Ex-Coinbase Contractor Arrested in India Over $20M Ransom Hack

Goldman Sachs reports that crypto-linked names such as MicroStrategy and Coinbase are among the most heavily shorted equities, reflecting growing investor skepticism toward the sector. The note highlights elevated short interest despite Bitcoin’s market activity.

Step Finance and SolanaFloor announced they are ceasing operations effective immediately following a late‑January treasury hack that impacted Step Finance. The closures represent a significant setback for early projects in the Solana ecosystem.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong told reporters he now puts the odds of the CLARITY Act passing at about 90% after negotiations showed significant progress, and prediction markets have shifted higher in response. The move signals growing confidence that U.S. lawmakers may settle on clearer rules for digital assets.

Coinbase has expanded its U.S. lending product to accept XRP, ADA and DOGE as collateral, letting customers borrow against popular altcoin holdings. The move broadens collateral options and offers another path to liquidity without selling assets.

Bitcoin's plunge toward $60,000 on Feb 16, 2026 erased billions and liquidated leveraged positions, exposing a stark split between Coinbase and Binance as venues handled the shock differently.