Hong Kong Victory Securities Suspends Crypto Trading for Mainland China Users
Hong Kong Victory Securities has announced the suspension of cryptocurrency trading functions for users with Mainland China identities, effective February 9, 2026. According to NS3.AI, this decision allows only withdrawals for affected users and follows previous restrictions such as buying bans and address verification pauses. These measures are in compliance with regulations set by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and policies from Mainland China. Meanwhile, non-Mainland tax residents can continue to trade cryptocurrencies normally on the platform.
Optimism's mainnet has announced the addition of support for the ERC-8004 standard. According to ChainCatcher, this standard facilitates interaction between AI agents across various organizations by enabling a discovery mechanism and portable reputation. This development aims to ensure the seamless flow of reputation, paving the way for a global interoperable market for AI services.
Vitalik Buterin Envisions Ethereum and AI Collaboration to Enhance Markets and Governance
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has outlined a vision for the integration of Ethereum with artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to enhance markets, financial safety, and human agency. According to Cointelegraph, Buterin shared his thoughts in an X post on Monday, emphasizing that AI should empower humans rather than replace them, although he acknowledged that the immediate future involves more conventional ideas.
Buterin identified four key areas where Ethereum and AI could intersect: facilitating trustless and private interactions with AI, establishing Ethereum as an economic layer for AI-to-AI interactions, utilizing AI to verify onchain data, and improving market and governance efficiency. He stressed the importance of developing new tools and integrations to ensure AI use remains private, preventing data leaks and protecting personal identities. The rise of AI chatbots has heightened concerns over private data leaks, as highlighted by Cointelegraph Magazine, which noted that chat logs from platforms like ChatGPT could potentially be used in legal proceedings.
Buterin proposed the need for tools that support the use of large language models (LLMs) locally on personal devices, employing zero-knowledge proofs for anonymous API calls, and enhancing cryptographic technology to verify AI-generated work. He also envisions AI serving as a user's intermediary to the blockchain, with AI agents capable of verifying and auditing transactions, interacting with decentralized applications, and suggesting transactions to users. This AI verification could significantly benefit the crypto sector, especially as sophisticated scams, such as address poisoning, continue to rise.
Buterin believes AI bots could economically interact to manage onchain activities for users, making cryptocurrency more accessible. He suggested that bots could be deployed to hire each other, handle API calls, and make security deposits, emphasizing that these economies should enable more decentralized authority rather than exist for their own sake.
Furthermore, Buterin sees potential for AI to enhance onchain governance and markets by using LLMs to overcome human limitations in attention and decision-making. He noted that while prediction markets and decentralized governance are theoretically appealing, they are constrained by human cognitive limits. By leveraging LLMs, these limitations can be addressed, allowing for a reevaluation of these concepts and scaling human judgment.
Hyundai Motor Shares Rise Following Robotics Unit Video Release
Hyundai Motor's stock experienced an uptick after the company's robotics division unveiled a video showcasing its Atlas humanoid robot performing a cartwheel and backflip. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the robot's impressive dexterity and lifelike movements, which have captured significant attention. The video release has sparked interest in Hyundai's advancements in robotics technology, contributing to the positive market response.
Ark Invest Increases Stake in Bullish with Additional Stock Purchase
Ark Invest, led by Cathie Wood, has increased its investment in Bullish by acquiring an additional 57,164 shares valued at $1.83 million on February 10. According to BlockBeats, this purchase follows a significant rise in Bullish's stock price, which saw a single-day increase of 16.76%.
Last Friday, Ark Invest had already purchased 393,057 shares of Bullish, amounting to approximately $10.8 million.
Hong Kong Forum to Explore Industry Trends and Opportunities in 2026
A forum titled 'Build and Scale in 2026,' jointly organized by ChainCatcher, RootData, and Alibaba Cloud, is set to take place today from 13:30 to 18:00 (UTC+8) in Hong Kong. According to ChainCatcher, the event is sponsored by Fortune Securities and supported by partners including Sei Labs, Tron, Brevis, Kite AI, Jarsy, Spark Protocol, Billions Network, Ju.com, SunPump, Vana, Photon Pay, Psy Protocol, UXLINK, Perle Labs, Phoenix, and Huazhi Education RWA.
As a significant side event of 'Consensus HongKong,' the forum will bring together global project leaders, investment institutions, and developers. It aims to focus on industry integration trends, growth paths, and market opportunities in the new cycle, with in-depth discussions on key sectors such as RWA, stablecoins, AI, payments, and DeFi.
XRP spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States experienced a notable single-day net inflow of $6.31 million on February 9. According to NS3.AI, the Franklin XRP ETF was at the forefront, attracting $3.15 million in inflows, while the Canary XRP ETF followed with $2.31 million. The total net asset value of these ETFs has now reached $1.04 billion, indicating robust cumulative investor interest.
Indonesia Prepares Troops for Potential Peacekeeping Mission in Gaza
Indonesia is gearing up to deploy up to 8,000 troops for a potential peacekeeping mission in Gaza. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting President Subianto's initiative to enhance the country's involvement in global security matters. As the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia is seeking to play a more significant role in international peacekeeping efforts. This move aligns with President Subianto's broader strategy to elevate Indonesia's presence on the global stage.
Tokenized U.S. Treasury Market Surpasses $10 Billion
The tokenized U.S. Treasury market has exceeded $10 billion, marking a significant milestone in the financial sector. According to PANews, Cointelegraph's monitoring reveals that Ondo Finance, Securitize, Circle, and Superstate are the primary issuers driving this growth. This development highlights the increasing interest and adoption of tokenized assets in the market.
PLS Group Secures Lithium Offtake Agreement with Canmax Technologies
PLS Group has entered into a lithium offtake agreement with Canmax Technologies, marking a significant milestone as the first Australian miner to secure a supply deal that ensures a minimum price for the battery metal. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the importance of this agreement in the context of the growing demand for lithium, a key component in battery production.
The agreement is expected to provide stability and predictability for PLS Group amid fluctuating market conditions. This deal underscores the strategic importance of lithium in the global shift towards renewable energy and electric vehicles.
The partnership between PLS Group and Canmax Technologies reflects a broader trend in the mining industry, where companies are increasingly seeking to lock in prices for critical minerals to mitigate risks associated with market volatility. This move is likely to influence other miners to pursue similar agreements as they navigate the evolving landscape of the energy sector.
Japan Viewed as Stabilizing Force Amid US-China Tensions
Asia's middle powers are increasingly looking to Japan as a stabilizing influence in the region amidst the ongoing tensions between the United States and China. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the growing perception of Japan's role in maintaining regional stability. As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, Japan's diplomatic efforts and strategic positioning are being recognized by neighboring countries as crucial in navigating the complexities of US-China relations.
Copper and Aluminum Prices Stabilize Amid Chinese Buying Slowdown
Copper and aluminum prices maintained their gains as a rally driven by Chinese purchasing showed signs of slowing down. Bloomberg posted on X, indicating that the market's momentum has stalled as China nears a significant holiday period. The metals had previously experienced a surge in demand, largely fueled by Chinese buyers, contributing to the upward trend in prices.
The slowdown comes as the country prepares for its holiday season, which typically impacts trading activities and market dynamics. Analysts are closely monitoring the situation to assess how the holiday period might affect future demand and pricing for these commodities.
The rally in copper and aluminum had been notable, with Chinese buying playing a crucial role in driving prices higher. However, the approach of the holiday period has introduced uncertainty into the market, leading to a stabilization in prices.
Market participants are now evaluating the potential implications of reduced trading activity during the holiday season, which could influence the metals' market trajectory in the coming weeks. The situation remains fluid, with traders and analysts keeping a close watch on developments in China and their impact on global commodity markets.
Xiaomi CEO Addresses U.S. Market Entry Speculation
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has clarified the company's stance on entering the U.S. market. According to Ming Pao, Lei Jun responded to inquiries on social media regarding a YU7 vehicle spotted on a California highway with local test plates. He stated that Xiaomi currently has no plans to enter the U.S. market.
Thai Equities Surge Following Bhumjaithai Party's Election Victory
Global investors have shown renewed interest in Thai equities following the Bhumjaithai Party's decisive victory in Sunday's election. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting that the party's win is expected to ensure policy continuity, which has attracted international funds back into the market. The election results have provided a sense of stability and predictability, encouraging foreign investment in Thailand's financial markets. Analysts suggest that the Bhumjaithai Party's policies will likely support economic growth and maintain investor confidence. The influx of global funds is seen as a positive sign for Thailand's economy, which has been seeking to bolster its financial sector amid global uncertainties. The election outcome is anticipated to reinforce Thailand's position as a favorable destination for international investors, contributing to the country's economic resilience.
Adani Energy Secures $750 Million Loan from Japanese Banks
Adani Energy has successfully obtained a $750 million loan, with two Japanese banks leading the financing, according to sources. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting this development as a significant indicator of the growing interest of Japanese lenders in the Indian market. This move underscores the increasing financial collaboration between Japan and India, reflecting a broader trend of international investment in India's energy sector.
Citadel Securities Appoints New Global Head of Structured Products
Ken Griffin’s Citadel Securities has appointed Richard Smerin from Morgan Stanley as the global head of structured products, according to a source. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting this as part of a series of significant hires in Asia. Smerin's recruitment is seen as a strategic move to bolster Citadel's presence and capabilities in the region. The firm has been actively expanding its team with experienced professionals to enhance its operations and market influence. This appointment underscores Citadel's commitment to strengthening its structured products division and its overall growth strategy in Asia.
Prudential Forms Committee to Investigate Employee Misconduct in Japan
Prudential Financial Inc. has announced the establishment of an independent committee to investigate misconduct by its employees in Japan, which has led to damages exceeding $19.9 million. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the insurer's commitment to addressing the issue and ensuring accountability. The company aims to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the misconduct and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. Prudential's decision underscores its dedication to maintaining ethical standards and transparency in its operations.
Queensland Expands Oil and Gas Exploration to Address Local Shortfalls
Australia's Queensland state has announced an expansion of oil and natural gas exploration in a significant basin. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the state's efforts to tackle local energy shortages. This move is part of Queensland's broader strategy to enhance its fossil fuel resources and ensure energy security for its residents. The expansion is expected to bolster the state's energy supply and contribute to addressing the current shortfalls in the local market.
Great summary - these few days we'll see a dense lineup of policy and macro data that could influence crypto sentiment. Regulation signals and inflation/employment data often shape risk appetite across digital assets. What we'll be watching: tone from policymakers and how CPI data compares with expectations. Tell us in the comments what you'll be watching 👀
Crypto Expert BNB
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Bullish
👉 This week is packed with important economic updates that could shake the crypto market.🚨
On February 10th, attention will turn to the White House, where officials are scheduled to discuss the Crypto Market Structure Bill. This meeting could bring new clarity on how digital assets will be regulated in the United States. Any strong signals from policymakers are likely to influence investor confidence.
The next day, February 11th, the latest U.S. unemployment rate figures will be released. Employment data is always a key indicator of economic strength, and it often affects risk assets like Bitcoin and altcoins.
On February 12th, the market will focus on initial jobless claims. Rising claims could signal economic weakness, while lower numbers might support a more positive outlook for financial markets.
Then on February 13th, one of the biggest reports of the week arrives. The U.S. Consumer Price Index and Core CPI data will be published. These inflation numbers are closely watched because they play a major role in shaping Federal Reserve policy. Higher inflation could increase pressure for tighter monetary decisions, while cooler data might encourage a more flexible approach.
Along with discussions around the Clarity Act and broader regulatory developments, these economic events have the potential to create strong volatility across crypto markets.
Traders should stay alert. This week could set the tone for the next major move in digital assets.$BNB {future}(BNBUSDT) $BTC {future}(BTCUSDT) $XRP {future}(XRPUSDT) #BinanceBitcoinSAFUFund #WhenWillBTCRebound #JPMorganSaysBTCOverGold
India's Market Sentiment Shifts Amid Tax Concerns and Banking Rally
India's financial markets are experiencing a mix of apprehension and optimism as concerns over a transaction tax increase persist. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the improving prospects for domestic equities and a notable rally among state-owned banks.
The transaction tax hike has been a point of contention, causing unease among investors who are wary of its potential impact on market dynamics. Despite these concerns, the outlook for domestic equities is showing signs of improvement, suggesting a possible shift in investor sentiment.
State-owned lenders have been at the forefront of a market rally, drawing attention with their strong performance. This surge is contributing to a more positive atmosphere in the financial sector, even as the broader market grapples with the implications of the tax changes.
Overall, the Indian market is navigating a complex landscape, balancing the challenges posed by tax policy adjustments with the opportunities presented by a strengthening banking sector.