Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
MrBeast's Beast Industries Acquires FinTech App Step
On February 9, 2026, Beast Industries announced the acquisition of Step, a fintech app targeting teens and Gen Z with credit building, savings, and debit cards, boasting over 7 million users. This move follows a $200 million investment from Bitmine in January 2026 and a 2025 trademark filing for 'MRBEAST FINANCIAL' covering banking, crypto, and DeFi services.
The acquisition provides MrBeast with banking-as-a-service infrastructure to leverage his audience for financial products.
Bitcoin Jumps 1.75% After Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs
Bitcoin rose 1.75% to $67,769 following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down Trump tariffs, with Ethereum up over 2% near $1,960. The ruling alleviated trade tensions, boosting crypto markets shortly after the announcement.
Other major tokens also followed the upward trend in response.
Bitcoin Faces Challenges from Wall Street Embrace and Outflows
Bitcoin's integration with Wall Street has led to $8.5 billion outflows from U.S.-listed spot ETFs since October 10, with CME futures exposure down two-thirds to $8 billion. The asset failed as a hedge against inflation and market stress, prompting rotations to stocks and gold amid declining institutional demand.
Experts note thinner markets and negative Coinbase premium indicate spot demand has yet to recover.
DerivaDEX Launches Licensed Derivatives Trading Platform
On February 17, 2026, DerivaDEX launched its DAO-governed DeFi derivatives exchange after approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority, marking the first such platform with a regulatory license. The platform enables licensed derivatives trading in a decentralized environment.
This development advances compliant DeFi innovation.
Bitmine Immersion Technologies Reports $9.6 Billion in Crypto and Cash Holdings
Bitmine announced on February 17, 2026, that its ETH holdings reached 4.371 million tokens, contributing to total crypto and cash holdings of $9.6 billion. The NYSE American-listed company focuses on Bitcoin and Ethereum networks.
This strengthens its position in digital asset treasury management.
Figure Technology Suffers Data Breach Impacting 967,000 Customers
Figure Technology Solutions (Nasdaq: FIGR) experienced a major data breach exposing personal details of nearly 967,000 customer accounts. The incident highlights ongoing cybersecurity risks in fintech.
Customers are advised to monitor their information following the exposure.
Klarna Reports Losses Despite Revenue Surge, Stock Drops 25%
BNPL fintech Klarna posted losses for the period despite strong revenue growth, causing its stock to fall over 25%. For Q1 2026, it forecasts GMV of $32-33 billion and revenue of $900-980 million, slightly below estimates.
Transaction margins are expected at $300-340 million amid profitability challenges.
Insurely and PERmute Partner to Streamline Retirement Savings Transfers
European open finance fintech Insurely and French fintech PERmute announced a strategic partnership on February 20, 2026, to simplify retirement savings plan transfers. The collaboration leverages open finance to enhance efficiency in French markets.
This aims to improve user experience in pension management.
Bitmine's $200M Investment Backs MrBeast's Digital Finance Vision
In January 2026, Bitmine invested $200 million in Beast Industries, with Chairman Tom Lee linking MrBeast's platform to digital finance narratives. This precedes the Step acquisition and supports broad financial services including crypto DEX exchanges.
The move positions MrBeast for major fintech expansion.
Bitcoin ETF Investors Sell on Bounces Amid Declining Leverage
Declining CME leverage since mid-2023 and ETF outflows create 'sell-to-even' zones, limiting Bitcoin recoveries despite products like BlackRock's IBIT. Institutional demand retreat leaves markets vulnerable to thinner liquidity.
Genuine spot demand is needed for sustained bounces.
Step FinTech Provides Full-Stack Platform for MrBeast Acquisition
Acquired Step offers a full-stack fintech team, partner bank Evolve Bank & Trust, and products for financial literacy targeting Gen Z. Its 7 million users overlap with MrBeast's audience for seamless customer acquisition.
This equips Beast Industries with card issuance and banking capabilities.
Crypto Market Responds to U.S. Policy Shift with Ethereum Gains
Ethereum traded up more than 2% near $1,960 alongside Bitcoin's rally after the tariff ruling, signaling broad market relief. The policy change reduced perceived economic risks impacting digital assets.
Major tokens mirrored the positive momentum.