Cryptocurrency asset trading platform Gate completed the packaging and verification of the first batch of 17 MCP Tools on February 2, becoming the first exchange to launch these tools. MCP Tools cover core data for spot and contract markets, promoting the application of AI Agents in trading scenarios. This move marks an important step forward for Gate in building AI-oriented trading infrastructure.

February 12 News, decentralized derivatives platform Lighter announced the launch of its first batch of on-chain perpetual contracts linked to major Korean stocks, covering Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor, and the Korea Composite Stock Price Index. Traders can use up to 10x leverage for long and short positions without brokers, custodial accounts, or trading hours restrictions. All contracts are settled in cryptocurrencies. This launch is seen as an important step in integrating traditional finance with on-chain derivatives. Samsung, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Motor hold key positions in the semiconductor, artificial intelligence, and automotive supply chains, and their stock performance is closely related to the global tech and manufacturing industry outlook. Lighter "tokenizes" these blue-chip stocks, allowing users to participate directly in the price fluctuations of the traditional stock market just like trading crypto perpetual contracts.

Sichuan Province has implemented digital renminbi smart contracts for the first time in Chengdu High-tech Zone, successfully distributing over 1 million yuan in wages to 104 construction workers. This allows for instant salary payments and traceability control, helping to address the issue of wage arrears among migrant workers. Local company "Yizhi Technology" provided technical support, and Chengdu High-tech Zone established a smart supervision system covering 176 projects, with a total salary distribution exceeding 2.8 billion yuan and a salary issuance rate of 98.62%.

On February 11, it was announced that Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, has officially launched a series of cryptocurrency futures products linked to the CoinDesk benchmark indices, marking a new phase in the regulated market's layout for digital asset derivatives. These contracts are settled in USD cash, providing institutional investors with a compliant channel to participate in the volatility of mainstream crypto markets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum without directly holding or custodying crypto assets. ICE stated that this batch of futures was first announced externally on January 9 and has begun trading this week. It includes a wide range of market contracts linked to the CoinDesk 20 and CoinDesk 5 indices, as well as single-asset futures tracking the price performance of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and BNB. Since these products do not involve physical delivery, they are more aligned with traditional institutions' risk management and asset allocation needs.

On February 11, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced that Hong Kong is ready to issue the first batch of stablecoin licenses in March, marking the official move into the practical phase of local stablecoin regulation. The statement was made at a digital asset industry conference, sparking significant market attention on topics such as the "Hong Kong stablecoin regulatory framework" and "stablecoin compliance issuance prospects." Paul Chan pointed out that only a small number of licenses will be issued in the initial phase, and regulators will focus on whether applicants have clear use cases, sustainable business models, and comprehensive compliance and risk management systems. He emphasized that stablecoins are not merely payment tools but are important infrastructure connecting traditional finance with on-chain economy, thus requiring a balance between innovation and risk control.

BlockBeats News, February 11 — A-shares with digital currency concepts showed unusual movement in the afternoon, with YuYin Co., Ltd. hitting the daily limit up, and CuiWei Co., Ltd., HengBao Co., Ltd., YingShiSheng, and SiFang JingChuang following the upward trend. On the news front, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee stated that the Hong Kong Monetary Authority is actively processing license applications for stablecoin issuers, and believes the first batch of licenses will be issued next month. (Jin10)

John Lee at Consensus 2026 stated that Hong Kong is one of the world's free economies and financial centers, committed to becoming a hub for digital asset innovation. The Hong Kong government is actively building a regulatory framework for digital assets, with plans to issue the first batch of stablecoin licenses, and is promoting development by enhancing liquidity in the virtual asset market. Hong Kong welcomes global enterprises to participate in building the digital future.

ChainCatcher reports that, according to Techub News, multiple insiders have revealed that Hong Kong's first batch of compliant stablecoin licenses are expected to be issued by the end of March, with HSBC and Standard Chartered likely to be the first approved institutions. Insiders said that after the first batch of licenses is issued, the approval process for the second batch will also proceed quickly, with an announcement expected soon.

Pendle announces that the sPENDLE buyback mechanism will go live on February 9, 2026. The first batch of rewards will be distributed on February 13. Rewards will be calculated based on time-weighted metrics, and users can view and claim them in the Pendle app.

Y Combinator announces that founders of startups in the Spring 2026 batch will be able to receive funding in the form of stablecoin USDC, approximately $500,000. The organization hopes to see more entrepreneurial ideas in the stablecoin space and believes that market enthusiasm for stablecoins is still growing.