What Shipped
As we move through February 2026, several exciting developments have emerged across the blockchain ecosystem, especially within Ripple, Stellar, Hedera, Flare Network, and XDC Network. These projects continue to build on their foundations with updates that enhance usability, security, and practical applications.
Stellar recently published its End of Year 2025 Report – Execution at Scale, highlighting the progress made in scaling their network and expanding real-world use cases. Stellar also launched a cultural initiative called IRL × Stellar: Bringing Culture Onchain, Invisibly, which aims to integrate cultural experiences and assets directly onto the blockchain in a seamless way.
On the technical front, developers working with Stellar can now verify execution of RISC Zero in smart contracts, a new method that improves security and efficiency. This update was detailed in their blog post Verifying RISC Zero Execution In A Stellar Smart Contract.
Hedera Hashgraph, known for its fast and secure public network, has been busy with several updates. They’ve published a guide on migrating from the older AccountBalanceQuery to newer, more efficient methods (Migrating from AccountBalanceQuery: What You Need to Know). Additionally, FedEx recently joined the Hedera Governing Council, signaling strong corporate interest in leveraging Hedera’s technology for improving global supply chains (FedEx Joins Hedera Council).
Hedera also continues to advance payment standards with updates around the x402 payment standard, aiming to streamline digital transactions (Hedera and the x402 Payment Standard).
In the broader blockchain space, Chainlink has shared insights on how blockchain technology is improving cross-border payments and supporting stablecoin issuers, highlighting the growing importance of decentralized oracles and smart contracts in everyday finance (How Blockchain Improves Cross-Border Payments).
Why It Matters
These updates are crucial because they show blockchain projects moving beyond just theory and speculation, focusing instead on real-world adoption and usability. For example, Stellar’s cultural initiative helps bring blockchain technology closer to everyday life by making it easier to represent and transfer cultural assets digitally. This kind of development helps attract new users who may not be tech experts but want to engage with blockchain in meaningful ways.
Hedera’s partnership with FedEx is a major step toward integrating blockchain into global logistics. Supply chains today are complex and often lack transparency. By using Hedera’s fast and secure network, companies can track products more efficiently, reduce fraud, and improve delivery times. This kind of enterprise adoption signals growing confidence in blockchain technology.
The technical improvements in smart contract verification and query migration also make these networks more robust and easier to use for developers. When the technology becomes simpler and more secure, it encourages innovation and the creation of new applications, which ultimately benefits investors and users alike.
Builders’ Corner
- Stellar developers: Explore the new RISC Zero verification method to enhance your smart contract security and performance.
- Hedera users: Check out the migration guide to switch from AccountBalanceQuery to updated methods for smoother account management.
- Enterprise innovators: Look into Hedera’s x402 payment standard for efficient digital payments and consider how blockchain can improve your supply chain.
- Blockchain enthusiasts: Follow Chainlink’s latest insights on how decentralized oracles are revolutionizing cross-border payments and stablecoins.
- Investors: Keep an eye on Ripple and Stellar as they push forward with practical ecosystem growth and cultural integration.
Quick Prices
Here are the latest prices for some key cryptocurrencies as of February 17, 2026, 21:02 ET:
- Bitcoin (BTC): $67,134 (down about 2.12% in the last 24 hours)
- Ethereum (ETH): $1,977.44 (down about 0.69%)
- Ripple (XRP): $1.47 (down about 0.84%)
- Stellar (XLM): $0.165 (down about 2.27%)
- Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR): $0.101 (down about 0.11%)
- Flare Network (FLR): $0.0097 (down about 0.37%)
- XDC Network (XDCE): $0.0368 (slightly up about 0.05%)
While some prices have dipped slightly in the past day, this is typical market behavior and can often present buying opportunities for patient investors.
What to Watch
- Ripple and Stellar Ecosystem Growth: Watch for new partnerships and projects that expand use cases beyond payments into areas like cultural assets and digital identity.
- Hedera’s Corporate Adoption: FedEx’s involvement could lead to more large companies joining the Hedera Council, increasing network credibility and use.
- Technical Upgrades: Keep an eye on developer tools and standards such as RISC Zero verification and the x402 payment standard that will make blockchain apps faster and safer.
- Stablecoin Innovations: Chainlink’s work with stablecoin issuers suggests growing infrastructure that supports stable, reliable digital currencies.
- Regulatory and Market Moves: News like Abu Dhabi’s wealth funds increasing Bitcoin ETF holdings and Stripe’s stablecoin firm Bridge receiving trust charter approval indicate growing institutional acceptance.
TL;DR: Blockchain projects like Stellar and Hedera are making big strides in real-world adoption, from cultural initiatives to corporate partnerships with FedEx. Technical upgrades improve security and efficiency, while stablecoins and cross-border payment solutions grow stronger. Prices have dipped slightly but the ecosystem shows promising signs of maturity and growth, making it a great time for curious investors to learn more and consider opportunities.
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