Blockchain Advances: FedEx Joins Hedera, Stellar & Ripple Boost Payments

What Shipped: Recent Developments in Blockchain Networks

As of February 21, 2026, the cryptocurrency market continues to show steady growth and innovation, especially among some of the most promising blockchain projects like Ripple, Stellar, Hedera, Flare Network, and XDC Network. Prices for major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have seen modest gains in the last 24 hours, with Bitcoin trading around $68,408 and Ethereum near $1,988. These numbers reflect ongoing interest and confidence in digital assets.

Several notable updates and partnerships have been announced recently:

• FedEx Joins Hedera Council: This collaboration aims to improve global supply chains by leveraging Hedera Hashgraph’s fast and secure distributed ledger technology. It’s a big step toward integrating blockchain with traditional logistics.
• Migrating from AccountBalanceQuery on Hedera: Developers are being guided through important technical updates to improve how account balances are queried, making applications more efficient and user-friendly.
• Stellar’s Year-End Report 2025: Stellar highlighted its achievements in scaling its network and expanding ecosystem partnerships, emphasizing its role in cross-border payments and decentralized finance.
• New Blog Insights on Proof-of-Stake Risks: Stellar published an accessible article explaining some hidden risks in the Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism, helping users understand the trade-offs behind this popular technology.
• Ripple and Stellar Continuing to Advance: Both projects are focusing on improving cross-border payment solutions, with Ripple’s XRP currently trading at around $1.44 and Stellar’s XLM at $0.16.

Why It Matters: Understanding the Impact of These Innovations

Blockchain technology is evolving beyond just cryptocurrencies to become a key infrastructure for many industries. The recent developments show how companies and networks are pushing for real-world applications that benefit everyday users and businesses alike.

For example, FedEx joining the Hedera Council is more than a partnership—it signals trust from a global logistics giant in blockchain’s ability to enhance transparency, speed, and security in supply chains. This could lead to faster deliveries, reduced fraud, and better tracking of goods worldwide.

Similarly, Stellar’s focus on cross-border payments aims to make sending money internationally faster and cheaper, which is especially important for people who rely on remittances. By scaling their technology and forming new partnerships, they are making these services more accessible.

Understanding the technical updates, like Hedera’s migration from AccountBalanceQuery, might seem complex, but they ultimately mean smoother and more reliable blockchain apps that users can trust.

Builders’ Corner: What Developers and Investors Should Know

If you’re new to blockchain or considering investing, here are some key points to keep in mind based on recent updates:

• Proof-of-Stake (PoS) Risks: PoS is a popular method for securing blockchains by having users “stake” their coins. However, as the Stellar blog explains, there are hidden risks such as centralization and potential vulnerabilities in certain network conditions. It’s important to research how each network manages these risks.
• Token Prices and Volatility: While Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to grow steadily, smaller tokens like Flare Networks and XDC Network show potential for higher percentage gains but can be more volatile. For example, XDC saw a 1.75% increase recently, indicating active interest.
• Cross-Chain and Payment Standards: Hedera’s work on the x402 payment standard is an exciting step toward interoperability, meaning different blockchains and payment systems can work together more seamlessly. This can open up new use cases and market opportunities.
• Regulatory Environment: Keep an eye on news like France’s strict rules on energy cloud sales to U.S. Bitcoin miners. Regulations can impact how blockchain projects operate and their long-term growth prospects.

For developers, staying updated on network migrations and technical improvements is crucial. For investors, understanding these fundamentals helps in making informed decisions and spotting promising projects early.

Quick Prices (as of Feb 21, 2026, 13:01 ET)

• Bitcoin (BTC): $68,408 (up 1.22% in 24h)
• Ethereum (ETH): $1,988 (up 1.06% in 24h)
• Ripple (XRP): $1.44 (up 0.92% in 24h)
• Stellar (XLM): $0.16 (down 0.49% in 24h)
• Flare Networks (FLR): $0.0095 (up 0.52% in 24h)
• Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR): $0.10 (up 0.37% in 24h)
• XDC Network (XDC): $0.0355 (up 1.75% in 24h)

What to Watch: Upcoming Trends and Events

Looking ahead, there are several important areas to keep an eye on that could shape the blockchain landscape in 2026 and beyond:

• Continued Adoption of Blockchain in Supply Chains: With companies like FedEx onboard, expect more enterprises to explore blockchain for logistics and tracking, potentially improving efficiency worldwide.
• Regulatory Developments: Governments are increasingly involved in regulating cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects. Understanding these rules will be key for both investors and developers to navigate the space safely.
• Advancements in Cross-Border Payments: Projects like Ripple and Stellar are working to make international money transfers cheaper and faster. Watch for new partnerships and technology upgrades that could expand their reach.
• Technical Upgrades and Network Migrations: Updates like Hedera’s migration from AccountBalanceQuery are examples of ongoing improvements that enhance security and usability. Staying informed about these helps you understand the health and future potential of networks.
• Emerging Blockchain Use Cases: From cultural projects bringing art on-chain to AI-powered trading tools, innovation is happening rapidly. These new applications could open exciting opportunities for users and investors.

TL;DR: The blockchain ecosystem is showing steady growth with key players like Ripple, Stellar, Hedera, Flare, and XDC making important strides. Partnerships with companies like FedEx, technical upgrades, and ongoing focus on cross-border payments highlight the practical benefits of blockchain technology. While prices for major cryptocurrencies are rising steadily, smaller tokens offer dynamic opportunities. Stay informed about regulatory changes and network improvements to make the most of this evolving space.