February 2026 Blockchain Update: Stellar NFTs, Stablecoins, Hedera SDK & Market Gains

What Shipped

Welcome to our February 2026 blockchain update, where we explore the latest developments from some of the most exciting projects in the space, including Ripple, Stellar, Hedera, Flare Network, and XDC Network. These organizations continue to push the boundaries of blockchain technology, making it more accessible and useful for everyday users.

Bitcoin and Ethereum, the two largest cryptocurrencies, have seen positive price movements in the last 24 hours, with Bitcoin rising to around $78,918 (up nearly 1.85%) and Ethereum reaching $2,352 (up almost 2.78%). Meanwhile, smaller but innovative projects like Hedera Hashgraph have experienced even stronger gains, with Hedera up over 3.25% to about $0.093.

Several exciting updates have emerged recently:

• Stellar’s Meridian 2025 Conference featured a spotlight on “Art ❤️ Smart Contracts,” showcasing how non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are being used creatively on the Stellar network. NFTs are unique digital items verified using blockchain technology, and Stellar is making it easier for artists and creators to issue and trade these digital assets.
• Stellar also announced a new stablecoin issuance platform called Brale, which aims to simplify the process of creating digital currencies that are pegged to real-world value like the US dollar. Stablecoins are useful for reducing the price swings common in cryptocurrencies.
• Hedera Hashgraph has upgraded its developer tools, including support for the latest version of Swift (a popular programming language) in its Hiero Swift SDK. This means building apps on Hedera will be smoother and more efficient for developers.
• On the interoperability front, Stellar published insights on how traditional payment networks can finally work seamlessly with open blockchain protocols, enabling faster and cheaper cross-border transactions.

Why It Matters

These developments are important because they show blockchain technology moving closer to everyday use cases that matter to businesses and consumers alike.

First, NFTs on Stellar demonstrate how blockchain can support creative industries by providing artists with new ways to monetize digital art securely and transparently. Unlike regular digital files, NFTs have a unique certificate of ownership stored on the blockchain, making it impossible to counterfeit or duplicate.

Second, stablecoins on Brale help bridge the gap between traditional finance and cryptocurrencies. By issuing stablecoins, companies and individuals can transact digitally without worrying about sudden price drops, making blockchain payments more practical for real-world use.

Third, Hedera’s developer tool upgrades encourage more programmers to build decentralized applications (dApps) on their platform. Easier tools mean faster development cycles and more innovative products for users.

Finally, interoperability efforts are crucial. Blockchains and traditional payment systems often operate in silos, causing delays and extra fees. By making these systems work together, we can expect faster payments, lower costs, and more inclusive financial services worldwide.

Builders’ Corner

If you’re a developer or curious about building on these networks, here are some highlights and resources worth exploring:

• Stellar’s Meridian 2025 showcased new NFT smart contract templates that simplify creating and managing digital collectibles. You can check out their blog post for detailed guides and examples.
• For those interested in stablecoins, Stellar’s Brale platform offers documentation on how to issue and manage stablecoins securely on the Stellar network.
• Hedera developers should explore the recent update adding support for Swift 6 in the Hiero Swift SDK, which enables smoother app development for iOS and macOS.
• To understand how blockchain and traditional payment systems are converging, Stellar’s interoperability article is a must-read for developers and entrepreneurs alike.

Building on these platforms offers exciting opportunities to create innovative financial tools, improve cross-border payments, and develop new digital asset marketplaces.

Quick Prices

What to Watch

Looking ahead, there are several exciting trends and events to keep an eye on:

• Crypto Market Recovery: Analysts at Compass Point suggest the crypto bear market may be nearing its end, with Bitcoin’s price floor around $60,000. This could signal a more bullish phase ahead, encouraging more investment and innovation.
• Interoperability Progress: Efforts to bridge traditional finance with blockchain are accelerating. Watch how projects like Stellar and Hedera continue to develop partnerships and tools that make payments faster, cheaper, and more accessible worldwide.
• Regulatory Developments: As blockchain technology matures, governments and regulators are paying closer attention. Positive regulatory clarity can help institutional investors gain confidence and bring more stability to the market.
• Technological Innovations: The integration of AI and blockchain is gaining momentum, highlighted by Elon Musk’s recent move to merge his AI company xAI with SpaceX. This could open new frontiers in decentralized computing and space-based technology.
• Upcoming Conferences and Events: Stay tuned for more updates from major blockchain conferences like Stellar’s Meridian and Hedera’s developer meetups, which often unveil new tools and partnerships.

TL;DR: Bitcoin and Ethereum prices are up, signaling growing confidence in crypto markets. Stellar is advancing NFTs and stablecoins, making digital assets more accessible and practical. Hedera improves developer tools for smoother app creation, while interoperability between traditional payments and blockchain is gaining momentum. Keep an eye on market recovery signals, regulatory clarity, and exciting tech innovations like AI-blockchain integration.