their hands on.
Crypto Project Close to Trump Under Scrutiny: UAE Investment Investigated
A senior Democrat in the US Congress has launched a notable investigation into World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a cryptocurrency project linked to Donald Trump. Representative Ro Khanna has requested comprehensive information and documents from the project, arguing that a $500 million investment, allegedly from an entity linked to the UAE royal family, poses serious risks to both national security and the constitution.WLFI is under investigationKhanna serves as a senior member of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition and the Chinese Communist Party. In a formal letter sent on Wednesday, he posed numerous questions to Zach Witkoff, a co-founder of World Liberty Financial. The letter also cited a previous Wall Street Journal report alleging that a 49% stake in WLFI was acquired by an entity called Aryam Investment 1. This investment is said to be controlled by an entity linked to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's National Security Advisor and brother of the country's leader. According to the report, the agreement was signed just four days before Trump took office and involved a $250 million upfront payment. It is alleged that $187 million of this amount went to companies linked to the Trump family, and at least $31 million to entities associated with Steve Witkoff.Khanna's letter specifically highlights the Chinese connections. It notes that companies like G42 and MGX, under Tahnoon's control, have had past dealings with Chinese firms, and that following this investment, the US approved export licenses to the UAE for advanced AI chips. These chips have long been under strict control to prevent technology leakage to China.The letter also scrutinizes MGX's $2 billion investment in Binance in March 2025. It states that this transaction was carried out using WLFI's USD1 stablecoin, and that Tahnoon was in contact with Trump in Washington during the same period. The fact that Binance founder Changpeng Zhao is expected to receive a presidential pardon in October 2025, shortly before the chip export approvals, is among the factors raising questions. Khanna argues that when all these developments are considered together, it could constitute not only an ethical scandal but also a violation of the "emoluments clause" of the US Constitution, which prohibits obtaining benefits from foreign governments. In this context, the WLFI is asked to respond to 16 separate questions by March 1, 2026, including ownership structure, investment agreements, due diligence studies with UAE-linked institutions, China-sourced revenues, and potential impacts on policy processes. The requested documents include contracts with Aryam Investment 1, correspondence regarding the Binance deal, and conflict of interest policies. The letter states, "These transactions and investments not only appear improper; they also raise suspicions of illegality. At a time when strategic competition with China is so critical, the American people deserve full transparency." World Liberty Financial has not yet issued any official statement to the public.
Binance is Delisting 22 Crypto Trading Pairs
Binance, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, announced that it will delist certain trading pairs to maintain the quality of trading in the spot market. In an official statement published on February 5, 2026, the company announced that a total of 20 spot trading pairs will cease trading as of 11:00 AM UTC on February 6, 2026. Two cryptocurrency pairs will also be removed from the futures trading platform.Binance Prepares for DelistingIn its statement, Binance emphasized that this decision is a result of periodic liquidity and trading volume analyses conducted on the platform. The company stated that each trading pair is regularly evaluated in terms of market depth, volume stability, and user experience, and pairs that do not meet the criteria are delisted. The following trading pairs will be delisted: AUDIO/BTC, BB/FDUSD, BERA/FDUSD, EIGEN/BTC, FIDA/BTC, HEI/BTC, IOTX/ETH, KERNEL/FDUSD, MANTA/BTC, MTL/BTC, NEAR/FDUSD, PEOPLE/FDUSD, RENDER/FDUSD, RONIN/BTC, SAPIEN/BNB, SCR/BTC, S/ETH, S/FDUSD, SUSHI/BTC, and VANA/FDUSD. Spot trading in these pairs will be completely suspended after the specified date and time. Binance states that such delisting decisions are mostly driven by low trading volume, weak liquidity, and conditions that negatively impact market efficiency. The company says these steps aim to enable users to trade in a fairer, more transparent, and deeper market environment. On the other hand, delisting a spot trading pair does not mean that the token in question is completely removed from the Binance spot market. Users will be able to continue buying and selling the same token through other trading pairs. For example, a token removed from the BTC pair can continue to be traded through the USDT or FDUSD pair.The exchange also announced that the Spot Trading Bots services associated with these trading pairs will also be disabled on the same date and time. Binance warned investors using automated trading bots about potential problems. Users were advised to close their active bots or update the relevant settings before the delisting date to avoid the risk of loss. Otherwise, it was reminded that unexpected positions or losses may arise due to the bots stopping.Two pairs also being delisted from futures tradingIn addition to the spot market delisting decision, Binance announced that it will also delist the RVVUSDT and YALAUSDT USDⓈ-M perpetual contracts from its futures trading platform, Binance Futures; All positions in these contracts will be subject to automatic settlement on February 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM and will then be completely delisted from the platform.Market analysts point out that such delisting announcements can often create selling pressure on the relevant tokens in the short term. Investors, especially those trading in low-volume pairs, warn that price volatility may increase with decreased liquidity. However, according to experts, these adjustments by Binance are paving the way for a more stable, reliable, and sustainable spot market structure across the platform in the long term.Binance has conducted similar assessments regularly in the past and has adhered to dynamic listing policies to adapt to market conditions.
Ripple Prime Chooses Hyperliquid: Integration Completed
Ripple, a global player in digital asset management, has made a significant breakthrough through its Ripple Prime service platform for institutional investors. The company has achieved its first direct integration in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space with the Hyperliquid platform. This step is seen as a tangible reflection of Ripple Prime's vision to bring together both traditional financial markets and on-chain DeFi products under a single infrastructure. According to a Ripple Prime spokesperson, the Hyperliquid integration provides users with access to on-chain derivatives markets. This allows clients to manage their positions on Hyperliquid alongside other asset classes they trade through Ripple Prime. These assets include cryptocurrency exchanges as well as traditional instruments such as currencies and fixed-income securities. Systemically, Ripple Prime remains the counterparty for its clients. Users transact through Ripple Prime, not directly with Hyperliquid or another exchange. This structure allows for the management of positions in different markets within a single risk and collateral framework. This eliminates the need for users to perform separate collateral or risk calculations for each platform. Processes are becoming simpler and more secure.The path to Institutional DeFiRipple Prime's move coincides with a period when interest in DeFi at the institutional level is rapidly increasing. In a statement, the company's international CEO, Michael Higgins, said, "As Ripple Prime, we continue to lead the way in combining decentralized finance with traditional prime broker services. This strategic expansion will offer our clients broader access to liquidity, higher efficiency, and innovation."Ripple Prime was rebranded following the $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road, completed in October 2025. Hidden Road was known as an unbanked prime broker operating in multiple asset classes. Following the acquisition, the rebranded Ripple Prime currently serves more than 300 institutional clients and, according to Ripple's website, handles over $3 trillion in transaction volume annually.It is stated that Ripple Prime's transaction volume has tripled since the announcement in 2025. The platform offers services including exchange, prime brokerage, and financing operations. Ripple's native digital asset, XRP, along with its stablecoin RLUSD, plays an active role in the solutions offered on this infrastructure.In recent years, Ripple has attracted attention not only for its activities in the field of payment solutions but also for the blockchain-based technologies it integrates into the corporate finance ecosystem. The company aims to revolutionize cross-border payments in terms of speed, cost, and transparency, acting as a bridge currency for banks and financial institutions through the XRP Ledger. In addition, it focuses on developing stable digital asset solutions with its stablecoin called RLUSD.XRP is currently trading around $1.56.
Standard Chartered Makes an Ambitious Prediction for Solana: $2,000 in 2030.
Standard Chartered advises investors to focus on quality blockchain projects, ignoring short-term fluctuations in the crypto market. The bank sees Ethereum and Solana as top layer-1 options due to their scalability, regulatory advantages, and long-term benefit potential. Market downturn creates opportunitiesThe recent sharp sell-off in the crypto market has reshaped the relative values of assets, but according to Geoff Kendrick, Standard Chartered's Head of FX and Digital Assets Research, this is a perfect buying opportunity. Kendrick says, "I'm a buyer in this digital asset downturn. Moreover, this is the beginning of a divergence period where quality projects are starting to come to the fore." The bank urges investors not to get caught up in short-term volatility and to "invest in quality." They predict that Ethereum will surpass Bitcoin, particularly due to its dominance in DeFi, scaling updates, and increasing regulatory clarity.Kendrick, who describes Ethereum as a "quality project," shares the same view for Solana: "Like Ethereum, Solana is also quality. Invest in quality." This approach points to a phase where real gains will be made as the market eliminates the weakest links in its risk-averse mode.Revised price predictions for SolanaStandard Chartered has lowered its end-of-2026 price prediction for Solana (SOL) from $310 to $250. This reduction is attributed to the time required for the network's next major use case to mature: "Solana's new dominant use case will take time." Nevertheless, long-term expectations have been raised; the bank predicts that SOL could reach $400 by the end of 2027, $700 in 2028, $1,200 in 2029, and $2,000 by the end of 2030.This optimism stems from Solana's ultra-low-cost and high-volume architecture. The bank believes that Solana will move away from meme coins and become a leader in micro-payments and stablecoin transactions. While transaction volume in SOL-stablecoin pairs is increasing on Solana's DEXs, the circulation speed of stablecoins is 2-3 times faster than on Ethereum. Kendrick says, "Solana will dominate micro-payments with AI-based applications and stablecoin transactions."The SOL price is around $96.2 as of February 4, 2025. Micro-payments will propel Solana forwardSolana's transaction fees average around $0.0007; this is revolutionary compared to the $0.015 fees of competitors like Base. This advantage makes previously uneconomical micro-payments possible and creates new AI-focused markets. The bank monitors the validity of this thesis by tracking stablecoin transfer volume and circulation speed. If the meme coin discount is lifted, Solana will surpass Bitcoin and approach Ethereum between 2027-2030.Market commentators also support this view. Investor Mike Alfred describes the downturn as a "standard risk-aversion move" and says that quality projects will bounce back. Developer Mike Ippolito, criticizing the overly bearish market commentary for ETH and SOL, describes layer-1s as "the Amazon or Google of our time": with large markets, high barriers to entry, and fee revenue potential.According to Standard Chartered, while Solana will lag behind Ethereum in 2026 and 2027, it will catch up with its scale, utility, and cost advantages. The current volatility is not a warning, but a screening mechanism; those who invest in quality projects will be rewarded. Kendrick's market-to-G metric (similar to P/E for crypto) shows that Solana is no longer trading at a discount.
Binance Completed Its Second Bitcoin Purchase for SAFU Fund
Binance, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, announced the completion of its second major Bitcoin (BTC) purchase for its SAFU (Secure Asset Fund for Users) fund, created to protect user funds. The company, which is gradually implementing its plan to convert its stablecoin assets, totaling $1 billion, into Bitcoin, stated that it will purchase additional BTC if the fund's value falls below $800 million. The SAFU fund was initially established in 2018 as an "insurance fund" against market volatility and security vulnerabilities. Its funding comes from small transaction fees deducted from transactions on the Binance platform. The company's latest move marks a significant change in the fund's structure: Binance now prefers to hold fund assets in Bitcoin rather than stablecoins. Recently, an additional 1,315 Bitcoins were added to the fund's wallet, bringing the total Bitcoin balance for SAFU to 2,630. While it was stated that these transfers did not have a direct impact on market prices, the transactions were carried out directly between the company's internal wallets, not via market orders. At the time of the transfer, the price of Bitcoin was hovering around $76,000.Binance plans to convert all $1 billion worth of stablecoins in its SAFU fund to Bitcoin by the end of the month. This is thought to both preserve the long-term value of the fund and reflect optimistic expectations regarding the value of Bitcoin. In the market, this move was interpreted as Binance once again emphasizing its confidence in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.Clear response to bankruptcy rumorsBinance is also dealing with bankruptcy claims that have flared up again in recent weeks. The company stated that it regularly publishes proof of reserves reports supporting user deposits and that these reserves more than cover user balances. It was also explained that the recent short-term withdrawal problems were due to technical reasons and that the issue has been resolved. Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao dismissed claims circulating on social media that the exchange was "going bankrupt" as "FUD" (fear, uncertainty, doubt) and warned users against misinformation spread through fake images. On-chain data also shows no significant capital outflow from the exchange. According to CryptoQuant data, the exchange still holds 656,736 BTC in its wallets. Furthermore, the withdrawal of 6,156 BTC from Binance's cold wallets in the last week was reported as part of normal operational activities. Despite market fluctuations, Binance's reserves show no net decrease. Analysts note that increased investments by large investors (whales) indicate continued confidence in the exchange. Binance's native token, BNB, is trading at around $755. The company is also expanding its SAFU fund to guarantee the safety of user assets in the event of potential market crashes or technical glitches.
