The popular AI framework Virtuals Protocol will host an in-person meet-up in Hong Kong on Friday, January 17.

Feb 17 – Market maker Wintermute has officially launched its over-the-counter (OTC) business for institutional-grade tokenized gold trading, supporting the two leading gold-backed tokens: Pax Gold (PAXG) and Tether Gold (XAUT). Wintermute noted it will offer algorithmically optimized spot execution services to institutional clients, enabling trading of PAXG and XAUT against USDT, USDC, fiat currencies, and major cryptocurrencies—with on-chain real-time settlement and hedging capabilities. Data indicates tokenized gold trading volume hit $126 billion in Q4 2025, surpassing the top five gold ETFs’ trading volume for the first time in the same period. The on-chain gold market cap has jumped over 80% in the past three months, from $2.99 billion to $5.4 billion, reflecting market demand for 24/7 liquidity and instant settlement. Wintermute CEO Evgeny Gaevoy said gold is undergoing an infrastructure upgrade similar to the forex market. With accelerating institutional adoption, the t

**Bitcoin Fluctuates Narrowly After Brief $70k Touch; $120M in Liquidations Over 4 Hours** According to Cointelegraph, on February 17, Bitcoin briefly touched $70,000 before paring gains quickly amid light trading volume across global markets during the holiday. The price has since fluctuated in a tight range, washing out both long and short positions in a liquidation-like move. Holiday-thinned order book depth has made it easier for big funds to sway short-term price action. Data shows total liquidations across the network hit $120 million over the past 4 hours. Buy and sell walls popped up repeatedly on order books, only to be quickly rebuilt after being taken out — adding resistance above current levels and ramping up short-term downside pressure. Analytics firm Material Indicators labeled the current trend a mix of “breakout and washout.” Technically, Bitcoin’s weekly Relative Strength Index (RSI) has dropped to 27.8 — its lowest level since June 2022 — falling below the 3

February 17 Per Decrypt, if Bitcoin posts a February decline, it would mark its fifth straight monthly drop—setting a record for the longest streak of losses since the 2018 bear market. The current February slide stands at 13.98%. Since its all-time high in October 2025, Bitcoin has dropped 52.44%—only 3.82 percentage points shy of the 56.26% maximum drawdown seen in the 2018 bear market. The decline has unfolded in just 123 days. Total crypto market capitalization is $2.33 trillion, down 1.33% over the past 24 hours. While the Fear & Greed Index has risen from 8 to 12, it remains in “extreme fear” territory. Market predictors currently put a 60% probability on Bitcoin hitting $55k first, rather than $84k. Technically, Bitcoin’s price remains below its 200-day exponential moving average (EMA200), and the EMA200 sits below the EMA50—signaling bearish momentum. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 34.7 (oversold territory), while the Average Directional Index (ADX) is 56.4,

**Hong Kong SFC Adds Victory Fintech to Licensed Virtual Asset Trading Platform List** On February 17, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong announced Victory Fintech Company Limited has been added to its official roster of licensed virtual asset trading platforms. The regulator’s website now lists 12 licensed crypto and blockchain-related institutions—marking the first new crypto exchange license approval since Hong Kong’s BGE was greenlit in June 2025. Since June 2024, Hong Kong authorities have criminalized operating unlicensed virtual asset trading platforms, pushing several exchanges out of the market. Exchanges including OKX and Bybit have also withdrawn their license applications. Additionally, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui previously noted regulators plan to submit a legislative proposal on cryptocurrency asset service providers in 2026. While the SFC has licensed 12 firms, the Hong Kong Monetary Author

February 17th Despite Ethereum (ETH) posting a ~20% cumulative decline since February—briefly dipping below the psychological $2,000 level—on-chain metrics and derivative structures signal a potential rebound brewing. **On-Chain Insights:** - Over 2.5 million ETH flowed into long-term holder addresses in February, lifting their holdings from 22 million ETH (2026) to 26.7 million. - ~37.22 million ETH (over 30% of circulating supply) is currently staked, driving a steady contraction in available supply. - Network fundamentals have strengthened: Weekly transaction volume hit an all-time high of 17.3 million, while the median gas fee dropped to $0.008—an ~3,000x plunge from its 2021 peak. **Technical Setup:** On the 4-hour ETH chart, a potential **Adam and Eve double bottom** reversal pattern is emerging. - A valid break above the $2,150 neckline targets $2,473–$2,634. - A break of the recent swing low opens downside to the key $1,909 liquidity level. **Derivatives

Feb 17 – Per Bitget market data, spot gold and silver traded lower in morning trading. Spot gold fell below $1,950 per ounce, down 0.80% intraday. Spot silver dropped below $75 per ounce, with an intraday decline of 1.74%.