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South Korea’s National Tax Service accidentally exposed the recovery seed phrase of a seized crypto wallet in a public press release photo, leading attackers to drain about $4.8 million worth of PRTG tokens shortly afterward. The leaked seed phrase gave full control of the wallet, allowing transfers to unknown addresses within hours. Experts say the mistake highlights serious gaps in how authorities handle and secure sensitive digital asset information, raising concerns about institutional readiness for crypto regulation and custody.

The UK Gambling Commission is exploring allowing cryptocurrency payments for bets, starting discussions on how digital assets could be used by licensed gambling operators in the country. This move comes as the Financial Conduct Authority advances its digital asset regulatory framework, with new crypto rules expected to take effect by October 2027, and could open the door for gambling firms to seek crypto‑related licences under the updated regime. Regulators say the change could help protect consumers and reduce illegal gambling, though challenges like anti‑money laundering checks and crypto volatility remain key concerns.

Minnesota legislators introduced House File 3642, a bill that would ban the placement and operation of all cryptocurrency kiosks, physical crypto ATMs, across the state by prohibiting anyone from installing or running them. The proposal also calls for repealing existing rules that regulate kiosk licensing, require disclosures, set transaction limits, and govern consumer protections, effectively dismantling the current legal framework. Supporters say the ban aims to reduce scams tied to these machines, while critics worry it could limit access to digital currency services for residents

Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA) reported a $1.7 billion net loss in Q4 2025, down from a $528 million profit last year, mainly due to a $1.5 billion write-down on its Bitcoin after BTC fell about 30%. Revenue dropped 6% to $202.3 million, and adjusted EBITDA was negative $1.49 billion. By year-end, MARA held 53,822 BTC, with about 28% loaned or pledged, highlighting how Bitcoin price swings can hit the company’s earnings hard.

Terra Classic (LUNC) jumped 26.69% to $0.0000459 in 24 hours, sharply outperforming a mostly flat crypto market. The rally is driven by a rotation of capital into speculative altcoins, reflected in a rising Altcoin Season Index and extreme gains in low-cap tokens. A high-volume breakout above the 200-day simple moving average at $0.0000447 and key Fibonacci resistance confirms strong buyer momentum. If LUNC holds this support, it could target $0.0000494, while a drop could trigger a pullback toward $0.0000400.

Telegram’s TON Wallet has introduced an Earn feature that lets users deposit BTC, ETH, or USDT into decentralized finance vaults to earn yield. Through partners such as Morpho and TacBuild, users can earn up to 18 percent on USDT, about 3 percent on ETH, and around 2 percent on BTC, with rewards accumulating in real time on the TON blockchain. TON Wallet CEO Andrew Rogozov says this move brings everyday holders into DeFi using Telegram’s vast global reach.

HB 1042 has passed both chambers of the Indiana Legislature and now awaits the signature of Eric Holcomb. The bill defines cryptocurrency under state law and requires certain public retirement plans, including PERF and TRF annuity accounts, to offer self-directed brokerage options with crypto investments by July 1, 2027. It also prevents state and local agencies from restricting crypto payments, self-custody, mining, or staking, while banning discriminatory taxes or fees.

South Korea’s top exchange, Upbit, has added Seeker (SKR) and Espresso (ESP), while imposing temporary trading restrictions to stabilize early volatility. Buy orders are blocked for the first five minutes after trading begins, and sell orders below 10% of the previous day’s close are restricted during the same window. Only limit orders are allowed for the first two hours. Upbit also warned users to deposit ESP only via the Ethereum network and verify the official contract address before transfers. Seeker (SKR) jumped about 62%, while Espresso (ESP) surged roughly 50% shortly after the announcement.

On-chain investigator ZachXBT says he will release a major report on Feb. 26 targeting “one of the most profitable businesses in crypto.” He alleges that several employees at the unnamed firm used internal data for insider trading over a long period. Speculation is already building. Data from Polymarket shows Solana-based protocol Meteora as the leading guess, though other names remain in the mix. Full details are expected when the report goes live.

Brazil’s central bank is moving forward with a new regulatory framework for institutional virtual asset service providers (VASPs). The plan outlines clear rules for licensing, compliance, and supervision, with phased implementation set to continue through 2027. The goal is to bring stronger oversight to crypto firms operating in the country. Officials also aim to tighten anti-money laundering standards and improve operational requirements, helping create a safer and more structured environment for the growing digital asset market.

Markets turned uneasy after Donald Trump signaled plans to push global tariffs toward 15%. Investors worry the policy shift could tighten financial conditions and slow global trade. The announcement added fresh uncertainty at a sensitive time for risk assets, including crypto. Traders are now watching closely to see whether the tariff push expands or gets softened in the coming weeks.

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao returned to the U.S. in February 2026 for the first time since his 2024 release, attending a major crypto summit at Mar-a-Lago organized by Trump-linked World Liberty Financial. Zhao engaged with Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., later posting on X that he “learned a lot” from the event. The summit drew prominent figures, including Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, NYSE President Lynn Martin, investor Kevin O’Leary, Coinbase’s Brian Armstrong, Senator Bernie Moreno, and artist Nicki Minaj, highlighting widespread interest in crypto dialogue.