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Home Blog Page 25

MyBank By Bybit Operates Independently As a Retail Banking Service 

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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Bybit, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges based in Dubai, has announced plans to expand into retail banking services by offering “MyBank powered by Bybit” accounts.

These function as retail-style bank accounts, allowing users to hold and manage fiat currencies alongside their crypto holdings. The service was targeted for rollout in February 2026, and as of mid-February 2026 (current date), recent reports and posts indicate it has begun rolling out or is actively being enabled for eligible users.

Some sources from early February confirm the launch has occurred, with users able to access features like personal IBANs. Users receive a personal IBAN (International Bank Account Number) after completing KYC verification.

Initial support starts with USD, with plans to include up to 18 fiat currencies for holding, transfers, deposits, and withdrawals. Everyday banking functions: Receive salaries, pay bills, make large purchases, and handle cross-border transfers.

Aims to reduce friction and disruptions when moving fiat in and out of crypto trading. Integrates seamlessly with Bybit’s crypto platform for faster fiat-to-crypto on/off-ramps. Accounts are provided through partnerships with licensed banks, such as Pave Bank (a Georgia-licensed lender, backed by entities like Tether Investments in some reports).

In regions like the US, accounts may be sponsored by local partners. This makes Bybit operate more like a neo-bank or “new financial platform,” bridging traditional finance and crypto. Announced by CEO Ben Zhou in late January 2026 during a livestream and keynote, this is part of Bybit’s broader 2026 vision to evolve beyond a pure exchange into a global financial ecosystem.

It targets underserved users in emerging markets facing high fees, slow transfers, and limited access. This move positions Bybit similarly to fintechs like Revolut which added crypto later but in reverse—starting from crypto and adding banking rails.

It could enhance user retention by minimizing the need for separate traditional bank accounts for fiat handling. Availability may depend on your region, regulatory approvals, and KYC status.

Binance does not currently offer full retail-style bank accounts like personal IBANs for holding multiple fiat currencies, salary deposits, bill payments, or everyday banking like Bybit’s “MyBank” initiative.

Instead, Binance provides robust fiat on/off-ramp services integrated with its crypto platform, allowing users to deposit, hold, and withdraw fiat currencies to facilitate trading and conversions. These are powered by third-party payment providers and licensed entities, not direct banking accounts.

Binance supports multiple fiat currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and others like RON, CHF, CZK, PLN, SEK, HUF, ILS, KWD via specific channels. Methods include bank transfers; SWIFT via BPay Global BSC, licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain, card payments, P2P trading, and local gateways.

Users can activate services like BPay for bank transfers: Log in ? Deposit ? Select currency and Bank Transfer ? Activate account ? Receive details to transfer from your personal bank. Withdrawals to bank accounts or, in some regions, directly to cards like Mastercard for near-instant fiat cash-outs after selling crypto.

Fiat Wallet: A dedicated spot/fiat wallet holds fiat balances after deposits or crypto sales. Enables seamless crypto purchases/sales with low fees and competitive rates. In Australia, Binance restored direct PayID and bank transfers in January 2026 after a two-year hiatus due to prior banking restrictions, allowing real-time AUD deposits/withdrawals via partners like Bolt Financial Group.

In Europe/UK, direct card withdrawals and broader fiat options are available. Binance.US restored USD ACH deposits/withdrawals in 2025 after a long pause. Binance offers Banking Triparty services for institutions; holding collateral like fiat or Treasuries off-exchange with third-party banks, with promotions like 0% fees extended into early 2026.

Partnerships with banks like BBVA in Spain for custody and transitions from providers like Bifinity UAB. Unlike Bybit’s push toward “MyBank powered by Bybit” (personal IBANs, multi-fiat holding, salary/bill payments via licensed bank partners like Pave Bank), Binance focuses on exchange-integrated fiat rails rather than evolving into a neo-bank for retail everyday use.

Binance emphasizes fast, low-friction crypto-fiat conversions, P2P, and global payment methods without providing standalone banking features like personal IBANs or direct fiat ecosystem integration beyond trading. Availability varies by region due to regulations, KYC requirements, and licensed partners—always verify in your Binance app or official site, as services can change.

Fiat services on exchanges are not traditional bank deposits (no universal insurance like FDIC), involve risks, and are for facilitating crypto activities.

What Traffic Data Reveals About The Most Dangerous Roads in Lexington

By
TI Partners
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0

Lexington is a city shaped by constant motion. Each day, residents move between work, school, and home, relying on major corridors that keep Lexington County connected. With so much daily activity concentrated on a limited number of routes, certain roadways naturally carry heavier risks than others.

Understanding crash patterns requires looking beyond individual accidents to see how road design, traffic volume, and driver behavior interact. When fast-moving roads meet busy intersections or commercial areas, the risk of serious collisions rises, creating recurring danger zones throughout the city.

What Are The Top Danger Zones In Lexington For 2026?

Recent traffic reports reveal that a small number of Lexington streets account for most serious accidents, highlighting the city’s top danger zones for 2026. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s, Lexington County reported 47 people killed in traffic collisions in 2023, underscoring the ongoing severity of road safety challenges in the county

If you are hurt in a crash on one of these high-risk roads, a Lexington car accident lawyer from Stewart Law Offices can explain your legal options and help safeguard your rights. After a crash, knowing what steps to take and which evidence matters most can be overwhelming without guidance. Some of the city’s most dangerous zones include:

  • Interstate 26 at Bush River Road: Known as one of Lexington County’s most dangerous intersections, this area has seen many crashes.
  • Interstate 26 at Harbison Boulevard: High-speed traffic meets dense commercial activity here, making merging and exiting challenging. This intersection has experienced multiple serious collisions due to heavy interstate and local traffic interactions.
  • Interstate 20 at Clemson Road: The mix of fast-moving interstate vehicles and slower local traffic creates a location where accidents occur more frequently. Drivers often struggle with adjusting speeds while entering or leaving the highway.
  • Interstate 26 at Charleston Highway: This interchange has been the site of multiple collisions, including crashes causing injuries and property damage. The combination of commuter and commercial traffic contributes to its risk.
  • Interstate 26 at Sunset Boulevard: Serving as a main route to retail and commercial areas, this intersection has been the site of several accidents. A significant number involve injuries, while many others result in property damage, highlighting the ongoing safety challenges in this busy corridor.

When Do Most Lexington Car Crashes Occur?

Looking at the clock is just as important as looking at the map when checking for road safety. Accidents are more likely during peak traffic hours.

  • Morning rush hour between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM.
  • Evening commute times from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Which County Roadways Rank as the Worst for Drivers?

Lexington County, SC, contains several roadways with high traffic and recurring accidents, presenting challenges for drivers. Some of the county’s most dangerous roadways include:

  • Two Notch Road: Stretching from Columbia into Lexington County, this busy artery carries both commuter and commercial traffic, creating frequent congestion and accident risk.
  • Sunset Boulevard: Connecting I-26 to residential and commercial districts, this road handles heavy local traffic, making it a common hotspot for collisions.
  • US Highway 1: Running north-south through Lexington, it passes numerous businesses and shopping areas, contributing to high traffic and crash potential.
  • Charleston Highway (US 321): A major route from West Columbia into Lexington County, known for steady traffic and frequent incidents.
  • SC Highway 6: Serving as a key east-west corridor, it links neighborhoods, retail areas, and interstate ramps, often experiencing heavy traffic flow and collisions.

Where Are Pedestrians Most at Risk in the City?

Areas near downtown and around the university see the highest pedestrian activity, making careful attention essential for both walkers and drivers.

State data from early 2025 highlights the ongoing safety concerns, reporting that 110 pedestrian and bicyclist deaths were recorded on South Carolina roads in 2024. Officials continue to focus on these high-risk zones to reduce accidents and improve safety for everyone on foot.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident in Lexington, you can visit the Stewart Law Offices at 203-D West Main Street, just 2 minutes from Virginia Hylton Park, or call (803)-520-0003 to speak with a Lexington car accident lawyer who can help protect your rights.

How Can Drivers Lower Their Risk on Dangerous Roads?

Safety begins with simple, consistent choices whenever you drive. The latest statistics show that small habits can make a big difference: in 2024, 47% of fatalities involved unrestrained occupants, and 22% of crashes were caused by driver distraction. Wearing your seat belt and avoiding phone use are proven ways to reduce your risk of serious injury.

As Lexington Car Accident lawyer Stephen Vicari notes, “Staying alert, following traffic rules, and driving cautiously are the best ways to protect yourself. Even small habits, like buckling your seatbelt or putting your phone away, can make a big difference in preventing accidents.”

FAQs

  1. How does vehicle type affect crash risk?

Commercial vehicles and trucks are involved in a higher share of collisions at high-traffic intersections due to size, speed differences, and limited maneuverability.

  1. Are motorcyclists at higher risk on these roads?

Yes. Intersections and high-speed corridors are particularly dangerous for motorcycles because of visibility issues and the higher severity of injuries in crashes.

  1. How does traffic volume impact road danger?

Higher traffic density increases the likelihood of collisions, especially during rush hours or near busy commercial areas.

Odds for Another US Government Shutdown Surge on Polymarket 

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

The odds on Polymarket for another US government shutdown by February 14, 2026, have surged significantly in recent days, reflecting stalled negotiations over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding and broader appropriations lapses.

The “Yes” probability stands at 95%, up from around 73% earlier in the week on February 10. This market has seen over $2.3 million in trading volume, with recent large bets including a $50,000 wager on “Yes” at high odds pushing the probability higher amid growing trader consensus on a shutdown.

The market resolves to “Yes” if the US Office of Personnel Management announces a federal shutdown due to lapsed funding by 11:59 PM ET on February 14—effectively covering the end of this week. Comparable markets on platforms like Kalshi show similar pessimism, with low odds around 3% for a DHS funding deal passing Congress this week.

Recent X posts highlight the rapid shift, with multiple users noting the jump to 95%+ and warning of market volatility in assets like Bitcoin due to uncertainty. If a shutdown occurs, it would primarily affect DHS operations starting February 13 at midnight, potentially leading to broader economic ripples like delayed data releases and financial market swings.

However, prediction markets like this have historically been accurate, over 94% a month out, so this high probability suggests a real risk, though resolutions can still shift with last-minute deals. A potential US government shutdown in February 2026, stemming from stalled negotiations over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, would primarily affect DHS operations starting after midnight on February 13.

This partial shutdown—potentially the third in recent months—would disrupt about 13% of the federal civilian workforce, with most essential personnel required to work without pay until resolved. While immigration enforcement and border operations under ICE and CBP would largely continue due to prior funding allocations, other DHS components could face significant operational challenges.

Approximately 56,000 Coast Guard personnel (active duty, reserve, and civilian) could go without pay if the shutdown extends beyond a few days, suspending non-essential missions except those for national security or life protection. TSA screeners and other essential DHS staff in cybersecurity and counter-terrorism would continue working unpaid, potentially leading to higher attrition rates and morale erosion.

Broader furloughs could affect up to 2 million federal workers across impacted agencies, though this shutdown is limited to DHS. Extended shutdowns exacerbate staffing issues; for instance, TSA could see increased turnover, delaying technology upgrades and security enhancements.

TSA checkpoints at airports would remain operational but could face slowdowns if unpaid workers call out, leading to longer lines and potential flight delays—similar to the 10% schedule reductions during the 2025 shutdown. FAA funding is unaffected, so air traffic control continues normally.

FEMA operations could be hampered, delaying responses to natural disasters, though essential functions persist. The Coast Guard would limit activities to critical safety missions. CISA’s finalization of a cyber incident reporting rule would pause, delaying mandatory reporting for critical infrastructure.

Law enforcement training and non-essential counter-terrorism efforts could be suspended. Minimal public disruption expected, as ports of entry stay open and ERO/OPLA focus on detained cases. However, employers might face delays in PERM processing, LCAs for H-1B visas, and prevailing wage determinations.

Consular visa services could slow. Programs like E-Verify, EB-5 Regional Centers, and Conrad 30 J-1 doctors would halt. National parks (if broader) could close, though this shutdown is DHS-specific. Shutdowns typically reduce GDP by 0.1-0.2% per week; the 2025 six-week shutdown caused an $11 billion loss, with permanent costs up to $14 billion.

Recent data shows a 1.5-point GDP drop from prior shutdowns, alongside job losses e.g., 72,000 in manufacturing and inflation rises to 2.7% amid tariffs. Delays in key reports like Non-Farm Payrolls, CPI/PPI, GDP, and PCE could create uncertainty, stalling IPOs, M&As, and investor positioning.

Stock dips, reduced tourism, and export declines are common, with ripple effects on global trade, including to India. Disrupted federal loans, higher bankruptcies, increased credit card debt, and crushed farmers from trade avoidance.

Up to 1.2 million jobs could be lost in prolonged scenarios. While Social Security checks continue, verifications and card issuances delay; veterans’ benefits could stall. Short shutdowns (days) have minimal felt impacts, but extensions amplify attrition, delays, and economic drag.

Historical data shows costs totaling billions, with calls for reforms like automatic funding to prevent recurrence.

 

Paul Atkins Addresses Concerns on SEC’s Approach to Crypto Enforcement

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins recently addressed concerns about the agency’s approach to cryptocurrency enforcement during a House Financial Services Committee hearing.

The discussion centered on a perceived pullback in crypto-related enforcement actions since the change in administration and leadership at the SEC following Gary Gensler’s tenure. Democratic lawmakers, including Ranking Member Maxine Waters, grilled Atkins on why the agency has paused or dropped several high-profile cases, with specific scrutiny on the ongoing (but stayed) civil fraud case against Justin Sun, founder of Tron (TRX).

The SEC originally charged Sun and his entities including Tron Foundation in March 2023 with violations including unregistered securities offerings of TRX and BTT, fraud via wash trading allegedly over 600,000 instances to inflate trading volume, and undisclosed celebrity promotions.

In February 2025, the SEC requested a stay in the case to explore a potential resolution or settlement. No final resolution has been announced, and the pause has continued indefinitely. Lawmakers raised questions about potential political influence, noting Sun’s reported investments over $75 million in crypto projects linked to the Trump family, such as World Liberty Financial, and broader industry ties/donations to Trump-related ventures.

Atkins declined to discuss specific individual cases publicly, citing regulatory constraints, but stated he is open to providing a confidential briefing to lawmakers “to the extent the rules allow.” He emphasized the SEC’s shift away from heavy “regulation by enforcement” toward clearer rulemaking, including collaboration with the CFTC to develop a new taxonomy and regulatory framework for digital assets.

Atkins described the agency as “merit-neutral” and focused on providing regulatory clarity for the industry. This hearing reflects ongoing partisan tensions: Democrats expressed worries about weakened investor protection and possible conflicts of interest, while the broader context involves the SEC moving toward more structured crypto regulations rather than case-by-case actions.

No major new developments or resolutions in the Sun case were announced in these sessions. The topic continues to fuel debate about the direction of U.S. crypto policy under the current administration.

Sun has been a controversial figure in the crypto space since 2017, facing allegations of market manipulation, securities violations, and questionable business practices. Recent developments, including a paused U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforcement action and new personal accusations, have amplified concerns about his activities.

These issues raise broader questions about regulatory enforcement, political influence, and integrity in the cryptocurrency industry. The primary legal scrutiny stems from a 2023 SEC civil lawsuit against Sun and his companies. The SEC alleged: Unregistered offerings of TRX and BitTorrent Token (BTT) as securities.

Fraud through over 600,000 wash trades to artificially inflate TRX trading volume. Undisclosed payments to celebrities for promoting TRX without revealing compensation. Sun and his entities have denied these allegations.

In February 2025, shortly after the start of the second Trump administration, the SEC requested a stay in the case to “explore a potential resolution,” which a federal judge approved. The pause has remained in effect for over a year, with no settlement or resumption announced as of February 2026.

This has fueled concerns that the SEC is retreating from crypto enforcement under new Chair Paul Atkins, who has emphasized shifting toward clearer rulemaking rather than “regulation by enforcement.”

Additional regulatory actions include: The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) filing a lawsuit against HTX in October 2025 for illegal promotions to UK users, seeking to block its social media and app access. This marks the FCA’s first such action against a crypto exchange.

Critics argue the paused SEC case signals selective enforcement, potentially allowing wealthy defendants to evade accountability and eroding trust in markets. The SEC’s broader pullback—dropping or pausing multiple crypto cases—could encourage non-compliance in the industry, as firms perceive reduced risk of penalties.

However, proponents see it as fostering innovation through collaboration with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on new frameworks like the Clarity Act.

Democrats in Congress, including Rep. Maxine Waters and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have accused the SEC of political interference in the Sun case. Sun invested at least $75 million in World Liberty Financial (WLF), a Trump family-backed crypto project, and serves as an adviser.

This occurred around the time of the SEC stay. Lawmakers describe it as a potential “pay-to-play scheme,” where crypto industry donations to Trump-related ventures over $100 million total influenced enforcement decisions. During a February 11, 2026, House Financial Services Committee hearing, Atkins was grilled but declined to discuss specifics, citing rules, and offered a confidential briefing.

He stressed the SEC’s “merit-neutral” approach. This could undermine the SEC’s independence, setting a precedent where political connections shield violators. Democrats warn of weakened protections, while the administration pushes for pro-crypto policies, potentially leading to uneven regulation.

Sun’s operations span jurisdictions e.g., Singapore-based Tron Foundation, complicating U.S. enforcement and highlighting challenges in international crypto oversight. In late January 2026, Zeng Ying known as Tenten, who claims to be Sun’s ex-girlfriend from Tron’s early days, accused him of market manipulation.

She alleges: Sun used employees’ identities and phones to create multiple Binance accounts for coordinated TRX buying and selling in 2017-2018. This inflated prices before dumping on retail investors, generating illegal profits.

She possesses WeChat records, employee testimony, and internal evidence, and is willing to share with the SEC. Sun denied the claims on X, calling them baseless. These allegations emerged hours after Zeng revealed personal trading losses, raising questions about her motives.

Some speculate involvement from rivals like Binance’s CZ, given historical tensions. If credible, this could prompt the SEC to resume action, especially as lawmakers urged investigation during the February hearing.

Unverified claims add to Sun’s controversial image, potentially affecting TRX’s value and investor confidence. Broader crypto scandals often highlight tolerance for shady practices among industry leaders. Sun’s situation exemplifies ongoing tensions in crypto:Enforcement vs. Innovation: The SEC’s pivot under Atkins aims for clarity but risks fraud proliferation.

Ties between crypto moguls and politicians could lead to tailored regulations favoring big players, disadvantaging smaller entities. Repeated manipulation allegations underscore the need for robust oversight, as crypto remains vulnerable to pump-and-dump schemes.

Atkins hearing highlights enforcement concerns. These developments continue to evolve, with potential for renewed SEC action or settlements shaping U.S. crypto policy.

Arkham Exchange Transitions from Centralized Exchange to a fully decentralized exchange (DEX)

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

Arkham Exchange is transitioning from a centralized exchange (CEX) model to a fully decentralized exchange (DEX).

This was confirmed by Arkham CEO Miguel Morel. The announcement came after initial reports from CoinDesk suggested the platform might shut down due to low trading volumes around $700,000 daily at the time, user adoption challenges, and issues like a bloated/slow mobile app launched in late 2025.

The exchange is not shutting down—it’s pivoting to decentralization. Morel emphasized that “the future of crypto trading is decentralized,” criticizing centralized platforms as “bloated and unresponsive.” Decentralized trading especially perpetual futures is seen as cheaper, faster, and offering users self-custody of assets.

This aligns with broader market trends: In 2025, DEX trading volumes particularly onchain derivatives surged significantly, with perpetual DEX volumes approaching $12 trillion and DEX/CEX ratios hitting record highs. No specific timeline for the full transition has been provided yet, and the platform will remain operational during the shift.

Arkham Exchange, launched by the blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence backed by investors like Sam Altman, originally supported spot and perpetual trading but has struggled to compete with major CEXs. This move reflects a strategic adaptation amid a challenging (bearish) crypto market environment and growing preference for decentralized options.

A DEX model emphasizes self-custody, meaning users retain direct control of their funds via wallets rather than relying on the exchange’s custody. This reduces risks from hacks, freezes, or mismanagement common on CEXs past incidents like FTX.

Perpetual futures and spot trading would become “cheaper and faster” per Morel, with lower fees and no intermediaries. DEXs often face higher slippage in low-liquidity environments and require users to manage wallets/private keys, which can be a barrier for less experienced traders.

Existing Arkham users may need to migrate assets during the transition, introducing temporary friction if not handled seamlessly.

The move addresses low trading volumes around $640K–$700K daily in early 2026, user adoption struggles, and criticisms of the platform becoming “bloated and slow” especially after the late-2025 mobile app launch. By going DEX, Arkham leverages its core strength in on-chain analytics—integrating real-time intelligence directly into trading interfaces could differentiate it from competitors.

The perpetuals/derivatives market is highly competitive, with on-chain volumes surging to ~$12T in 2025 (DEX/CEX ratios hitting highs). Dominated players like Hyperliquid, Aster, and others capture most flow, so Arkham must bootstrap liquidity via incentives or integrations to avoid remaining a niche player.

Building and maintaining a DEX requires adopting or developing secure, scalable protocols likely on chains like Solana or Ethereum L2s for perps, focusing on decentralization rather than centralized listing speed or fiat on-ramps.

This validates the growing preference for DEXs, especially in derivatives, where on-chain options offer transparency, censorship resistance, and alignment with crypto’s ethos. It highlights difficulties for new CEX entrants—even backed by strong analytics like Arkham—in competing against giants like Binance, and Bybit without massive liquidity or unique edges.

Signals adaptation in a tough environment — Amid bearish market conditions (low overall volumes, “bear market jitters”), the pivot shows platforms evolving rather than folding, potentially inspiring similar shifts elsewhere.

Arkham’s analytics edge could carve a niche for “intelligent” DeFi trading, but success depends on execution in a crowded field. As the native token of Arkham Intelligence, ARKM could gain demand if integrated into the new DEX for governance, fee discounts, staking rewards, or protocol incentives.

This might boost its value long-term by tying it more directly to platform activity. Short-term price reactions could vary based on transition progress and market sentiment, but the pivot positions ARKM as more ecosystem-essential than before.

This is a bold adaptation rather than capitulation—aligning with the view that “the future of crypto trading is decentralized.” Success hinges on smooth execution, liquidity attraction, and leveraging Arkham’s data strengths.

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