What shipped
In the world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, several exciting updates and developments have emerged recently that are worth your attention, especially if you’re new to investing or just curious about how this space is evolving. Let’s start with some of the latest news from notable organizations like Ripple, Stellar, Hedera, Flare Network, and XDC Network.
Ripple continues to make strides with its XRP token, maintaining a steady price around $1.43, showing slight positive movement. Meanwhile, Stellar, known for its focus on fast and affordable cross-border payments, has experienced a small dip, with its price currently at about $0.16. Hedera Hashgraph, a platform that uses a unique technology called a hashgraph (which is a different way of achieving consensus, or agreement, on transactions), has seen a slight price decrease to approximately $0.099. However, Flare Network and XDC Network have shown healthy gains, with Flare’s token price rising over 1% to just under one cent, and XDC increasing by nearly 0.9%.
On the broader market front, Bitcoin, the original and most well-known cryptocurrency, is trading above $68,000, marking a modest 0.27% increase in the past 24 hours. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency famous for enabling smart contracts (self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code), is priced near $1,976, also showing positive movement.
Among the latest updates, Hedera announced that FedEx has joined its governing council, which is an important step for the network’s ambition to support global digital supply chains. This means Hedera’s technology could soon play a bigger role in how goods are tracked and managed worldwide, improving efficiency and transparency.
In addition, Hedera is rolling out changes to its account balance query system, which is a technical update but important for developers and users who interact with the platform, ensuring smoother and more secure operations.
Ripple’s parent company, SBI in Japan, is launching a 10 billion yen on-chain bond that rewards retail investors with XRP tokens. This innovative approach combines traditional finance with blockchain to offer new investment opportunities for everyday people.
Ethereum’s co-founder, Vitalik Buterin, has proposed an intriguing idea to use artificial intelligence (AI) “stewards” to improve governance in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). DAOs are member-run communities or companies that operate without centralized leadership, and this AI integration could help them make better decisions.
Why it matters
These developments highlight how blockchain technology is moving beyond just digital currencies and into practical uses that can impact everyday life and business. For example, FedEx joining Hedera’s council signals growing trust in blockchain for real-world logistics, which could mean faster deliveries, less fraud, and more reliable tracking.
The integration of AI into Ethereum’s governance systems suggests a future where blockchain communities can become more efficient and responsive, addressing one of the challenges these decentralized groups face: making decisions quickly and fairly.
Ripple and SBI’s collaboration on on-chain bonds shows the potential for blockchain to revolutionize traditional finance by making investments more accessible, transparent, and rewarding for regular investors.
Despite some price dips for tokens like Stellar and Hedera, the overall upward trend in major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum indicates continued investor confidence. Plus, smaller networks like Flare and XDC showing gains could point to new opportunities in emerging projects.
Builders’ corner
- Stellar’s blog on Proof-of-Stake risks: Stellar recently published an insightful article discussing the hidden challenges of Proof-of-Stake (PoS), a popular consensus mechanism that many blockchains use to validate transactions efficiently and securely by having participants “stake” their tokens. Understanding these risks can help builders design better and safer blockchain systems. Read more.
- Hedera’s migration update: Developers working on Hedera should note changes to the AccountBalanceQuery API, which is part of how applications check token balances. This update will streamline operations and improve security. Learn the details.
- Hedera and the x402 payment standard: Hedera is advancing compatibility with new payment standards that aim to make digital transactions smoother and more integrated with existing financial systems. Explore the initiative.
- Stellar’s cultural project: Stellar is experimenting with bringing culture “onchain” in a way that’s invisible to users but enhances authenticity and provenance, showing how blockchain can be creatively applied beyond finance. Discover more.
Quick prices (as of 2026-02-21 21:01 ET)
- Bitcoin (BTC): $68,119 (+0.27% in 24h)
- Ethereum (ETH): $1,976.56 (+0.55% in 24h)
- Flare Network (FLR): $0.0095 (+1.23% in 24h)
- Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR): $0.099 (-0.99% in 24h)
- Ripple (XRP): $1.43 (+0.07% in 24h)
- Stellar (XLM): $0.16 (-1.51% in 24h)
- XDC Network (XDC): $0.0355 (+0.89% in 24h)
What to watch
Looking ahead, here are some key areas to keep an eye on:
- AI in DAO governance: Ethereum’s proposal to use AI “stewards” could transform how decentralized organizations operate, making them more effective and easier to participate in.
- Blockchain integration in supply chains: With FedEx joining Hedera’s council, expect more partnerships that bring blockchain into logistics and global trade.
- Innovative financial products: Ripple and SBI’s on-chain bond initiative could pave the way for more blockchain-based investment opportunities accessible to everyday people.
- Market sentiment and prices: Despite some negative search trends like “Bitcoin to zero,” the market shows resilience. Watch how prices evolve and stay informed about the fundamentals behind each project.
- Regulatory developments: As digital assets grow in popularity, regulatory frameworks, especially in places like the UK and Japan, will shape how these technologies are adopted.
TL;DR: Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to hold strong with modest gains, while smaller networks like Flare and XDC show promising growth. Key developments include FedEx joining Hedera’s council to boost blockchain in supply chains, Ripple’s new on-chain bond project in Japan, and Ethereum’s innovative AI governance proposal. Builders should note updates on Proof-of-Stake risks and Hedera’s API migration. The blockchain space is evolving with exciting real-world applications and investment opportunities, so staying informed can help you make smart decisions.
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