Solana Pushes Tokenization and Payments at Accelerate APAC in Hong Kong

The IMF finds stablecoins are increasingly integrating with the U.S. dollar financial plumbing rather than displacing traditional banks, tying crypto payments into existing dollar-based networks. This shift raises fresh regulatory and systemic considerations for policymakers and banks.

Aave founder Stani Kulechov proposed a DeFi protocol to use tokenized solar assets as collateral, aiming to tap a proposed $50 trillion renewable energy market. The idea would let lenders and borrowers access real-world solar infrastructure value on-chain.

Standard Chartered sharply cut its price forecasts, warning bitcoin could slide toward $50,000 and ether to about $1,400 in the coming months before recovering. The bank said the revisions reflect mounting stress across digital assets even as it retains a constructive long-term view.

On Feb. 15, 2026 Hong Kong announced a new package of crypto regulations and a stablecoin licensing framework designed to bolster the city's digital-asset sector and attract business.

The Federal Reserve is advancing a plan to grant cryptocurrency exchanges and fintechs direct access to its payment infrastructure via tailored "payment accounts," a proposal pushed by Governor Christopher Waller in late 2025. The move proceeds despite strong resistance from traditional banks.