Bybit has received in-principle approval from the United Arab Emirates’ Securities and Commodities Authority to operate a virtual asset platform, moving closer to obtaining a full operational license. This approval was granted just days before the exchange suffered a $1.4 billion hack, one of the largest crypto hacks in history. The incident occurred during a transfer between Bybit’s cold and hot wallets.

Despite the setback, Bybit continues its global expansion, recently securing regulatory approvals in India, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Turkey. In India, Bybit resumed services after registering with authorities and paying a $1 million penalty for previously operating without proper registration. Meanwhile, the exchange is navigating compliance challenges in the European Economic Area (EEA) under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations.

In Europe, Bybit temporarily adjusted operations to comply with MiCA and is working toward obtaining a license in Austria. Additionally, France’s financial regulator recently removed Bybit from its noncompliance list. However, the company continues to face regulatory scrutiny in Malaysia, where authorities have ordered it to cease operations.

Bybit’s expansion efforts highlight its commitment to regulatory compliance and market growth despite challenges. The exchange’s UAE approval positions it to offer a wide range of digital asset services to both retail and institutional investors. However, the massive hack raises concerns about security and operational risks as Bybit navigates global regulations.

Japanese Bitcoin treasury firm Metaplanet has issued $13.4 million in zero-interest bonds to further expand its Bitcoin holdings. The company has been aggressively acquiring Bitcoin since May 2024, marking its latest move in a strategy that mirrors MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin investment approach. This is the seventh time Metaplanet has issued bonds for Bitcoin purchases, underscoring its commitment to building a substantial BTC reserve.

The newly issued bonds, worth 2 billion yen, will be redeemed in full by August 2025, with proceeds allocated to the Evo Fund, Metaplanet’s dedicated Bitcoin acquisition fund. Since beginning its Bitcoin strategy, the company has made 17 purchases, including a significant acquisition of 619.7 BTC in December 2024. In total, Metaplanet now holds 2,235 BTC, valued at approximately $192.4 million.

Metaplanet’s stock price has experienced a dramatic surge since shifting to Bitcoin, rising from 200 yen to 6,650 yen in early 2025—an increase of over 3,000%. Despite recent fluctuations, the company’s market strategy has continued to attract investor interest. The firm’s plans include acquiring 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025 and ultimately reaching 21,000 BTC by 2026, potentially worth $2 billion at current prices.

With its continued Bitcoin accumulation, Metaplanet is positioning itself as a major institutional player in the cryptocurrency space. As global companies explore Bitcoin treasury strategies, the firm’s bold moves highlight increasing corporate confidence in BTC as a long-term asset. The approach also reflects Japan’s evolving regulatory landscape for digital assets.

Nvidia has reported a significant surge in revenue, jumping nearly 80% year-over-year, driven by strong demand for its AI-focused microchips. The company’s earnings for the fourth quarter of its fiscal year 2025 exceeded Wall Street estimates, with total revenue reaching $39.3 billion. This marked a 12% increase from the previous quarter and far surpassed analyst projections of $37.72 billion. CEO Jensen Huang attributed the growth to the rapid advancement of AI technologies, particularly in high-performance computing and machine learning applications.

The data center segment played a crucial role in Nvidia’s revenue increase, accounting for over 90% of total earnings. Revenue from this division rose 93% year-over-year to $35.6 billion, reflecting the growing importance of AI in various industries. Nvidia’s latest Blackwell chip, designed for AI and machine learning, has seen high demand, further solidifying the company’s dominance in the AI hardware market. Huang emphasized that AI is developing at an unprecedented pace, setting the stage for transformative changes across multiple sectors.

Nvidia’s stock price responded positively to the earnings report, closing up 3.67% at $131.28 on February 26. However, after-hours trading saw a slight decline of 1.49% to $129.32. The company’s stock remains below its all-time high of over $147, which was reached in November. Market volatility in the AI sector has been evident, especially after Nvidia experienced a historic single-day value drop in January, shedding nearly $600 billion in market capitalization following concerns over competition from Chinese AI firms.

Amidst Nvidia’s AI-driven success, other tech giants are ramping up their AI investments. Microsoft has expanded its AI operations, while Bitcoin mining companies have begun leveraging their infrastructure for AI computing. Analysts suggest that reduced AI spending could help stabilize inflation, potentially influencing U.S. Federal Reserve policies. As AI adoption accelerates, Nvidia remains at the forefront of the sector, positioning itself as a key player in the ongoing technological revolution.