Crypto flows to suspected human trafficking networks climbed 85% during 2025, according to a Chainalysis report released Thursday. The firm said volumes reached hundreds of millions of dollars, with networks concentrated in Southeast Asia and closely linked to scam compounds, online casinos and Chinese-language laundering groups. It added that blockchain transparency could help investigators track patterns and intervene.

Israeli authorities detained a military reservist and a civilian after allegedly using classified information to bet on Polymarket about strikes on Iran. Prosecutors plan charges including security offenses, bribery, and obstruction, while reports indicate a June 2025 betting account earned over $152,300, though its link to the arrests remains unclear.

On Thursday, World Liberty Financial said it is developing World Swap to support currency conversion and cross‑border remittances. The DeFi venture linked to the Trump family aims to offer a lower‑cost alternative to traditional transfer providers. It plans to compete in FX and payments markets, where activity reached $9.6 trillion per day in April 2025.

On February 12, 2026, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission created a 35-member Innovation Advisory Committee made up of leaders from cryptocurrency, venture capital and traditional finance. The group will periodically advise the regulator on how to oversee blockchain, digital assets and artificial intelligence as they transform trading and derivatives markets.

On February 13, 2026, SEC Chair Paul Atkins told the Senate Banking Committee the agency may begin supervising certain prediction markets. Citing Certik, the sector more than quadrupled in 2025 to $63.5 billion, spurring lawsuits and a push for coordinated SEC and CFTC oversight, with contract by contract reviews to determine when products resemble securities.

The US National Credit Union Administration proposed its first GENIUS Act rules to license payment stablecoin issuers operating as subsidiaries of federally insured credit unions. The draft sets a 120‑day decision clock and bars denial solely for public‑chain issuance, with a 60‑day comment period starting after Federal Register publication.

In February 2026, six major crypto casinos stand out for combining blockchain-based payments with large game libraries, ranging from slots and live dealer rooms to full sportsbooks. These platforms, including long-running names like BitStarz and Cloudbet alongside newer entrants such as Bitz, Jackpotter, Cryptorino, and CoinCasino, support multiple cryptocurrencies and offer welcome bonuses that can reach several BTC or tens of thousands of dollars. Minimum deposits vary from around $1 to $20, allowing both small and high-stakes players to access fast, crypto-native transactions.

On 11 February 2026, the American Bankers Association asked the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to slow or pause approvals of national trust bank charters for crypto and stablecoin companies. The group pointed to unresolved regulatory frameworks, financial stability concerns, and what it sees as unfair competitive advantages from limited-purpose charters following OCC approvals for firms such as Ripple, BitGo, Paxos, Circle, and Fidelity Digital Assets. Crypto industry advocates argue these charters provide needed regulatory clarity and accuse traditional banks of trying to shield their market position.