XRP News Today: Institutions Back Crypto's Legitimacy as Tech Sectors Leverage AI-IoT for Growth

The cryptocurrency and technology sectors are navigating a period of strategic shifts and institutional validation, with BlockDAG's $435 million fundraising and Ripple's XRP ecosystem expansion emerging as pivotal developments. Meanwhile, advancements in AI hardware and IoT connectivity are reshaping investor sentiment, while traditional industries like semiconductor manufacturing and retail services are adapting to evolving market demands.

BlockDAG, a blockchain project facing recent scrutiny, has raised $435 million in funding ahead of its scheduled "Genesis Day" on February 10, 2026, when the network is set to launch on major exchanges, according to a a Yahoo Finance report. Founder and CEO David Turner has dismissed recent allegations of a "coordinated disinformation campaign" as a tactic to undermine confidence ahead of the milestone. Turner emphasized that the project's public testnet, which processes over 1,400 transactions per second and supports Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility, along with partnerships like the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team, demonstrate its legitimacy, the Yahoo Finance report said. The firm's commitment to a fixed timeline for infrastructure delivery contrasts with the opaque timelines often seen in fraudulent projects, creating a binary outcome for its credibility.

Parallel to BlockDAG's developments, Ripple's XRP ecosystem is gaining institutional traction, with global firms collectively holding $11 billion in XRP under the Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) model, according to Coinpedia. Ripple's stablecoin, RLUSD, has surged to a $789 million market cap, driven by its adoption on platforms like Bybit and its expansion into Japan in 2026. The XRP Ledger's compliance features, such as Clawback and Deep Freeze, are attracting banks and fintechs seeking regulatory-ready blockchain solutions. Notably, Japan's SBI Holdings holds the largest corporate XRP position at $10 billion, aligning the asset with Bitcoin and Ethereum in institutional portfolios, the report added.

In the tech sector, Qualcomm's AI-driven chip development has propelled its stock to a 15-month high, reflecting broader investor optimism about artificial intelligence's transformative potential, according to Morningstar. Meanwhile, Digi International's launch of the Digi XBee 3 Global LTE Cat 4 modem is positioning the company to capitalize on high-bandwidth IoT applications. The device's global pre-certifications and edge intelligence capabilities aim to simplify integration for manufacturers, potentially accelerating Digi's transition to recurring revenue streams, according to Simply Wall St.

Semiconductor manufacturer X-FAB reported robust third-quarter results, with SiC business growth driven by demand from data centers and EVs, according to the company's X-FAB results. The company's expansion in Malaysia, which will double capacity for its 180nm BCD-on-SOI technology by late 2026, underscores its strategic focus on high-growth applications. X-FAB's EBITDA margin of 23.6% in Q3, within its guided range, highlights its resilience amid fluctuating market conditions, the results release noted.

On the corporate front, SPAR Group's relocation to Charlotte and the appointment of James Gillis as executive chairman signal a strategic pivot toward operational efficiency and client engagement, according to MarketScreener. The company's extended U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facility, with interest rates tied to Wells Fargo's Prime Rate, aims to bolster liquidity and support its capital allocation strategy, the MarketScreener piece added.

As markets weigh these developments, the interplay between institutional adoption, technological innovation, and regulatory preparedness is shaping investor priorities. While projects like BlockDAG and XRP face scrutiny, their tangible infrastructure and partnerships are fostering a narrative of legitimacy. Conversely, traditional sectors are leveraging AI and IoT advancements to secure long-term growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.