Brevan Howard Crypto Fund Plunges: Stunning 30% Loss Marks Worst Performance Since 2021

BitcoinWorld Brevan Howard Crypto Fund Plunges: Stunning 30% Loss Marks Worst Performance Since 2021 In a stark reversal of fortune, Brevan Howard’s dedicated cryptocurrency arm, BH Digital, reported a substantial loss of approximately 30% for the past year. This dramatic downturn, first reported by CoinDesk citing the Financial Times, represents the fund’s most challenging period since its 2021 inception and follows two consecutive years of impressive double-digit gains. The news, emerging from London and New York in early 2025, sends a powerful signal about the persistent volatility and maturation pains within the institutional digital asset space. Brevan Howard Crypto Fund Faces a Defining Setback The reported 30% loss for BH Digital Asset stands in sharp contrast to its prior track record. Consequently, this performance shift demands a thorough examination. The fund had previously delivered a robust 43% return in 2023. Furthermore, it followed that success with a 52% gain in 2024. This historical context makes the recent loss particularly notable for industry observers. Brevan Howard, a titan in the global macro hedge fund arena with over $40 billion in assets under management, launched its digital asset division to capitalize on the burgeoning crypto economy. The firm’s move signaled a major vote of confidence from traditional finance. However, the recent losses highlight the inherent difficulties of navigating this nascent asset class, even for seasoned institutional players with deep resources. Contextualizing the Hedge Fund Crypto Performance To understand this loss, one must consider the broader market environment. The cryptocurrency market experienced significant turbulence throughout the period. Several factors contributed to this instability. Macroeconomic pressures, including shifting interest rate expectations, played a key role. Additionally, regulatory developments across major jurisdictions created uncertainty. Finally, sector-specific events, such as the underperformance of certain altcoin investments and decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, likely impacted portfolios. Unlike retail investors, institutional funds like BH Digital typically employ complex strategies. These often include: Direct cryptocurrency holdings in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Venture-style investments in blockchain infrastructure companies. Quantitative trading strategies across centralized and decentralized exchanges. Staking and yield-generation activities for income. A downturn across multiple of these strategies can compound losses quickly. The following table compares BH Digital’s recent performance against its earlier successes: Year Reported Performance Market Context 2023 +43% Recovery from crypto winter, anticipation of spot ETF approvals. 2024 +52% Spot ETF launches, institutional inflow momentum. Last Year ~ -30% Macro headwinds, regulatory scrutiny, altcoin correction. Expert Analysis on Institutional Crypto Volatility Financial analysts note that such volatility is not uncommon for funds specializing in high-growth, high-risk asset classes. The digital asset market remains less liquid than traditional equities and bonds. This characteristic can amplify both gains and losses during periods of market stress. Moreover, the correlation between crypto assets and traditional risk indicators, like the Nasdaq, has increased. This linkage means broad market sell-offs can now trigger simultaneous declines in both spheres. Industry experts point to risk management as the critical differentiator. Funds that employed stringent leverage controls and dynamic hedging may have mitigated losses. The performance of BH Digital suggests it faced significant exposure to sectors that corrected sharply. This event serves as a case study for other institutional entrants. It underscores the importance of diversified crypto strategies beyond simple directional bets on major token prices. The Ripple Effects and Broader Market Impact The news from Brevan Howard carries weight beyond a single fund’s balance sheet. Firstly, it may influence the allocation decisions of other large, traditional institutions. These entities often watch early movers like Brevan Howard for signals. A high-profile loss could slow the pace of institutional adoption temporarily. Secondly, it impacts investor sentiment within the high-net-worth and family office segments that often invest in such hedge funds. However, many market participants view this as a necessary maturation phase. The path to mainstream financial integration is rarely linear. Historical parallels exist in the early days of venture capital and emerging markets investing. Periods of dramatic drawdowns often separate speculative capital from committed, long-term strategic capital. The key question is whether firms like Brevan Howard will double down on their digital asset thesis or pull back. Evidence suggests a commitment to the long-term vision remains. Major financial institutions continue to build custody, trading, and research infrastructure for digital assets. This foundational work indicates a belief in the asset class’s permanence, despite short-term performance hurdles. The loss may prompt a strategic review and refinement of investment approaches rather than a full retreat. Conclusion The reported 30% loss for the Brevan Howard crypto fund marks a significant moment in the institutionalization of digital assets. It demonstrates that even the most sophisticated players are not immune to the market’s extreme volatility. This event provides crucial lessons in risk management, strategy diversification, and realistic return expectations for the entire sector. While a setback, it likely represents a growing pain rather than a fatal flaw for institutional crypto investment. The long-term trajectory will depend on how funds like BH Digital adapt their models, manage risk, and navigate the evolving regulatory landscape in 2025 and beyond. FAQs Q1: What is BH Digital Asset? BH Digital Asset is the dedicated cryptocurrency and digital assets investment arm of the global macro hedge fund Brevan Howard. It invests in cryptocurrencies, blockchain companies, and related technologies. Q2: How does a 30% loss compare to the broader crypto market last year? While specific indices vary, a 30% loss is a significant underperformance relative to major assets like Bitcoin, which saw a more modest decline or even stability in some periods, suggesting the fund’s losses were likely concentrated in more volatile altcoins or specific strategies. Q3: Does this loss mean Brevan Howard will exit the crypto market? There is no public indication of an exit. Large institutions typically view such volatility as part of entering a new asset class. They are more likely to adjust strategy and risk parameters than abandon a long-term strategic division. Q4: What does this mean for other hedge funds investing in crypto? It serves as a high-profile reminder of the asset class’s risks. Other funds may review their own exposure, leverage, and diversification. It could lead to more conservative positioning industry-wide in the short term. Q5: Where was this performance reported? The performance figures were initially reported by the Financial Times, a leading global financial publication, and subsequently covered by crypto industry news outlet CoinDesk in early 2025. This post Brevan Howard Crypto Fund Plunges: Stunning 30% Loss Marks Worst Performance Since 2021 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

BlackRock Details Staking Strategy in New Ethereum ETF Filing

BlackRock’s latest ETF filing earmarks up to 95% of assets for Ethereum staking rewards. Staking and liquidity strategies hinge on Ethereum’s queue system and withdrawal constraints. Continue Reading: BlackRock Details Staking Strategy in New Ethereum ETF Filing The post BlackRock Details Staking Strategy in New Ethereum ETF Filing appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

ENA Technical Analysis February 18, 2026: Risk and Stop Loss

ENA is risky in a downtrend with low volatility; if the 0.1188 support breaks, a sharp drop is possible. For capital protection, the 1% risk rule and structure-based stop loss are essential.

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Russian official says Telegram has started complying with local regulations

Telegram has begun blocking illegal content and has enough time to meet all Russian demands, according to a top member of a parliamentary committee concerned with the matter. Authorities in Moscow slowed down traffic to the popular messenger earlier this month, alleging non-compliance with national regulations. The measure was followed by media reports this week that the platform will be fully blocked on April 1, which Russian officials have yet to deny or confirm. Telegram’s compliance with regulations to help avoid its blocking in Russia Telegram has started actively complying with the Russian Federation’s requirements to block illegal content. That’s according to Andrey Svintsov, deputy chairman of the Committee on Information Policy at the State Duma, the lower house of Russian parliament. Speaking to the official TASS news agency, Svintsov stated: “Over the past week, Telegram has blocked more than 230,000 channels and pieces of content that violated current legislation. This indicates that Durov’s company has begun to interact more actively.” “In my opinion, Telegram will not be blocked before April 1,” Svintsov added, speaking of the messenger founded and owned by Pavel Durov, who is also its CEO. The tech entrepreneur left Russia more than a decade ago after rejecting pressure to hand over user data and censor content on VK, the Russian social network that he also founded and managed at the time. Svintsov added that Telegram can fulfill the “realistic requirements” of Roskomnadzor within the next month or two and continue to operate in Russia. Roskomnadzor (RKN), or the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media, is Russia’s telecom watchdog, which functions as a media censor as well. “Opening a legal entity takes a week at most. Moving personal data processing takes another two or three weeks,” the deputy said, elaborating: “Therefore, within a month or a month and a half, the entire set of requirements from Roskomnadzor can be fulfilled: opening a legal entity, storing data on Russian territory, paying taxes and blocking content.” Last summer, reports that Telegram is preparing to establish an office and register an entity in Russia, as required by its so-called “landing law,” as well as earlier claims that the messenger was leaving the Russian market, were all directly or indirectly denied by Durov. Telegram expected to remain available in Russia It’s difficult to tell whether Telegram will be fully blocked in Russia at this point, according to Yulia Dolgova, president of the Russian Association of Bloggers and Agencies (ABA), who told TASS: “Regarding a complete shutdown of access to the messenger, it’s difficult to say today. Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram is actively taking measures to maintain the functionality of its service.” While slowing down Telegram last week, Roskomnadzor completely removed the domain of Meta’s messenger from its DNS servers, effectively cutting off access to WhatsApp from Russia. Dolgova also highlighted the widespread use of means to bypass such blockades in the country, remarking: “We should not forget about the depth of penetration of VPN services among the Russian audience either.” Reports of April 1 shutdown neither confirmed nor denied Quoting sources from government agencies on Tuesday, the Telegram channel Baza posted that the RKN is preparing to “begin a total blocking of the messenger” on April 1. Reacting to Russian media reports relaying this information, Roskomnadzor said it had “nothing to add” to its earlier statements, which threatened imposing “sequential restrictions.” This week, TASS also revealed that on February 15, the messenger’s administration blocked 238,800 channels and groups that violated its policies. It did the same regarding 187,300 channels and groups worldwide on February 16, the agency added, claiming to be quoting “updated statistics on the messenger’s website.” “As of February 17, more than 7.463 million groups and channels have been blocked on Telegram since the beginning of the year,” the news agency also noted. With 93.6 million users in Russia, Telegram is the second most popular messaging app in the country after WhatsApp, which had 94.5 million monthly users before it was blocked. While Russia is taking restrictive measures against both and pushing the state-backed Max messenger, its citizens have been flocking to another alternative, the U.S.-made imo, as reported by Cryptopolitan. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

Expert Says XRP Is Very Undervalued Right Now. Here’s Why

Crypto markets reward conviction during times of uncertainty, and XRP now finds itself at the center of a renewed valuation debate . Price volatility continues to shake short-term traders, yet deeper structural signals suggest a different story. Institutional interest in blockchain finance continues to expand, regulatory clarity has improved since 2025, and long-term technical patterns are maturing. Together, these forces create a backdrop in which analysts increasingly question whether XRP’s current price truly reflects its underlying positioning in the global payments infrastructure. Crypto commentator Zach Rector recently reinforced this perspective, stating that XRP appears “very undervalued right now.” His view aligns with broader discussions among technical analysts and macro observers who now focus less on daily swings and more on multi-year cycle behavior. This shift in analytical framing signals growing confidence that XRP may still sit in the early stages of a larger expansion phase rather than near the end of one. One thing we can all agree on is XRP is very undervalued right now… pic.twitter.com/5BA0dkbL9g — Zach Rector (@ZachRector7) February 16, 2026 Cycle Structure Points to Expansion Many analysts interpret XRP’s extended consolidation after the previous bull market as a completed corrective phase within an Elliott Wave structure. In this framework, the market has already formed wave two, which historically precedes the strongest impulsive advance. Analysts draw parallels to the 2017 cycle, where liquidity accumulated quietly before momentum accelerated rapidly. Although timelines rarely repeat exactly, behavioral patterns in breakout retests, resistance compression, and volume expansion continue to resemble early bull-cycle conditions. These technical readings explain why some projections extend far beyond conservative resistance targets. Analysts who follow cycle theory focus on structural supply tightening , reduced exchange liquidity , and the psychological momentum that often follows renewed retail participation. Each factor can amplify upside once the price breaks key thresholds. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Strengthening Fundamentals Support the Thesis XRP’s growing use in cross-border payments and increasing blockchain adoption by businesses are aligning with its technical characteristics. The resolution of major regulatory uncertainty in 2025 significantly reduced systemic risk around the asset. As a result, analysts are increasingly evaluating XRP through a utility-driven lens rather than purely speculative considerations. Macro liquidity conditions also shape expectations. Easing financial environments, shifting interest-rate cycles, and capital rotation into alternative assets have historically supported major crypto expansions. Observers in 2026 continue to closely monitor these signals, as they often precede sustained bullish momentum. Sentiment Signals Rebuilding Conviction The undervaluation argument ultimately rests on the concept of convergence. XRP trades far below projected cycle peaks, regulatory clarity has improved, institutional narratives have strengthened, and long-term technical structures remain incomplete. Rector’s assessment reflects this broader alignment rather than a single catalyst. Markets still determine the outcome, but sentiment already reveals a significant shift. Confidence has begun to rebuild . In crypto history, renewed conviction—once paired with liquidity—has repeatedly transformed quiet accumulation into powerful upward trends. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Expert Says XRP Is Very Undervalued Right Now. Here’s Why appeared first on Times Tabloid .

Bitcoin Entering Phase 2 Bear Market, Analyst Warns

Veteran on-chain analyst Willy Woo has warned that the Bitcoin (BTC) market is strengthening its bear trend and approaching the second phase of a multi-stage downturn. The forecast challenges persistent bullish narratives, suggesting the worst may be ahead for the world’s largest cryptocurrency. Phase 1 Nears Its End as Volatility Spells Trouble In a series of posts on X on February 18, Woo outlined a three-phase bear market framework, positioning Bitcoin at a crucial juncture. According to him, the first stage of the current bear market started in the third quarter of 2025 when liquidity first broke down, and the price started to follow. He explained that the key signal comes from volatility metrics used by quantitative analysts, with Bitcoin entering a prolonged decline when volatility spiked upward. That volatility is still climbing, indicating the bear trend is gaining ground. “In this phase, perma bulls will blindly say it’s a correction inside a broader bull market but will not give you any hard evidence of capital flowing in,” Woo wrote. The analyst added that his internal liquidity models, released weekly to investors, currently match the volatility signals. In his opinion, the second part of the bear market will kick in when global equities begin to weaken. He argued that the largest cryptocurrency often reacts faster than equities when capital exits markets because of its smaller size and higher sensitivity to liquidity shifts. “Under this bear market framework, BTC is presently in Phase 1 and close to Phase 2,” stated Woo. He characterized the final episode as “the light at the end of the tunnel,” predicting a turnaround in liquidity, with capital outflows hitting a high point before stabilizing. However, he warned that there could be one more price capitulation just before or immediately after the peak outflows. Cycle Indicators Show Mixed Signals for Long-Term Outlook Not all analysts are interpreting the data as outright bearish. In a recent post, Axel Adler Jr. wrote that Bitcoin’s Entity-Adjusted Liveliness metric peaked in December 2025 and has started declining, a pattern seen in past accumulation periods lasting between 1.1 and 2.5 years. The indicator tracks BTC movement relative to holding time and tends to fall after distribution periods end. Another perspective from GugaOnChain focused on valuation. Using the MVRV Z-Score developed by Murad Mahmudov and David Puell, the analyst said the current reading near 0.48 places Bitcoin close to historical accumulation zones rather than overheated territory. That suggests some investors may see current prices as discounted compared with average acquisition costs. The post Bitcoin Entering Phase 2 Bear Market, Analyst Warns appeared first on CryptoPotato .

Secure Your Crypto in 2026: Best Wallets for Recovery, Privacy & Control

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase or sign up for a service, Bitcoin.com may receive a commission. Our editorial content is independent and based on objective analysis. Looking for the best Bitcoin and crypto wallets in February 2026? We compare the top Bitcoin and crypto wallets

Bitcoin: Jane Street’s 7.1 mln IBIT buy shows why BTC’s $65k support is fragile

Jane Street’s Q4 accumulation fuels manipulation fears and tests holder confidence.