What shipped
Today’s update covers some exciting developments from several well-known blockchain projects, along with the latest price movements in the crypto market. Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading around $68,085, showing a slight dip of about 1.24% in the last 24 hours. Ethereum (ETH) is holding steady near $1,975, with a minor decline of 0.44%. Other notable projects like Ripple (XRP), Stellar (XLM), Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR), Flare Network (FLR), and XDC Network have also seen small price decreases ranging from 0.03% to nearly 3% over the same period.
On the development front, Stellar has been particularly active, launching several new initiatives. These include a project called IRL × Stellar, which aims to bring cultural experiences onto the blockchain in a subtle, user-friendly way. They’ve also introduced a new tool that verifies RISC Zero execution within Stellar smart contracts, enhancing security and transparency for developers. Another Stellar update focuses on balancing privacy and compliance by enabling “open by default, private when needed” features, which makes it easier for businesses to meet regulatory requirements while keeping user data secure.
Hedera Hashgraph has also been making strides. They recently announced that FedEx has joined the Hedera Council, a group of global organizations that help guide and support the network. This partnership is expected to boost the adoption of blockchain technology in global supply chains, making processes faster and more transparent. Additionally, Hedera is promoting the x402 payment standard, which aims to improve how digital payments work across different platforms.
Why it matters
These updates highlight the continued growth and maturing of blockchain technology beyond just cryptocurrencies. Stellar’s work to integrate culture and compliance-friendly privacy shows how blockchains can serve diverse real-world needs—from art and community engagement to businesses navigating complex regulations. This approach helps blockchain technology become more accessible and useful for everyday users and companies alike.
Hedera’s partnership with FedEx is a great example of how blockchain can revolutionize supply chains. By securely tracking shipments and transactions on a decentralized network, companies can reduce fraud, improve efficiency, and provide customers with real-time updates. This kind of enterprise use case is key to driving mainstream adoption of blockchain technology.
Meanwhile, the steady prices of Bitcoin and Ethereum, despite small dips, reflect a market that is balancing between cautious optimism and natural fluctuations. Bitcoin remains near its $68,000 mark, which is impressive considering current global economic uncertainties. This stability encourages both new and experienced investors to keep an eye on long-term trends rather than short-term price swings.
Builders’ corner
If you’re a developer or someone interested in building on these platforms, here are some concrete opportunities and tools to explore:
- Stellar’s IRL × Stellar project: Explore how to create digital cultural experiences that can be shared and verified on the blockchain, adding new layers to social and artistic interactions.
- RISC Zero Verifier on Stellar: This tool lets you verify complex computations happening off-chain within your smart contracts, increasing trust and reducing risks.
- Privacy features on Stellar: Learn how to implement “open by default, private when needed” data models, which help you build applications that respect user privacy while meeting regulatory needs.
- Hedera’s x402 payment standard: If you’re working on payment systems, this standard offers improved interoperability and security, simplifying how payments are processed across platforms.
- Joining Hedera Council: For organizations interested in governance and shaping the future of distributed networks, engaging with the Hedera Council is a chance to influence industry standards.
Quick prices
Here’s a snapshot of some key crypto prices as of February 17, 2026, 05:02 ET:
- Bitcoin (BTC): $68,085 (-1.24%)
- Ethereum (ETH): $1,975 (-0.44%)
- Ripple (XRP): $1.46 (-2.86%)
- Stellar (XLM): $0.166 (-2.72%)
- Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR): $0.0998 (-1.55%)
- Flare Network (FLR): $0.0096 (-2.26%)
- XDC Network (XDC): $0.0368 (-0.03%)
What to watch
Looking ahead, here are some key areas to keep an eye on:
- Stellar’s ecosystem growth: Watch how their new cultural and privacy projects attract developers and users. Increased adoption could drive demand for XLM tokens.
- Hedera’s enterprise partnerships: The impact of FedEx joining the Hedera Council may open doors for more global companies to adopt blockchain for supply chains and payments.
- Bitcoin’s price stability: Keep an eye on whether Bitcoin can hold above the $68,000 level or if broader market trends push it higher or lower.
- Ripple and Stellar regulatory updates: Since both projects focus on cross-border payments, any changes in global crypto regulations could influence their growth and token values.
- Innovations in blockchain privacy: Privacy remains a hot topic. Projects that can balance transparency with user confidentiality stand to gain significant interest.
TL;DR: Bitcoin and Ethereum prices dipped slightly but remain strong near $68,000 and $1,975 respectively. Stellar is innovating with projects that bring culture on-chain and improve privacy for compliant applications. Hedera Hashgraph scores a big win as FedEx joins its governance council, boosting blockchain adoption in global supply chains. Developers have new tools to build secure, privacy-friendly, and enterprise-ready blockchain apps. Watch these projects closely as they expand real-world blockchain use cases beyond simple payments.
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