BTC Treasury Executives Urge Basel Committee to Revise 1,250% Crypto Risk Weight – Banking Capital Rules Under Scrutiny

Key Takeaways

Basel III Framework Applies Highest Risk Category to Crypto Assets

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, an international banking regulatory body, introduced specific capital requirements for crypto assets as part of the Basel III framework. In its 2021 proposal, the committee placed Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the highest risk category and assigned them a 1,250% risk weight.

A 1,250% risk weight effectively requires banks to hold capital equal to the full value of their crypto exposure. In practice, this means that any Bitcoin held on a bank’s balance sheet must be backed at a 1:1 ratio with approved collateral. Compared with other asset classes, this significantly increases the capital cost of holding digital assets.

For comparison, cash, physical gold and government debt carry a 0% risk weight under Basel III. Private equity, which is assigned the second-highest category, carries a 400% risk weight. The gap highlights how cryptocurrencies are treated differently from both traditional safe-haven assets and other higher-risk investments.

Industry Executives Argue Current Rules Misprice Risk

Executives from companies that manage Bitcoin treasuries have publicly called for reform of the existing framework. Jeff Walton, chief risk officer at Bitcoin treasury company Strive, stated that if the United States aims to position itself as a global hub for crypto activity, banking regulations need to change. He argued that risk under the current model is mispriced.

Chris Perkins, president of investment company CoinFund, said the capital requirements discourage banks from holding Bitcoin and other crypto assets. According to Perkins, the relatively high reserve requirements reduce a bank’s return on equity, a key profitability metric in the banking sector. When capital must be set aside at such a high ratio, the economic incentive to provide crypto-related services declines.

Perkins previously described the framework as a nuanced constraint on crypto activity within the banking system. Instead of direct restrictions, the rules make it expensive for banks to engage in crypto-related operations, which in turn can limit services available to companies and users that depend on regulated financial institutions.

Basel Committee Finalized Rules in 2024 After Industry Backlash

The Basel Committee finalized the crypto capital requirements in 2024, following its initial 2021 proposal. The decision drew significant criticism from parts of the crypto industry, particularly from companies seeking deeper integration with the traditional banking system.

For crypto firms that manage large Bitcoin holdings on their balance sheets, the classification affects how easily they can work with banks and how banks assess the capital implications of providing custody, trading or other services.

In August 2025, Perkins characterized the rules as a different form of constraint compared with earlier claims of widespread debanking in the crypto sector. Rather than denying access outright, the Basel III framework increases the capital burden associated with crypto exposure.

Signals of Possible Adjustment Amid Stablecoin Growth

In October 2025, reports indicated that the Basel Committee was considering easing capital requirements for digital assets. The discussion emerged as the market capitalization of stablecoins approached 300 billion dollars, according to data cited in the original reporting.

In November 2025, Erik Thedéen, chair of the Basel Committee, said the regulator may need a different approach to the 1,250% risk weight for cryptocurrencies. His remarks suggested that the current reserve requirements could be reviewed in light of market developments.

Although no formal revision has been announced, the public statements point to ongoing internal assessment within the committee. Any adjustment would affect how banks calculate capital buffers when holding or providing services linked to crypto assets.

Why Capital Rules Matter for Crypto Market Access

Basel III standards influence national banking regulations across multiple jurisdictions. When a high risk weight is assigned to a specific asset class, banks must allocate more capital to support related exposures. This directly affects balance sheet strategy and product offerings.

For crypto users, including those who rely on banking channels to fund exchanges, custody solutions or crypto-based betting and gaming platforms, the framework can shape the availability and cost of services. If banks face higher capital charges for crypto exposure, they may limit direct holdings or adjust the terms under which they serve crypto-related businesses.

Conversely, any revision that lowers the effective capital burden could change how banks approach digital asset integration within regulated financial systems. The debate over the 1,250% risk weight therefore extends beyond institutional balance sheets and into broader market infrastructure.

Our Assessment

The current Basel III framework assigns Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies a 1,250% risk weight, the highest category under the system. Crypto treasury executives argue that this treatment increases costs for banks and discourages crypto-related activity. The Basel Committee finalized the rules in 2024 but has since signaled it may reconsider aspects of the approach. Any formal change would directly affect how banks account for and manage crypto exposure within their capital requirements.

A7A5 Stablecoin Expands in Russia-Linked Crypto Ecosystem – Analysts Flag Use in Sanctioned Economic Flows

Key Takeaways

A7A5 Emerges as Ruble-Based Stablecoin After Western Payment Restrictions

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a range of sanctions restricted Russian access to the global financial system. Visa and Mastercard suspended international operations for cards issued in Russia, and foreign-issued cards stopped functioning inside the country. Russian banks were also cut off from the SWIFT messaging network, limiting cross-border transactions.

In response, domestic alternatives expanded. The Mir payment network increased its market presence after the exit of Western card providers. At the same time, Russian authorities moved to integrate digital assets into foreign trade. In December 2024, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said legislation had been passed authorizing foreign trade in digital financial assets and Bitcoin mined in Russia, describing crypto as part of the future of global payment settlement.

Within this context, the ruble-based stablecoin A7A5 was introduced in February 2025 by the A7 financial platform. According to legal and professional services firm Astraea Group, A7 is co-owned by Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, who is sanctioned and residing in Russia, and the state-owned Promsvyazbank, which has ties to Russia’s defense industry. The two developed a group of companies active in sectors including oil, gas, metals, chemicals and defense technologies.

Trading Activity and Exchange Listings in 2025

A7A5’s blockchain contract went live in February 2025 and soon began trading on Moscow-based exchange Garantex. Garantex was later sanctioned and shut down. Trading activity continued on Grinex, described by Chainalysis as a Kyrgyzstan-based exchange and confirmed successor to Garantex. According to Chainalysis, Grinex accepted transfers from Garantex immediately after its closure.

The token was also listed on the Kyrgyzstan-based platform Meer and on Bitpapa. Despite sanctions from the Office of Foreign Assets Control on these platforms, token growth accelerated in 2025. Chainalysis data shows that asset growth spiked after trading began on Bitpapa.

Daily trading patterns, as cited by Chainalysis, show that the majority of transactions occur Monday through Friday, with the largest number at the beginning of the week. Analysts state that this pattern aligns with regular business activity and corresponds with Russia’s legislative goal of facilitating cross-border transfers for Russian companies through cryptocurrency.

$39 Billion in Flows Linked to A7 Wallet Cluster

A January report from TRM Labs found that illicit or illegal crypto use reached an all-time high of $158 billion. The report highlighted a significant increase in crypto flows related to sanctions evasion.

According to TRM Labs, $39 billion in sanctions-related crypto flows were attributed to the A7 wallet cluster. The firm noted that these volumes represent sanctioned activity more broadly, including state-aligned economic flows, rather than exclusively sanctions evasion.

Ari Redbord, global head of policy at TRM Labs, stated that state-aligned actors, professional criminals and sanctions evaders are operating durable financial infrastructure onchain. He added that Russia’s illicit crypto ecosystem evolved in 2025 into coordinated, state-aligned infrastructure built for sanctions evasion rather than broad market use.

Andrew Firman, head of national security at Chainalysis, told Radio Free Europe in December 2025 that the development of the A7A5 token appeared to be a logical step in Russia’s efforts to build alternative payment systems to circumvent sanctions.

Company Response and Compliance Claims

Oleg Ogienko, A7A5’s director for regulatory and overseas affairs, has stated that the company does not violate Kyrgyz law, noting that doing business with Russian companies is not prohibited there. He said the company conducts Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering procedures, carries out audits and does not violate Financial Action Task Force principles.

A company spokesperson previously said that accusations of sanctions evasion are politicized and lack factual evidence. According to the spokesperson, companies and individuals use the A7A5 ruble stablecoin for export-import contracts, cross-border payments and blockchain projects.

In July, A7A5 announced that Promsvyazbank cardholders would be able to purchase tokens using their bank cards. The company stated that it plans to extend this service to other banks.

Relevance for Cross-Border Crypto Payments

Analysts describe A7A5 as part of a broader shift in which crypto infrastructure is used as an alternative financial rail for sanctioned actors. The scale of flows linked to the A7 network indicates that the ecosystem supports substantial commercial activity rather than isolated transactions.

For international crypto users, including those evaluating exchanges or payment rails, the case highlights how stablecoins can function within parallel systems shaped by national regulation and sanctions regimes. Listings on sanctioned or successor exchanges and the concentration of trading during standard business days suggest structured use tied to corporate activity.

The development also shows how stablecoins can be integrated with domestic banking infrastructure, as illustrated by the announced ability for Promsvyazbank cardholders to purchase A7A5 tokens.

Our Assessment

Based on the reported data, A7A5 has grown rapidly since its launch in February 2025 and has been associated with $39 billion in crypto flows linked to sanctioned activity. Analysts from TRM Labs and Chainalysis describe the token as part of a coordinated ecosystem aligned with Russia’s efforts to maintain cross-border payments despite sanctions. The company disputes allegations of sanctions evasion and states that it complies with applicable laws in the jurisdictions where it operates. The case illustrates how stablecoins can be embedded in alternative financial networks shaped by geopolitical restrictions.

ETHZilla Launches Aviation-Backed Token – Jet Engine Lease Payments Tokenized on Ethereum Layer 2

Key Takeaways

ETHZilla Introduces Eurus Aero Token I Backed by Active Jet Engine Leases

ETHZilla Corporation, listed on Nasdaq under the ticker ETHZ, has launched a tokenized aviation product called Eurus Aero Token I. The asset is backed by two commercial jet engines that are currently in operation with a US air carrier. The company acquired the engines for approximately 12.2 million dollars.

The token gives investors exposure to lease payments generated by the engines. According to the company, lease payments are collected on a monthly basis and distributed to token holders. The lease agreements run through 2027 and 2028, and the product targets annual returns of around 11 percent over that period.

The specific airline operating the engines has not been publicly named due to contractual restrictions. However, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to The Defiant that the carrier is described as one of the largest and most profitable airlines.

Token Structure and Distribution on Ethereum Layer 2

Eurus Aero Token I is issued on Ethereum Layer 2 networks and distributed through the Liquidityio platform. Each token is priced at 100 dollars, with a minimum investment of 10 tokens. The offering is limited to accredited investors.

ETHZilla stated that the engines are not financed with debt and that it does not plan to use borrowing to enhance returns for this product. The structure is designed around defined lease terms, creating an income oriented investment tied directly to the performance of the underlying aviation assets.

By using tokenization technology, ETHZilla aims to provide access to an asset class that has traditionally been available primarily to large institutions and private investment funds. According to CEO McAndrew Rudisill, jet engine leasing has historically required institutional scale capital and specialized market access.

Launch Comes Amid Growth in Tokenized Real World Assets

The launch takes place against a backdrop of increasing activity in tokenized real world assets, or RWAs. Data from RWAxyz shows that distributed asset value has risen to 23.87 billion dollars, representing an increase of nearly 11 percent over the past 30 days. During the same period, the value of underlying RWAs represented on chain increased by more than 8 percent to 21.41 billion dollars.

The number of asset holders also grew significantly, reaching 835,179, a 34 percent increase month over month. These figures indicate expanding participation in tokenized asset markets, spanning both crypto native participants and traditional finance entities experimenting with on chain representations of income generating assets.

In this context, ETHZilla positions its aviation token as part of a broader effort to structure defined income products using blockchain infrastructure. The company states that its objective is to provide direct exposure to institutional grade assets through tokenization, within the boundaries of securities regulations that limit participation to accredited investors.

Pipeline Includes Manufactured Home Loans and Other Asset Classes

Beyond aviation leasing, ETHZilla has outlined plans to tokenize additional asset classes. The company recently acquired a portfolio of manufactured and modular home loans and intends to bring these assets on chain next.

According to Rudisill, manufactured home loans represent an approximately 14 billion dollar market. He described the segment as a high yield, high quality asset class that has historically been accessible only to a limited number of private lenders. By tokenizing such loans, ETHZilla aims to broaden investor access while facilitating financing for manufactured housing.

Further potential areas under consideration include auto loans and commercial real estate, along with other income generating products. These initiatives form part of ETHZilla’s broader strategy following its rebranding in August 2025.

Corporate Background and Market Reaction

ETHZilla Corporation was formerly known as 180 Life Sciences. In August 2025, the company rebranded to focus on building an Ethereum based treasury and developing decentralized finance strategies. As of the latest available data cited by The Defiant, the company holds 69,802 ETH, valued at approximately 148.4 million dollars according to CoinGecko.

Following the announcement of the aviation token, ETHZ shares were trading at 3.40 dollars, up about 5 percent on the day. The product launch aligns with the company’s stated strategy of combining an Ethereum treasury position with tokenized income generating assets.

Our Assessment

ETHZilla’s launch of Eurus Aero Token I introduces a tokenized structure tied to active jet engine lease payments, with defined lease terms through 2027 and 2028 and a targeted annual return of about 11 percent. The product is issued on Ethereum Layer 2 networks, distributed via Liquidityio, and limited to accredited investors. The move comes during a period of measurable growth in tokenized real world assets, as reflected in rising on chain asset values and holder numbers. In addition to aviation leasing, ETHZilla has signaled plans to tokenize manufactured home loans and other income generating asset classes as part of its Ethereum focused corporate strategy.

Crypto Transactions Linked to Human Trafficking Rose 85% in 2025 – Blockchain Transparency Offers Investigative Leverage

Key Takeaways

Transaction Volumes to Suspected Trafficking Networks Increased Sharply in 2025

Crypto flows to suspected human trafficking networks rose significantly in 2025, according to a new report by blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis. The company reports that transaction volumes increased by 85% compared with the previous year.

In absolute terms, the total volume reached hundreds of millions of dollars across the services identified in the report. Chainalysis notes that the majority of these operations are based in Southeast Asia. The firm describes the services as closely aligned with scam compounds, online casinos, and Chinese-language money-laundering networks, sectors that have seen notable growth in recent periods.

For users of crypto payment systems, including those active on online gambling platforms, the findings underline the scale at which digital assets are being used in both legitimate and illicit cross-border activities. The report focuses specifically on suspected human trafficking services and their crypto transaction patterns.

Wide Range of Illicit Services Identified

Chainalysis tracked several categories of crypto-facilitated human trafficking activity. These included Telegram-based services advertising international escorts, labor placement agents that allegedly kidnap individuals and force them to work in scam compounds, prostitution networks, and vendors distributing child sexual abuse material.

The report indicates that payment methods vary depending on the type of operation. International escort services and prostitution networks operate almost exclusively using stablecoins. Chainalysis data shows stablecoins dominating inflows to these suspected trafficking services, highlighting their role in facilitating cross-border payments with price stability.

The alignment between trafficking networks, scam compounds, and certain online casino environments is specifically mentioned in the report. While the analysis does not suggest that regulated operators are involved, it identifies structural links between illicit services, online gambling interfaces, and laundering networks operating in Chinese-language markets.

Stablecoins Play a Central Role in Payments

Stablecoins are described as the primary crypto asset used by several of the tracked services. According to Chainalysis, international escort services and prostitution networks rely almost exclusively on these tokens.

The preference for stablecoins reflects their practical characteristics in digital transactions. They allow users to transfer value across borders while minimizing exposure to price volatility. In the context of suspected trafficking networks, this feature appears to support consistent pricing and predictable settlement.

Chainalysis provides a breakdown of inflows by asset type, showing a clear concentration in stablecoins for certain categories. Other illicit service segments demonstrate more varied crypto usage, but stablecoins remain a dominant instrument in the sectors highlighted.

For crypto users and platform operators, the data illustrates how specific asset types can become associated with distinct transaction patterns. Monitoring such patterns forms part of the compliance strategies described in the report.

Blockchain Transparency as a Tool for Law Enforcement

Despite the increase in transaction volumes, Chainalysis emphasizes that blockchain technology provides a level of transparency not available in cash-based systems. The firm argues that this transparency can enable law enforcement agencies to detect and disrupt trafficking operations.

According to the report, investigators can identify transaction patterns, monitor compliance signals, and target strategic chokepoints such as exchanges and illicit online marketplaces. Unlike cash transactions, which leave limited traceable records, blockchain transfers are permanently recorded on public ledgers.

Chainalysis recommends that compliance teams and law enforcement monitor indicators such as large and regular payments to labor placement services, wallet clusters that interact with multiple categories of illicit services, and repeated stablecoin conversion patterns.

The report also references enforcement outcomes from the previous year. German authorities dismantled a child sexual exploitation platform, and Chainalysis states that blockchain analysis contributed to that effort. The example is cited to demonstrate how transaction tracing can support investigative work.

Implications for Exchanges and Online Platforms

The report highlights exchanges and online marketplaces as strategic points of intervention. Because many illicit actors ultimately convert or move funds through centralized services, these platforms represent potential enforcement and compliance leverage.

For crypto exchanges and platforms that accept digital asset payments, including certain online gambling services, transaction monitoring and wallet clustering analysis form part of risk management frameworks. Chainalysis indicates that identifying repeated behavioral patterns across wallets can help uncover broader networks rather than isolated transactions.

The link described between trafficking networks, scam compounds, and online casinos underscores the need for operational oversight in sectors that facilitate high-volume digital payments. While the report focuses on suspected illicit services, it also outlines technical mechanisms that can be applied across the broader crypto ecosystem.

Our Assessment

Chainalysis reports an 85% year-over-year increase in crypto transaction volumes to suspected human trafficking networks in 2025, with total flows reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. The activity is largely concentrated in Southeast Asia and is described as closely aligned with scam compounds, online casinos, and Chinese-language money-laundering networks. Stablecoins are the dominant payment method for several of the identified services. At the same time, the report states that blockchain transparency provides investigative opportunities for law enforcement, particularly through transaction pattern analysis and monitoring of exchanges and online marketplaces.

Franklin Templeton and SWIFT Outline 24-7 On-Chain Banking Vision – Tokenized Funds and Deposits Move Toward Early Infrastructure

Key Takeaways

Asset Managers Push Money Market Funds On-Chain

Franklin Templeton is advancing the tokenization of money market funds, positioning them as a core use case for blockchain-based financial infrastructure. Speaking at Consensus Hong Kong 2026, Chetan Karkhanis of Franklin Templeton said the objective is to take traditional financial instruments and make them cheaper and more efficient by issuing them natively on-chain.

The firm is focusing on money market funds, a global asset class valued at roughly $10 trillion and composed primarily of short-term Treasuries and repurchase agreements. By placing fund shares directly on blockchain networks, Franklin Templeton enables access through self-custody wallets or exchanges. This structure is designed to provide 24-7 liquidity, removing traditional cut-off times associated with fund subscriptions and redemptions.

In addition to continuous access, the firm aims to reduce operational expenses. Shareholder servicing fees in traditional structures can range from five to 15 basis points. Tokenized issuance, according to the company, can lower these costs by streamlining record-keeping and transaction processing.

For users of crypto platforms, tokenized money market funds represent a regulated yield-bearing instrument that can exist alongside stablecoins and other digital assets within blockchain ecosystems. The model allows investors to hold fund shares in digital wallets rather than through conventional brokerage accounts.

SWIFT Develops Infrastructure for Tokenized Deposits and CBDCs

On the banking side, SWIFT is working on integrating tokenized deposits and central bank digital currencies into existing global payment systems. Devendra Verma, representing SWIFT’s digital assets unit, described tokenized deposits as digital representations of fiat balances already held on bank balance sheets.

Rather than replacing existing liabilities, tokenized deposits mirror traditional fiat holdings in a new digital format. This approach allows banks to modernize payment processes without altering their balance sheet structure.

SWIFT connects more than 11,500 financial institutions worldwide. The organization reports that 75 percent of its payments already reach beneficiaries within 10 minutes. Its current initiative aims to eliminate cut-off times and holiday delays by creating continuous availability, moving toward a 24-7 operating model.

To achieve this, SWIFT is building a blockchain-based orchestration layer. This infrastructure is designed to interoperate with central bank digital currencies, tokenized bank deposits and other regulated digital assets. The goal is to ensure that new digital forms of value can move across the same global rails used for conventional cross-border payments.

For market participants, including crypto users and operators that rely on banking partners, such interoperability could influence how fiat on-ramps, settlement times and liquidity management evolve in the coming years.

Tokenized Assets Remain Small Compared With Global Markets

Despite growing institutional involvement, on-chain financial assets remain modest in scale compared with global capital markets. According to figures cited during the panel, roughly $300 billion in stablecoins and about $40 billion in tokenized treasuries and other real-world assets are currently issued on blockchain networks.

Karkhanis characterized these amounts as small relative to more than $200 trillion in global wealth. The comparison underscores that tokenized finance, while expanding, still represents a limited share of overall financial assets.

For comparison platform users tracking crypto liquidity and collateral trends, these figures provide context on the depth of tokenized markets. Stablecoins continue to dominate on-chain representations of fiat value, while tokenized government securities and similar instruments form a smaller but developing segment.

Regulatory and Security Barriers Slow Institutional Scaling

Executives from Franklin Templeton, SWIFT and Ledger identified regulatory clarity and secure key management as primary constraints on wider adoption.

Verma emphasized the need for consistent standards covering accounting treatment, compliance requirements and balance sheet recognition. Without harmonized regulatory frameworks, large-scale institutional deployment remains limited.

Security and governance were also highlighted as critical issues. Jean-Francois Rochet of Ledger pointed to the challenges of managing private keys and implementing institutional controls. For traditional financial institutions, secure custody of cryptographic keys requires both technical infrastructure and organizational adaptation.

These factors influence how quickly banks and asset managers can transition from pilot programs to production-level systems. While tokenization is moving beyond experimental stages, the speakers described the current phase as early-stage infrastructure development rather than full-scale transformation.

Hybrid Financial Models Expected to Coexist

Although blockchain technology is often associated with disintermediation, the panel suggested that traditional intermediaries will continue to play a role. Karkhanis stated that decentralized access and conventional financial intermediaries can coexist within the same system.

Rochet added that while some intermediaries may become less central, those that remain will need to justify their function within a redesigned financial architecture. This reflects an emerging model in which regulated institutions, blockchain networks and digital asset service providers operate in parallel.

For users of crypto betting and online platforms, such hybrid structures may shape how fiat and digital assets interact. Tokenized deposits and on-chain funds could eventually influence settlement cycles, treasury management and cross-border transfers used by licensed operators and their banking partners.

Our Assessment

Statements from Franklin Templeton and SWIFT indicate that tokenized money market funds and digital bank deposits are moving from pilot projects toward early infrastructure deployment. The initiatives focus on continuous availability, cost reduction and interoperability with existing payment systems. At the same time, regulatory consistency, accounting standards and institutional-grade key management remain necessary conditions for broader adoption. Current on-chain asset volumes, including stablecoins and tokenized treasuries, remain small compared with global financial markets, highlighting that tokenization is expanding but not yet systemic in scale.

Crypto Prices Show Mixed Performance on February 12 – Major Tokens Post Modest Daily Changes

Key Takeaways

Bitcoin and Ethereum Record Moderate Gains

Bitcoin is priced at $67,054.00, reflecting a daily increase of 0.43 percent. The move places the largest cryptocurrency by market price in positive territory, though with limited volatility compared to some alternative tokens listed.

Ethereum trades at $1,971.31, up 1.20 percent. The second-largest digital asset by price shows a stronger daily percentage gain than Bitcoin, but remains below the psychological $2,000 level.

Other major assets also post gains. XRP stands at $1.38, up 1.63 percent. BNB records one of the stronger advances among large-cap tokens, rising 2.71 percent to $615.12. Solana, by contrast, shows a decline of 0.59 percent to $80.49.

Dogecoin increases 2.42 percent to $0.092507, while Cardano rises 2.23 percent to $0.260849. Tron posts a 1.61 percent gain to $0.278868.

Stablecoins Remain Close to Peg

Major stablecoins continue to trade near the one-dollar mark. USDC is priced at $0.999888, while USDT-related instruments such as USDD trade at $0.999452. TUSD stands at $0.997967.

Other dollar-pegged tokens including PYUSD at $0.999897 and FDUSD at $0.998601 also remain close to parity. Slight deviations of a few basis points are visible across multiple stablecoins, but no significant breaks from the one-dollar reference point appear in the data provided.

Gold-backed digital assets show limited movement. PAXG trades at $5,064.78, up 0.11 percent, while XAUT stands at $5,028.00 with a marginal 0.01 percent decline.

Notable Double-Digit Movers Among Altcoins

Several smaller-cap tokens register pronounced percentage swings.

STRK increases 66.46 percent to $0.0478124. ZK posts a 97.34 percent gain to $0.0225706. AMP rises 23.05 percent to $0.00152922. BEAM advances 96.05 percent to $0.00242509.

Other significant gainers include ICNT, up 77.78 percent to $0.482267, and 0G, which climbs 56.35 percent to $0.810921. JASMY records a 14.75 percent increase to $0.00611457. ENS trades 5.06 percent higher at $5.75.

On the downside, MYX declines 32.22 percent to $3.31. RIVER falls 6.87 percent to $17.59, and DCR drops 5.09 percent to $21.64. ZRO shows an 8.63 percent decrease to $2.12.

These moves indicate elevated volatility among lower-priced and mid-cap tokens compared to large-cap cryptocurrencies.

Layer 1 and DeFi Tokens Show Varied Performance

Layer 1 assets present mixed results. Avalanche gains 2.92 percent to $8.81. Polkadot rises 3.53 percent to $1.29. Near Protocol increases 2.40 percent to $0.981623.

Cosmos posts a 5.08 percent advance to $1.98. Algorand is up 1.97 percent at $0.0911071. Hedera records a 4.64 percent gain to $0.0924624.

In decentralized finance, AAVE climbs 3.77 percent to $109.62. UNI increases 4.90 percent to $3.41. CRV rises 5.40 percent to $0.239455. COMP trades 0.74 percent higher at $15.96.

Liquid staking and related tokens also show upward movement. LDO gains 13.86 percent to $0.339231. ETHFI advances 7.99 percent to $0.460945.

Exchange and Utility Tokens Reflect Broad Uptrend

Exchange-related tokens display generally positive daily changes. OKB trades at $74.84, up 2.63 percent. BGB rises 1.82 percent to $2.35. GT posts a 1.84 percent gain to $7.01.

KCS records a marginal increase of 0.23 percent to $8.04. HTX trades 1.54 percent higher at $0.00000169.

Other utility-focused tokens also post gains. GRT rises 34.65 percent to $0.0268961. ARB increases 4.18 percent to $0.111505. OP climbs 13.55 percent to $0.183161.

These movements suggest broad participation across different token categories, though with varying magnitudes.

Our Assessment

The price data for February 12 shows moderate gains among major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, while several large-cap altcoins post single-digit percentage increases. Stablecoins remain close to their dollar pegs. Smaller-cap tokens exhibit significantly higher volatility, with multiple assets recording double-digit gains and some notable declines. The overall snapshot reflects mixed but predominantly positive daily performance across a wide range of digital assets.

FanDuel Stops Accepting Credit Card Deposits in the US – Aligns Payment Policy With DraftKings

Key Takeaways

FanDuel Ends Credit Card Deposits for US Customers

FanDuel has stopped accepting credit cards as a deposit method for its US customers. The move means users can no longer fund their betting activity on the platform using credit cards.

According to the company, the decision follows an internal evaluation process conducted over the past few months. No further operational details were disclosed in the available information.

The change applies across the United States. As a result, customers who previously relied on credit cards to add funds to their accounts must now use alternative payment methods offered by the operator.

For users, the update directly affects how they manage account funding. Payment method availability is a key factor when choosing an online sportsbook or casino platform, particularly for customers who prioritize speed, convenience, or specific card-based billing structures.

DraftKings Previously Implemented a Nationwide Ban

FanDuel’s decision follows a similar step taken by DraftKings. Last year, DraftKings stopped accepting credit cards as a deposit method anywhere in the country.

With both operators implementing the same restriction, the two largest online gambling companies in the US no longer permit credit card funding for betting activity. This creates a consistent approach to this specific payment method among the market leaders.

The timeline shows that DraftKings introduced the change first, while FanDuel reached its decision after several months of internal review. The alignment between the two companies means that customers who use either platform face the same limitation regarding credit card deposits.

Impact on Users of Major US Gambling Platforms

The removal of credit card deposits has practical implications for account funding. Credit cards have traditionally been one of several available payment options on online gambling platforms, alongside other digital and bank-based methods.

For users who prefer credit cards due to reward programs, billing cycles, or established spending limits, the policy change requires an adjustment in how they transfer funds. Customers must now select from the remaining deposit methods provided by each operator.

From a comparison perspective, payment flexibility is often one of the criteria users evaluate when assessing sportsbooks and online casinos. The decision by both FanDuel and DraftKings narrows the range of funding tools available at the top end of the US market.

The update may also influence how users distribute their activity across platforms. When payment methods change, customers typically reassess convenience, processing times, and account management processes. However, the available information does not indicate any further changes to other deposit or withdrawal options.

Industry Context: Two Market Leaders Adopt the Same Policy

FanDuel and DraftKings are described as the two biggest online gambling operators in the United States. With both companies no longer accepting credit cards for deposits, a notable segment of the US online gambling market now operates under the same restriction.

Although the specific reasoning behind FanDuel’s decision has not been detailed, the company confirmed that it evaluated the matter over several months before implementing the change.

The development highlights how payment policies can evolve over time, even at established operators. For users and industry observers, such updates are relevant because payment infrastructure is a core component of online gambling operations. Changes to deposit methods can alter user behavior, operational processes, and competitive positioning within the market.

At this stage, the available information is limited to the confirmation of the policy shift and its nationwide scope.

Our Assessment

FanDuel’s decision to stop accepting credit card deposits in the United States brings its payment policy in line with DraftKings, which implemented a nationwide ban last year. As a result, the two largest US online gambling operators no longer allow customers to fund betting accounts with credit cards. The change directly affects deposit options for a significant share of the US online gambling market and requires users of both platforms to rely on alternative payment methods.