What shipped
Welcome to your latest update on the world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies! Over the past week, several important developments have taken place, especially around the projects Ripple, Stellar, Hedera, Flare Network, and XDC Network. These platforms are pushing forward with innovations that aim to make blockchain technology more accessible, efficient, and useful for everyday users and businesses.
On Stellar, there have been exciting advancements focused on blending culture with blockchain technology. A project called IRL × Stellar is working to bring cultural experiences onchain “invisibly,” meaning users can enjoy the benefits of blockchain without the usual technical hurdles. Stellar has also introduced a way to verify RISC Zero execution within its smart contracts. RISC Zero is a technology that helps prove computations happened correctly without revealing all the details, which is great for privacy and security.
In addition, Stellar is working on a compliance-friendly privacy feature. This means the network aims to be open by default—so transactions are transparent and trustworthy—but private when needed, to protect sensitive information. This balance is crucial for businesses and regulators who want to ensure security without sacrificing privacy.
Hedera Hashgraph, another fast-growing platform, recently announced that FedEx has joined its governing council. This is a big deal because it shows major global companies are interested in using distributed ledger technology to improve their supply chains, making them more efficient and transparent. Hedera also shared updates about migrating from an older query system called AccountBalanceQuery to newer tools, making it easier for developers to build on their platform. They’re also promoting the x402 payment standard, which aims to streamline digital payments.
Meanwhile, Ripple continues to be a major player in cross-border payments—the process of sending money internationally. A recent article highlights how blockchain technology, like Ripple’s solutions, is helping make these payments faster, cheaper, and more reliable. Flare Network and XDC Network, although smaller in price compared to Bitcoin or Ethereum, are steadily working on their own innovations and partnerships, contributing to the broad ecosystem of blockchain projects.
Why it matters
Blockchain technology is often described as a digital ledger that records transactions securely and transparently. But for it to reach mainstream use, it needs to be practical, fast, and respectful of users’ privacy. The recent updates from Stellar and Hedera highlight this balancing act perfectly.
- Bringing culture onchain: Projects like IRL × Stellar show that blockchain isn’t just for finance—it can also support art, music, and cultural experiences. This opens new doors for creators and fans alike.
- Privacy with compliance: Privacy is essential for protecting personal and business data, but regulators also want to prevent illegal activities. Stellar’s approach to “open by default, private when needed” could become a model for other blockchains.
- Big companies joining in: FedEx joining Hedera’s council signals growing trust in blockchain technology from traditional industries. This can lead to real-world improvements in global logistics and supply chains.
- Cross-border payments: Sending money internationally is usually slow and expensive. Blockchain solutions like Ripple’s are helping to change that, making global commerce easier for businesses and individuals.
These developments are important because they show blockchain moving beyond hype into practical, everyday use cases. For investors and newcomers, this means the technology is maturing and becoming more stable and reliable.
Builders’ corner
If you’re interested in building on these platforms or just want to understand how they work, here are a few highlights:
- Stellar’s RISC Zero verification: This allows smart contracts (self-executing contracts with the terms written in code) to prove their computations are correct without revealing all the details. This is called zero-knowledge proof and helps enhance privacy and trust.
- Migration on Hedera: Developers using Hedera should note the migration away from the legacy AccountBalanceQuery system to newer APIs. This change improves efficiency and security, so updating your applications is recommended.
- Compliance-friendly privacy: Stellar’s new privacy features mean developers can build applications that meet legal requirements without compromising user confidentiality. This is especially helpful for financial apps.
- Joining the Hedera Council: With companies like FedEx on board, developers can expect more enterprise-focused features and partnerships that could open up new business opportunities.
For beginners, it’s a good idea to explore these platforms’ official developer blogs and documentation to get hands-on experience. Understanding how smart contracts, privacy features, and compliance tools work will give you a solid foundation in blockchain technology.
Quick prices
As of February 16, 2026, here’s a snapshot of current prices (in USD) and how they’ve changed over the last 24 hours:
- Bitcoin (BTC): $68,903 (-2.07%)
- Ethereum (ETH): $1,984.23 (-4.02%)
- Ripple (XRP): $1.50 (-5.60%)
- Stellar (XLM): $0.1708 (-3.97%)
- Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR): $0.1014 (-1.88%)
- Flare Network (FLR): $0.0098 (-4.91%)
- XDC Network (XDCE): $0.0369 (-2.44%)
While prices have dipped slightly across the board, this is a normal part of market cycles. Remember, blockchain projects are about long-term innovation and adoption, not just short-term price movements.
What to watch
Looking ahead, here are some developments and trends to keep an eye on:
- Stellar’s privacy and compliance features: How these evolve could influence adoption by banks and financial institutions worldwide.
- Hedera’s enterprise partnerships: With FedEx onboard, watch for real-world supply chain applications that could demonstrate blockchain’s value.
- Ripple’s cross-border payment solutions: Any regulatory news or new partnerships could impact Ripple’s growth and adoption.
- Market resilience: Industry leaders like Strategy, a crypto investment firm, are developing plans to survive significant price drops. This shows growing maturity and risk management in the crypto space.
- Privacy debates: Discussions around privacy in crypto continue to be important. Binance’s CEO recently echoed concerns that lack of privacy could slow adoption, so expect new solutions in this area.
Whether you’re an investor, developer, or just curious, staying informed about these projects and trends will help you understand where blockchain is headed and how you can participate.
TL;DR: Stellar, Hedera, Ripple, Flare, and XDC are making strides in privacy, compliance, cultural integration, and enterprise adoption. Prices dipped slightly but the technology is advancing with great promise. Big companies like FedEx joining Hedera’s council and Stellar’s new privacy tools show blockchain becoming more practical and trustworthy. Keep an eye on privacy solutions, cross-border payments, and real-world use cases as the space matures.
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