Please be vigilant about TRM impersonation scams, especially those claiming to assist with fund recovery. See how leading agencies and organizations are disrupting crypto crime with blockchain intelligence The integration embeds TRM's blockchain intelligence into XZiel – Finray's unified compliance and decision engine — enabling real-time alert triage, automated escalation, case management, and continuous risk assessment across crypto and fiat transactions in a single operational environment SAN FRANCISCO – February 24, 2026 – TRM Labs, the leading blockchain intelligence platform, today announced a partnership with Finray Technologies, a unified banking infrastructure and compliance intelligence technology company serving regulated financial institutions operating across fiat and digital-asset markets. In January 2025, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) released a supervisory briefing to support national competent authorities (NCAs) in enforcing MiCA and began publishing a public register of MiCA-authorized entities and non-compliant firms. As the MiCA enters full supervisory enforcement, institutions operating across fiat and digital asset markets can no longer separate blockchain risk assessment from traditional payment monitoring. On-chain exposure, stablecoin settlement, and fiat payment flows are increasingly interconnected, requiring unified oversight. The partnership addresses this convergence by integrating TRM's blockchain intelligence into Finray's compliance workflows, delivering a real-time, auditable view of risk across both rails. As more economic value moves on-chain, compliance teams need auditable, explainable, and real-time transaction risk interpretation. “Financial institutions and crypto businesses need more than raw blockchain data – they need clear, actionable intelligence that stands up to regulatory scrutiny,” said Morley Gordon, Head of Partnerships at TRM Labs. “Compliance teams can't manage fiat and crypto risk in separate systems anymore," said Oleksandr Potapenko, Founder and CEO of Finray Technologies. "Embedding TRM's blockchain intelligence directly into XZiel gives our customers a single, auditable view of risk across both rails — where they can hold, clear, escalate, and document decisions within one environment. That is what operating under MiCA and evolving supervisory expectations actually demands. Partnering with TRM gives our customers access to the most trusted blockchain intelligence in the industry, embedded natively into their compliance and payment workflows. Together, we are shortening the path from regulatory intent to defensible, real-time action.” The integration is generally available to TRM and Finray customers. TRM's blockchain intelligence platform includes solutions to trace the source and destination of funds, identify illicit activity, build cases, and construct an operating picture of threats. TRM is trusted by leading agencies and businesses worldwide who rely on TRM to enable a safer, more secure crypto ecosystem. Finray Technologies is a unified banking infrastructure and compliance intelligence company serving regulated financial institutions operating across fiat and digital-asset markets. Its modular stack integrates core ledger infrastructure and payment orchestration through CoreBanq, together with transaction monitoring, wallet screening, sanctions screening, and case management powered by its XZiel compliance engine — into a single operational environment. This enables banks, EMIs, CASPs, and fintechs to manage digital-asset risk within the same workflows used for fiat operations. Customers should confirm the full chain coverage list with TRM for their specific use case. The integration is designed to support institutions in implementing structured, auditable, and defensible monitoring programmes aligned with MiCA requirements and broader AML/CFT obligations. Institutions remain responsible for their overall compliance frameworks. Institutions with an existing TRM API key can activate the integration within Finray's XZiel platform in days. Full workflow configuration – including case management rules, alert thresholds, risk rationale templates, and audit trail settings – typically takes two to four weeks depending on the institution's existing infrastructure. What are the data residency and security arrangements? Prospective customers are encouraged to raise DORA and Schrems II requirements during the initial scoping conversation. Institutions with an existing TRM API key can activate the integration within days. Full workflow configuration, including case management rules, alert thresholds, and audit trail settings typically takes two to four weeks depending on the institution's existing infrastructure. Contact Finray at partnership@finray.tech for region-specific availability and onboarding. TRM Labs delivers blockchain intelligence to detect crypto-facilitated crime, ensuring compliance and safety worldwide

San Francisco, California, United States, February 23, 2026 -- In a digital economy where milliseconds determine financial outcomes and automated systems execute across global jurisdictions, reliable time has become critical infrastructure. Clockchain today announced the public launch of its testnet, introducing a cryptographically verifiable blockchain time standard designed for decentralized finance, traditional finance, AI systems, and robotics. With the opening of its testnet to the public, Clockchain now offers decentralized timestamping, smart contract scheduling, and a timestamp API offering verifiable proof of time. All three services are powered by Clockchain's patented technology, which aggregates multiple independent global time sources and anchors a synchronized timestamp on chain every second via decentralized consensus. Unlike conventional blockchain timestamps that rely on validator or miner-reported block times, Clockchain provides a new uniform time standard that facilitates interoperability between on-chain, off-chain, real world, and digital world environments, enabling simple reconciliation. These Clockchain services provide a verifiable proof-of-time for any industry or enterprise that requires measurable performance while maintaining transparency and the ability to demonstrate compliance. The system provides a verifiable audit trail that can be independently validated across all platforms and ecosystems. “Most blockchains rely on validator-reported timestamps that were never designed to function as a global time authority,” says Ken Yamada, Clockchain CEO. “Clockchain introduces a cryptographically verifiable reference layer that applications can anchor to when deterministic timing matters.” Clockchain's trustless time standard empowers digital infrastructure operators across DeFi, TradFi, AI, and robotics to transact using a unified temporal framework. Developers and enterprises can access the new Clockchain services through its website or by visiting directly at https://services.clockchain.network. Clockchain is a time-focused technology company registered in Neuchatel, Switzerland. By leveraging the immutable nature of blockchain ledgers, Clockchain enables the secure authentication and verification of data, protecting against falsification and forgery. A global mainnet launch and simultaneous token generation event are planned following the testnet phase. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Contact Info: Name: Jonathan SeidenfeldEmail: Send EmailOrganization: Clockchain NetworkWebsite: https://www.clockchain.network/ Information verification has been done to the best of our ability. sector as a whole, complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.You are advised to conduct your own research and exercise caution. Investments in these fields are inherently risky and should be approached with due diligence. If you come across any problems, discrepancies, or concerns related to the content contained within this press release that necessitate action or if a press release requires takedown, we strongly encourage you to reach out without delay by contacting error@releasecontact.com (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our committed team will be readily accessible round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take appropriate actions to rectify identified issues or support with press release removals.

• Hong Kong registry filings show the IBIT stake is linked through director Zhang Hui, a Mainland China passport holder who is also the sole director of Avecamour Advice Limited, a Hong Kong company owned by a British Virgin Islands entity. • A spokesperson said the ultimate beneficial owner “prefers to keep a low profile” and that the position “reflects personal investment conviction,” declining to disclose further ownership details. What made it even more interesting is that it listed "Zhang Hui" as a director in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, a name as common in China as "John Smith" in the West, according to a X post by ProCap's CIO, Jeff Park. Indeed, CoinDesk found over 100 Zhang Huis listed as directors of different companies in the Hong Kong Company Registry. This sparked a week of speculation about potential Chinese capital entering the crypto market via purchases of spot bitcoin BTC$64,231.59 exchange-traded funds. "Smells like capital flight to me," Park said in his post. Even Bloomberg's ETF analysts weighed in, with James Seyffart replying to the post, "I spent almost an hour trying to figure this out earlier this morning, I got absolutely nowhere." Furthermore, Laurore, which holds the IBIT shares, is not incorporated in Hong Kong. And how does the mysterious "Zhang Hui" fit into all of this? Hong Kong Company Registry records show that Zhang Hui, with a matching mainland China passport prefix, is also the only director listed for Avecamour Advice, which was incorporated in March 2025. No other public details about Avecamour or its stakeholders could be found. "Our principal prefers to keep a low profile, and this position [in IBIT] is simply a reflection of their personal investment conviction," the spokesperson said. In fact, 13F filings identify reporting managers, but do not require disclosure of ultimate beneficial owners. Large investors often hold positions through multiple legal vehicles for structuring, custody, or privacy reasons. "Since these are private businesses, we don't disclose further ownership details," the spokesperson said. If it is "capital flight," in this context, it would mean funds moving out of mainland China into offshore assets via Hong Kong, such as U.S.-listed bitcoin ETFs, potentially to diversify wealth beyond the reach of domestic capital controls. Read more: U.S. BTC ETF Inflows Dwarf Hong Kong's as Local Investors Stick With Stocks Crypto has been nearly perfectly correlated with a key software sector ETF, and that gauge has tumbled another 5% Monday to a new 52-week low. Disclosure & Polices: CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk has adopted a set of principles aimed at ensuring the integrity, editorial independence and freedom from bias of its publications. CoinDesk is part of Bullish (NYSE:BLSH), an institutionally focused global digital asset platform that provides market infrastructure and information services.

Sharplink, Inc. recently completed a comprehensive brand refresh and expanded its Ethereum-focused treasury operations, including aggressive staking that has generated over 13,000 ETH in rewards while institutional ownership reached 46% as of late 2025. This shift toward “Ethereum with an Edge,” emphasizing disciplined growth, yield productivity, and institutional-grade execution, is helping position Sharplink as a dedicated corporate vehicle for exposure to the Ethereum ecosystem. Next, we will examine how Sharplink's sharpening focus on disciplined Ethereum treasury growth influences the company's broader investment narrative. Outshine the giants: these 24 early-stage AI stocks could fund your retirement. The recent brand refresh and emphasis on “Ethereum with an Edge” sharpen that story by shifting attention from raw ETH accumulation toward yield productivity and institutional-grade execution. With institutional ownership now at 46% and aggressive staking already generating over 13,000 ETH in rewards, near term catalysts increasingly hinge on how effectively management scales staking and treasury partnerships like the Linea deployment, rather than traditional operating revenue alone. At the same time, the 30-day share price drop of roughly one-third underlines that execution risk, ETH price swings, and a very new leadership team remain front and center. This news reinforces existing catalysts, but it does not remove those risks. However, one key operational risk tied to Sharplink's Ethereum-heavy model deserves closer attention from investors. Eighteen Simply Wall St Community fair value views span from fractions of a cent to very large figures, underlining just how far opinions can stretch. Set that against Sharplink's concentrated Ethereum treasury and fresh staking focus, and it becomes clear why different investors may see either a focused opportunity or a tightly coupled crypto risk, worth comparing before deciding what the story means for you. Find 53 companies with promising cash flow potential yet trading below their fair value. Uncover the next big thing with 32 elite penny stocks that balance risk and reward. Explore 23 top quantum computing companies leading the revolution in next-gen technology and shaping the future with breakthroughs in quantum algorithms, superconducting qubits, and cutting-edge research. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Shiba Inu issued a fresh alert as fake SOU NFT airdrop schemes spread quickly, and the warning urged users to verify all links carefully. Susbarium said fraud groups pushed these links across social channels. Susbarium stated that “the SOU NFT will not arrive by airdrop” and urged users to avoid any shared link that promises automatic rewards, and the group warned that fake sites attempt to capture wallet details. We are aware of multiple scam attempts involving the SOU NFT. Please remember that the SOU NFT will never be airdropped to your wallet. Fraud operators used shortened links to mislead victims, and they placed cloned domains across multiple platforms. Susbarium said these sites asked users to connect wallets without authorization. The group stressed that victims must only use the official portal at Shib.io, and it reminded users that private keys and seed phrases should stay confidential, and it added that exposing these details can give scammers full access. Susbarium urged affected users to type the portal address manually, and it encouraged them to confirm each domain before interacting. The channel warned that bad actors updated their tactics often. The group confirmed that the SOU NFT will not appear automatically, and it repeated that no airdrop will occur, and the team asked victims to rely only on verified instructions. It added that the NFT may be traded or merged, and it said these features depend on marketplace support, and the portal will show each option clearly. The team published new guidance to maintain clarity, and it said each update will appear on its blog, and it advised victims to monitor official channels. The team said it will release compensation in phases, and it confirmed that the project aims to restore affected users gradually, and it said each stage will follow internal reviews. The group said the repayment process will continue as claims progress, and it will update users when new batches open. It reported that claim numbers increased this week, and it said verification runs automatically on-chain, and the portal will refresh eligible data as needed. Maxwell is a crypto-economic analyst and blockchain enthusiast, passionate about helping people understand the potential of decentralized technology. Solana has always been one of the top altcoins to buy during strong market cycles.… Get hand selected news & info from our Crypto Experts so you can make educated, informed decisions that directly affect your crypto profits!

LayerZero's breakthrough technology could redefine blockchain efficiency and scalability for the entire industry. Bryan Pellegrino is the co-founder and CEO of LayerZero Labs, an interoperability protocol enabling seamless communication and asset transfers across blockchains. He previously co-founded OpenToken, a platform that allowed users to launch their own tokens. With LayerZero, he pioneered a messaging layer that has processed billions in volume and achieved breakthroughs like Zero for 100x blockchain performance gains. LayerZero's breakthrough technology could redefine blockchain efficiency and scalability for the entire industry. Bryan Pellegrino is the co-founder and CEO of LayerZero Labs, an interoperability protocol enabling seamless communication and asset transfers across blockchains. He previously co-founded OpenToken, a platform that allowed users to launch their own tokens. With LayerZero, he pioneered a messaging layer that has processed billions in volume and achieved breakthroughs like Zero for 100x blockchain performance gains. © Decentral Media and Crypto Briefing® 2026. Sign in to your account

Key takeawaysMeasuring real Bitcoin payments is difficult because many transactions go through intermediaries, crypto cards or instant conversions.Surveys show that a sizable minority of crypto holders have used crypto to buy goods or services at least once but rarely distinguish Bitcoin from other assets.El Salvador's experience suggests that making Bitcoin legal tender does not automatically lead to everyday retail use, especially when existing payment systems remain convenient.Payment processor data indicates that crypto payments are more common in online and high-value categories like travel, electronics and digital services.When Satoshi Nakamoto conceptualized Bitcoin, they thought of it as digital money. However, a question stands today: How many people really use Bitcoin to buy things?The answer is not simple. Payment data is fragmented, many transactions go through intermediaries, and a rising portion of crypto payments now use stablecoins instead of Bitcoin BTCUSD. Still, exploring surveys, payment processors, app ecosystems and country-level experiments will help you develop a clearer view.This picture reveals that, while Bitcoin hasn't yet attained widespread everyday adoption, it is used in situations where it solves practical problems better than traditional payment methods.This article explores what makes measuring Bitcoin payments so complex, what surveys indicate about spending behavior and what the El Salvador experiment reveals about Bitcoin payments. It also discusses what payment processors demonstrate about usage and when Bitcoin payments make sense in real terms. Measuring real Bitcoin payments is difficult because many transactions go through intermediaries, crypto cards or instant conversions. Surveys show that a sizable minority of crypto holders have used crypto to buy goods or services at least once but rarely distinguish Bitcoin from other assets. El Salvador's experience suggests that making Bitcoin legal tender does not automatically lead to everyday retail use, especially when existing payment systems remain convenient. When Satoshi Nakamoto conceptualized Bitcoin, they thought of it as digital money. However, a question stands today: How many people really use Bitcoin to buy things? Payment data is fragmented, many transactions go through intermediaries, and a rising portion of crypto payments now use stablecoins instead of Bitcoin BTCUSD. Still, exploring surveys, payment processors, app ecosystems and country-level experiments will help you develop a clearer view. This picture reveals that, while Bitcoin hasn't yet attained widespread everyday adoption, it is used in situations where it solves practical problems better than traditional payment methods. It also discusses what payment processors demonstrate about usage and when Bitcoin payments make sense in real terms. Why measuring Bitcoin payments is harder than it seems There are no global statistics disclosing a record of Bitcoin used at checkout. Instead, when it comes to measuring Bitcoin payments, analysts depend on indirect indicators: Consumer surveys that ask whether people have ever paid with crypto State-level efforts that aim to make Bitcoin legal tender Various factors explain why measuring Bitcoin payments is so complicated: Payment processors often convert BTC to local currency right away so merchants can avoid associated price risks. When someone uses a Visa card backed by crypto, the merchant receives fiat through normal channels. This is spending funded by crypto but not a true Bitcoin payment. Stablecoins tend to be used more predominantly in crypto payment flows. Tokens linked to fiat currencies, particularly dollars, make up a large share of transaction volume, whether for business payments or cross-border transfers. For this reason, it is useful to distinguish three separate cases: Paying directly with Bitcoin onchain or through the Lightning Network Paying with Bitcoin that is converted to fiat in the background In 2010, 10,000 BTC was used to buy two pizzas, marking the first known commercial Bitcoin transaction and proving that the network could be used for real-world trade, not just peer-to-peer transfers. According to GM Global Cryptocurrency Insights, conducted in 2024, 11% of respondents reported actively using crypto for purchases, while 19% expressed interest in using crypto for everyday transactions. A person who used crypto once to buy a flight or an online service counts the same as someone who uses it often even though their actions differ greatly in terms of payment adoption. El Salvador is the only country to have made Bitcoin legal tender nationwide, creating a natural testing ground for everyday payment use. Despite early incentive programs following the official adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, retail adoption in the country did not grow significantly. Only a fraction of citizens used it for regular transactions, and most businesses that accepted BTC reported very low volumes. Merchants had no compelling reason to encourage Bitcoin payments. The country initially made accepting Bitcoin payments mandatory for private businesses. However, in early 2025, businesses were allowed to decide whether to accept Bitcoin payments as part of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Bitcoin payments continue to be legal for obligations such as taxes and state bills. In certain countries, Bitcoin kiosks allow users to pay utility bills by converting BTC into local payment networks, turning crypto into an indirect but practical payment bridge. Crypto payment processors act as a window into merchant activity. Average purchase amounts are often larger than typical retail purchases. Categories such as travel, luxury goods, digital services and electronics appear more frequently. Another emerging trend is that stablecoins account for a major part of crypto payments. Merchants find receiving dollar-pegged tokens simpler to record and convert into their operating currency than holding Bitcoin. While crypto payments are rising in merchant systems, Bitcoin's share of this activity may not be the largest, whether in business-to-business (B2B) or peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions. Many transactions remain off the main blockchain, so total volumes are hard to track. You can use apps that facilitate Lightning, allowing users to pay merchants without directly holding Bitcoin. To the merchant, this counts as a Bitcoin payment. To the user, it may simply feel like a normal QR code scan. Nonprofits have started using Bitcoin donations to receive funds globally within minutes, especially when traditional wire transfers or card payments face regional shutdowns. Cross-border small business payments: Exporters, online merchants and freelancers sometimes choose Bitcoin to bypass international bank delays, currency controls or high intermediary fees. Fast settlement and finality matter more than volatility since funds are converted quickly. Remittances in certain corridors: Stablecoins lead most crypto remittance flows, but Bitcoin still plays a role where local on-ramps exist and recipients can convert easily. There is no exact global number for Bitcoin payments, and any precise user count should be viewed with caution. Everyday Bitcoin payment use has remained low, even in countries that encouraged it. Merchant acceptance exists, but payment volumes are concentrated in certain sectors and regions rather than broad retail. Future adoption of Bitcoin as a payment method will likely depend less on theory and more on the development of infrastructure layers. Apps that hide crypto wallets and private keys from users If paying with Bitcoin becomes as easy as scanning a QR code in a familiar app, usage may increase, depending on regulatory and market conditions. CUSIP Database provided by FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved.

Taking place from March 1, 2026, the sponsorship underscores BingX's long-term commitment to empowering traders and global Web3 communities through education, innovation, and responsible access to global markets. As Diamond Sponsor, BingX will have a strong presence throughout the event, supporting discussions around blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and the future of digital finance. As Diamond Sponsor, BingX will have a strong presence throughout the event, supporting discussions around blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and the future of digital finance. "We are proud to join Crypto Expo Europe in creating an important space for dialogue and knowledge exchange, helping global communities better understand how blockchain and AI can evolve responsibly and sustainably within the global financial ecosystem." Through its involvement in Crypto Expo Europe, BingX aims to support initiatives that encourage informed participation, foster open dialogue. Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange and Web3-AI company, serving over 40 million users worldwide. Ranked among the top five global crypto derivatives exchanges and a pioneer of crypto copy trading, BingX addresses the evolving needs of users across all experience levels. BingX has been the principal partner of Chelsea FC since 2024, and became the first official crypto exchange partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP in 2026. BingX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3-AI company, today announced the launch of a new logo for its philanthropic arm, BingX Charity,... BingX, a leading cryptocurrency and Web3-AI company, today announced its participation in Carnival in São Paulo, one of the world's largest street...

The annual event known as Ethereum Denver returned last week, as a tribe of crypto faithful descended upon the rodeo grounds of Colorado's largest city to geek out about the world's second most popular blockchain. Unlike the noisy religious revival feel of Bitcoin gatherings, the vibe at Ethereum events is more akin to a tech-infused folk festival. This year's conference was subdued compared to previous ones that coincided with to-the-moon market rallies but, contrary to the image of a forsaken hellscape tweeted by digital artist Beeple, it had plenty of energy and some heavy hitters—SEC Chair Paul Atkins among them. This edition of Ethereum Denver also comes at a time when the blockchain is trying to show it can cut it in the world of traditional finance. And in recent months, it has been trying to do so again. This is reflected in a debate that has flared up over privacy on the blockchain and led JPMorgan Chase, Visa and other big financial incumbents to experiment with Canton, a blockchain not built on Ethereum. On its face, it feels like the decision by big banks to opt for Canton, which can be described as kind-of-a-blockchain, means Ethereum could get frozen out of the current push by Wall Street to upgrade its backend to digital ledgers. But history shows this is unlikely to be the case. More broadly, debates over private and public versions of new technology amount to a choice between open and closed systems—and history shows open systems win in the long run. Some famous examples include cable giant Time Warner's failed attempt to sell the internet as a bundle of TV channels, or Microsoft's long-running but futile attempt to suppress Linux. Bank-built blockchains will also find it hard to attract top builders. I was reminded of this during an on-stage chat I had last week in Denver with Danny Ryan, a prominent early Ethereum figure who has a computer science degree from Princeton. Ryan is currently at a firm he cofounded called Etherealize, which seeks to bring Ethereum tools to Wall Street, and whose CEO Vivek Raman spent his career at firms like UBS and Morgan Stanley. The ascendant venture firm Dragonfly, whose bets include Polymarket and Ethena, has raised a $650 million fourth fund even as one of its four partners predicted a “mass extinction event” among the current VC ecosystem. In an ominous flashback to 2022, Susquehanna-backed crypto lender BlockFills halted deposits and withdrawals after losing at least $75 million during the recent downturn. Prominent crypto lawyer Jake Chervinsky is leading a new policy shop in D.C. The Trump family convened a Mar-a-Lago crypto summit whose guests included Brian Armstrong, David Solomon and CZ. It's unclear if the event, described as a “show of forces” for World Liberty Financial, will create momentum for key crypto legislation stalled in Congress. Software engineer and blogger Molly White, who has emerged in recent years as one of crypto's most prominent critics, is not impressed by Big Crypto's obscene political war chest. Jeff John Roberts is the Finance and Crypto editor at Fortune, overseeing coverage of the blockchain and how technology is changing finance. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website.

Data protection authorities from across the globe have today published a Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery. The statement represents the united position of 61 authorities and has been issued in response to serious concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) systems that generate realistic images and videos depicting identifiable individuals without their knowledge and consent. The signatories are especially concerned about potential harms to children. William Malcolm, Executive Director Regulatory Risk & Innovation, said: The full statement can be read here. All text content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated.

The UK's data watchdog, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), has won an important Court of Appeal ruling against retailer DSG, keeping a £500,000 fine in place over a major cyberattack. In January 2020, the United Kingdom's data protection authority (DPA) issued a £500,000 fine to DSG Retail Limited after a cyberattack compromised its computer system. The ICO researchers found out that an attacker installed malware on 5,390 tills at DSG's Currys PC World and Dixons Travel stores between July 2017 and April 2018, collecting personal data during the nine months before the attack was detected. The British DPA found out that the retailer failed to secure the system, allowing attackers to gain access to 5.6 million payment card details used in transactions and the personal information of approximately 14 million people, including full names, zip codes, and email addresses, and failed credit checks from internal servers. The ICO concluded that DSG Retail Limited had implemented poor security measures and failed to take adequate steps to protect personal data. This included vulnerabilities such as inadequate software patching, absence of a local firewall, and lack of network segregation and routine security testing. The Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the ICO, stating that DSG was required to take appropriate security measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access. “We welcome the CoA's confirmation that organizations must protect all personal data they process, regardless of how it might be used or exploited by hackers. This recognizes that even if hackers can't identify people individually from stolen datasets, cyberattacks can and do still cause real harm,” Binnie Goh, ICO General Counsel, said in a statement. “With the rising threat of cybercrime, this decision strengthens our ability to take robust action in the future and sends a clear message to all organizations: you have a protective duty to safeguard the personal data you hold,” she continued. /e/OS, a privacy-focused mobile operating system created by an open source advocate and former Linux Mandrake founder is drawing steady interest from users looking to reduce their reliance on big tech ecosystems. © 2026 Cybernews – Latest Cybersecurity and Tech News, Research & Analysis.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took questions at a joint media briefing after a customary post-Budget meeting in the national capital on Monday. The press conference followed the Union finance minister's meeting with the central bank's central board of directors. Here are key takeaways from the briefing: Finance minister All the gold available in the market is imported We are watching gold prices right now The situation is becoming a matter of concern RBI is also monitoring gold prices Purchases by several central banks in gold and silver have led to the rise in gold and silver prices RBI governor If there have been changes in the CPI methodology, we will also have to make changes Adjustments will be made in the April policy The decision on Margin Trading Facility (MTF) was taken after stakeholder consultation; no plan to make any changes at present Banks have a capital adequacy ratio of 17 per cent Even if no fresh capital comes in over the next five years, banks' capital requirements will still be adequately met More than Rs 1 lakh crore of FDI investment flowed into banks last year The reduction in US securities holdings was only due to dollar valuation changes We are monitoring IDFC's condition; this is not a systemic issue (This is a breaking news story. More details will be added shortly.)

The drop came as Asian equities rose in early trade, underscoring crypto's divergence from regional stock markets amid renewed tariff uncertainty. U.S. crypto firms also fell as markets opened on Monday. Bitcoin has seen a sharp sell-off since October last year when it crossed $125,000, with the downturn extending into the new year. The world's largest cryptocurrency is down 26% so far this year and has lost over 47% since the October high. "We believe that the sudden uptick in tariff rates is causing investors to sell crypto assets in anticipation of a more serious market decline," said Jeff Mei, COO at global blockchain technology company BTSE. Investors are also concerned that the build-up of U.S. military forces around Iran raises the possibility of an armed conflict that could spread regionally and impact global trade flows, he added. There has been massive U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, with Trump signaling last Thursday that he would decide in the next 10 days whether to launch strikes against Iran. Markus Thielen, head of research at market intelligence platform 10x Research, said bitcoin's latest drop was driven less by a single headline and more by weak liquidity and low conviction in the market. Thielen said the downturn fits a typical bear-market phase characterized by low volumes and uncertainty tied to U.S. midterm elections, expecting further downside toward $50,000 before a more durable bottom forms. Safe-haven demand saw spot gold trading over 1% higher Monday, showing a strong divergence from bitcoin, which has often been referred to as "digital gold," including by U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Ether — the second most popular cryptocurrency — was down 2% at $1,904. Earlier this month, Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan attributed bitcoin's slide primarily to the crypto market's "four-year cycle," arguing that the current retracement mirrors patterns seen in past downturns. Bitwise has more than $15 billion in assets under management, and is heavily into crypto ETFs. Hougan highlighted there was no single catalyst behind the losses, pointing instead to investors rotating into gold and artificial intelligence stocks, lingering concerns over Fed nominee Kevin Warsh and broader "quantum risk." Bitcoin had hit a more than 1-year low of $63,119.8 on Feb. 5. — CNBC's Blair Bao contributed to this report. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox