LayerZero joins Canton to connect institutional tokenized assets with public blockchains as Wall Street tokenization efforts gather pace.

The post LayerZero expands into Canton linking Wall Street tokenization rails with public chains appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin falls below $69K as oil climbs above $100 on conflicting US Iran statements over peace talks, dragging crypto and equities lower.

The post Bitcoin slides under $69K as oil spikes on conflicting US Iran signals appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The inclusion of crypto in 401(k) plans could reshape retirement investment strategies, raising questions about risk management and fiduciary duties.

The post White House advances plan to bring crypto and alternative assets to 401(k) appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Nexo expands private wealth services as high net worth investors increase crypto exposure and demand credit and trading tools.

The post Nexo targets family offices with expanded crypto credit and OTC trading services appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Tether launches XAUt on BNB Chain as gold cools from January highs, expanding tokenized bullion access amid rising crypto market demand.

The post Tether launches XAUt on BNB Chain as gold trading moves deeper into crypto appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin Magazine

Goldman Sachs: Crypto and Bitcoin Might Have Bottomed

Goldman Sachs believes bitcoin and crypto prices may have hit their floor after months of declines, highlighting select stocks with upside potential.

In a note on Thursday, analyst James Yaro said crypto-related equities are down 46% since October 2025 but are showing “volatile but flattish performance” in recent weeks, making valuations increasingly attractive, thanks to CNBC reporting.

Top picks include Robinhood, Figure Technologies, and Coinbase, all rated “buy.” Figure, which runs a blockchain-based HELOC business, saw its price target raised to $42 from $39, implying 35% upside from current levels. 

Robinhood is expanding offerings to advanced traders and financial services, while Coinbase is focusing on crypto derivatives, subscriptions, and new products like equities trading and banking.

Goldman cautioned that trading volumes could dip further, potentially reducing 2026 revenue by 2% and profits by 4%, but expects volumes to rebound within a median three-month trough period.

Bitcoin has bottomed

Other analysts also appear bullish on BTC. 

Bitcoin appears to be stabilizing after recent volatility, with signs suggesting the market may have reached a potential bottom. Following a sharp selloff that pushed BTC from around $75,000 to $67,000, the cryptocurrency has rebounded, supported by easing selling pressure from ETFs, long-term holders, and constructive geopolitical developments, including U.S.–Iran talks. 

Over the past month, bitcoin has traded sideways between $60,000 and $75,000, a pattern often linked to market bottoms. K33 Research highlights that reduced distribution from ETFs and rising supply held for more than six months reflect structural market stability. 

Head of Research Vetle Lunde noted that with bitcoin below $100,000, fewer investors are inclined to exit positions, anchoring prices.

ETF flows have turned mildly positive since late February, signaling an end to the heavy post-October distribution phase. 

Despite macro uncertainty—including rising oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and a hawkish Federal Reserve—bitcoin’s range-bound price action, low open interest in perpetual swaps, and negative funding rates suggest a constructive environment for medium- and long-term investors. 

Wall Street broker Bernstein echoes this outlook, asserting that bitcoin has likely bottomed and maintaining a $150,000 year-end target. Bernstein cited strong ETF flows, growing corporate treasury demand, and resilience in Strategy (MSTR)—which now holds $53.5 billion worth of bitcoin—as evidence of institutional confidence. 

Analysts view the recent correction as a temporary sentiment reset rather than a breakdown in fundamentals, with continued interest in Strategy’s preferred shares offering additional long-term capital support.

Overall, both research firms see bitcoin transitioning from a distribution phase toward stabilization, setting the stage for potential upside later this year.

This post Goldman Sachs: Crypto and Bitcoin Might Have Bottomed first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Trust Wallet Launches Agent Kit That Lets AI Execute Crypto Transactions Under User Control

Trust Wallet, the self-custody crypto wallet with over 220 million downloads, announced the launch of the Trust Wallet Agent Kit, a new infrastructure that enables AI agents to execute real crypto transactions across more than 25 blockchains — while keeping users fully in control.

For the first time, AI can take actions in a user’s wallet — but only within the permissions and boundaries defined by the user. 

The Agent Kit integrates with the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and is available via a command line interface (CLI), giving developers the tools to build and test AI-powered crypto workflows safely and efficiently, according to a press release shared with Bitcoin Magazine. 

The launch follows the recent opening of Trust Wallet’s Developer Portal, which allowed AI agents read-only access to data across more than 100 chains. While the Developer Portal provided context for understanding users’ crypto positions, the Agent Kit adds a wallet-connected layer, enabling user-directed actions and automated workflows.

“AI can understand what a user wants to do with their money — but it needs a trusted layer before it can safely act on it,” said Felix Fan, CEO of Trust Wallet. “The Agent Kit is that layer. Developers can now build agents that execute on real wallets, within rules users set — and we’ll expand those capabilities as users build confidence in what AI can do on their behalf.”

Interestingly, a new Bitcoin Policy Institute study from this month found that frontier AI models overwhelmingly favor digitally-native money, with Bitcoin chosen in 48.3% of scenarios and dominating as a long-term store of value at 79.1%. 

Stablecoins lagged behind, and traditional fiat was rarely selected, as AIs cited Bitcoin’s fixed supply, decentralization, and self-custody as key advantages.

AI agents working on your behalf

The Agent Kit supports two modes of interaction. The first is a dedicated AI agent wallet, where users preconfigure permissions for tasks such as dollar-cost averaging, alerts, and limit-based strategies without per-transaction approvals. 

The second — unique in the industry — connects an AI agent directly to a user’s existing Trust Wallet through WalletConnect, where agents propose transactions that users approve before execution. Custody always remains with the user, ensuring safety and control.

At launch, the Agent Kit supports more than 25 blockchains, making it the broadest AI-connected wallet infrastructure available today. The toolkit comes equipped with full DeFi infrastructure, including swaps, automations, limit orders, alerts, and risk scoring, along with developer features such as ENS resolution and message signing. 

 Developers can set up a working AI agent in under 15 minutes.

Looking ahead, Trust Wallet plans to integrate AI directly into its wallet for all 220 million users, providing in-wallet insights, automated strategies, personalized alerts, and approved transaction suggestions.

Later this year, an Agent Marketplace will allow developers to publish reusable agent strategies and trading bots, while users can explore and deploy them directly from their wallets, the company said. 

With the Agent Kit, Trust Wallet aims to become the foundation for self-custody in an AI-driven world, giving users the benefits of automation while ensuring their assets remain under their control.

This post Trust Wallet Launches Agent Kit That Lets AI Execute Crypto Transactions Under User Control first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Brazil Passes Law Turning Seized Crypto into Public-Security War Chest

Brazil has enacted a landmark law that allows authorities to channel crypto seized from criminal organizations directly into public security initiatives, marking a major step in the country’s crackdown on organized crime.

Signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Law No. 15.358 equips law enforcement with unprecedented powers to freeze, block, and seize both traditional and digital assets, including crypto, during investigations. 

The legislation also permits the provisional use of seized cryptoassets, with judicial approval, to fund police operations, intelligence work, officer training, and other public security efforts—even before final convictions.

The law specifically targets ultraviolent criminal organizations, paramilitary groups, and private militias, broadening the definition of crimes and significantly increasing penalties for acts such as controlling territories, obstructing police, or using encrypted messaging apps and privacy tools to conceal illicit activity.

Authorities can now suspend access to exchanges, digital wallets, and online platforms during investigations, with permanent restrictions applied upon conviction.

The legislation also facilitates international cooperation for asset recovery and intelligence sharing, aiming to track and recover illicit proceeds across borders.

The law further strengthens civil measures, allowing courts to seize property, block funds, and liquidate assets connected to criminal activity. 

It establishes a national criminal database that integrates the financial structures of known criminal groups, improving coordination between police, prosecutors, and the judiciary.

Brazil’s attempt at a bitcoin reserve 

Back in February 2026, Brazilian lawmakers reintroduced a bill proposing the creation of a Strategic Sovereign Bitcoin Reserve (RESBit) to gradually acquire one million bitcoins over five years. 

The bill, presented by Federal Deputy Luiz Gastão (PSD/CE), outlines a comprehensive framework to integrate Bitcoin into the country’s financial strategy and diversify national reserves.

The legislation would prohibit selling bitcoins seized by judicial authorities, allow federal taxes to be collected in Bitcoin, and encourage public companies to participate in Bitcoin mining and storage. 

RESBit would emphasize transparency and security, requiring public disclosure of holdings and use of cold wallets, multisignature wallets, and other recognized storage methods. 

If approved, Brazil would join a small group of countries holding national Bitcoin reserves, following examples like El Salvador and proposals in the United States.

Also, French utility giant Engie is considering adding battery storage or bitcoin mining data centers at its newly launched 895-MW Assu Sol solar plant in Brazil to offset curtailment losses and boost project economics, Reuters reports.

Despite entering full commercial operation this month, the northeast Brazil facility has already faced grid-imposed restrictions that limit output when supply exceeds demand.

This post Brazil Passes Law Turning Seized Crypto into Public-Security War Chest first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

MARA Dumps $1.1 Billion in Bitcoin to Repurchase Convertible Notes, Cuts Debt by 30%

MARA, a Nasdaq-listed Bitcoin miner expanding into digital energy and

AI infrastructure, announced a major balance sheet restructuring on Thursday. 

The company said they sold 15,133 Bitcoin for approximately $1.1 billion between March 4 and March 25 to fund the repurchase of its 0.00% convertible senior notes due 2030 and 2031.

The company will repurchase $367.5 million of its 2030 notes for $322.9 million and $633.4 million of its 2031 notes for $589.9 million. 

The purchases represent an approximate 9% discount to par value and are expected to generate roughly $88.1 million in cash savings. The transactions are scheduled to close on March 30 and March 31, pending customary conditions.

Following the repurchases, MARA’s outstanding convertible debt will decline by about 30%, reducing total convertible notes from roughly $3.3 billion to $2.3 billion. 

The move also limits potential future shareholder dilution tied to the notes’ conversion feature. After the repurchases, $632.5 million of 2030 notes and $291.6 million of 2031 notes will remain outstanding.

The company has made it clear they are pivoting toward artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

Shares of MARA were up 6% in premarket trading following the announcement.

MARA CEO: Selling bitcoin strengthens our balance sheet 

CEO Fred Thiel described the transactions as part of a broader capital allocation strategy.

“Our decision to sell a portion of our Bitcoin holdings reflects a strategic move designed to strengthen our balance sheet and position the company for long-term growth,” Thiel said. 

He added that the repurchases preserve shareholder value and provide the company with greater financial flexibility as it expands beyond Bitcoin mining into digital energy and AI/HPC infrastructure.

The company intends to use the remaining proceeds from the Bitcoin sales to support general corporate purposes. MARA’s current Bitcoin holdings now total 38,689 BTC, down from 53,822 BTC at the end of February. 

At current market prices, the holdings are valued at approximately $2.7 billion. The update places MARA behind only Twenty One Capital in terms of corporate Bitcoin holdings.

MARA’s capital structure prior to the transactions included $1.0 billion in 2030 notes and $925 million in 2031 notes. Following the repurchases, the principal amounts will be $632.5 million and $291.6 million, respectively. 

Other convertible notes remain unchanged, including $48.1 million of 1.0% notes due 2026, $300 million of 2.125% notes due 2031, and $1.025 billion of 0.0% notes due 2032.

J. Wood Capital Advisors LLC acted as financial advisor, while Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP provided legal counsel.

MARA develops technologies that harness excess energy to power high-performance computing applications and accelerate digital infrastructure deployment. The company has stated it plans to sell Bitcoin “from time to time” as part of its 2026 capital and liquidity strategy.

Editorial Disclaimer: We leverage AI as part of our editorial workflow, including to support research, image generation, and quality assurance processes. All content is directed, reviewed, and approved by our editorial team, who are accountable for accuracy and integrity. AI-generated images use only tools trained on properly license material. In Bitcoin, as in media: Don’t trust. Verify.

This post MARA Dumps $1.1 Billion in Bitcoin to Repurchase Convertible Notes, Cuts Debt by 30% first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Buy a Home With Bitcoin: Coinbase, Fannie Mae Bring Crypto Mortgages to Mainstream Buyers

Coinbase is partnering with Better Home & Finance to roll out crypto-backed mortgages backed by Fannie Mae, marking a step toward integrating digital assets into traditional housing finance.

The new offering allows qualified borrowers to pledge Bitcoin or USDC as collateral for a down payment without selling their holdings, avoiding potential capital gains taxes while maintaining exposure to their assets.

Structured as conforming loans, the mortgages carry the same standards and protections as traditional Fannie Mae-backed loans. Better originates and services the loans, while Coinbase provides custody and infrastructure for the pledged bitcoin or crypto.

The product targets a long-standing barrier in the housing market: the upfront cost of a down payment. 

According to Better, roughly 41% of American families fail to purchase homes due to insufficient liquid cash, even when they hold other forms of wealth.

“For decades, the path to homeownership has required Americans to sell assets, liquidate investments, or withdraw retirement savings,” said Better CEO Vishal Garg. “This partnership introduces a new pathway for millions of Americans who hold digital assets.”

The companies estimate that around 52 million Americans — roughly 20% of adults—have owned digital assets, according to a company press release. 

By allowing borrowers to pledge crypto instead of cash, the product aims to unlock that balance sheet for housing access.

Wall Street Journal reporting helped with the coverage of this news.

Bitcoin-backed mortgages 

Unlike traditional crypto-backed lending, the mortgages are designed to minimize volatility risk for borrowers. The loans do not include margin calls or collateral top-ups. If bitcoin’s price falls, borrowers are not required to add more collateral, and market movements alone do not trigger liquidation.

Collateral is only at risk if a borrower becomes at least 60 days delinquent on mortgage payments, aligning with standard foreclosure timelines in conventional housing finance.

Interest rates on the crypto-backed structure are expected to be higher than standard 30-year mortgages by roughly 0.5 to 1.5 percentage points, depending on borrower profiles. Still, Coinbase argues the tradeoff may be worth it for borrowers seeking to avoid liquidating assets.

“The ability to transform digital wealth into housing access is a milestone,” said Max Branzburg, head of consumer and business products at Coinbase. “Token-backed mortgages are a first step toward unlocking homeownership for younger generations.”

The product reflects shifting wealth patterns, particularly among younger Americans. Coinbase data shows 45% of younger investors own crypto, compared with 18% of older cohorts, suggesting digital assets are becoming a primary store of value for a new generation.

At the same time, housing affordability has deteriorated. Home prices have outpaced income growth, leaving many would-be buyers asset-rich but cash-poor. Token-backed mortgages attempt to bridge that gap by treating crypto holdings as usable collateral rather than speculative investments.

Better has previously experimented with alternative collateral models. In 2023, the firm allowed certain Amazon employees to pledge stock as down payments for loans. Executives say adding bitcoin and crypto could have expanded lending demand significantly, with Garg estimating the company may have missed up to $40 billion in originations by not offering such products earlier.

The structure also introduces new features unique to digital assets. Borrowers pledging USDC may continue to earn yield on their holdings, potentially offsetting mortgage costs. In addition, Coinbase’s custody model allows users to pledge specific portions of their portfolio rather than locking up all assets.

The companies say they plan to expand the range of eligible collateral over time, potentially including tokenized equities, fixed income instruments, and real estate assets.

While crypto-backed mortgages have existed in niche wealth management channels, the involvement of Fannie Mae signals a shift toward broader adoption. As a government-sponsored enterprise, Fannie Mae sets standards for a large portion of the U.S. mortgage market.

By aligning bitcoin collateral with conforming loan structures, the Coinbase-Better partnership positions digital assets as part of mainstream financial infrastructure rather than a parallel system.

Coinbase described the product as “as American as apple pie,” framing it as an evolution of home financing rather than a departure from it.

Editorial Disclaimer: We leverage AI as part of our editorial workflow, including to support research, image generation, and quality assurance processes. All content is directed, reviewed, and approved by our editorial team, who are accountable for accuracy and integrity. AI-generated images use only tools trained on properly license material. In Bitcoin, as in media: Don’t trust. Verify.

This post Buy a Home With Bitcoin: Coinbase, Fannie Mae Bring Crypto Mortgages to Mainstream Buyers first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Circle, the issuer of USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin, saw its stock plunge 20% this week, erasing $5 billion in market capitalization in its steepest intraday drop since going public.

The sell-off happened on the same day Tether announced it had secured a ‘Big Four' accounting firm to undertake a full audit of USDT.

According to Mario Stefanidis of research firm Artemis, the sell-off was triggered by leaked regulatory drafts and unexpected wallet freezes, sending trading volume surging to 56.4 million shares. This is nearly four times the stock's 90-day average.

Yet, as the dust settles, a growing chorus of market analysts and institutional investors is calling the market’s reaction a severe miscalculation, arguing that the underlying fundamentals for the USDC issuer have never been stronger.

Circle's CRCL stock has posted a modest 3% recovery to $104 as of today's market open.

Related Reading

Circle makes Wall Street debut as first major stablecoin issuer on NYSE

Circle's alignment with global regulatory standards positions it as a trusted stablecoin partner for traditional firms.

Jun 5, 2025 · Oluwapelumi Adejumo

CLARITY Act yield rules hit a market already priced for little disappointment

The immediate catalyst was the reported arrival of new draft language for the highly anticipated CLARITY Act, which would ban passive stablecoin yield.

This means stablecoin users would be unable to earn rewards for simply holding a dollar-pegged token.

At the same time, exchanges and affiliated firms would be barred from offering yield, directly or indirectly, on stablecoin balances or through structures deemed economically equivalent to interest.

According to reports, activity-linked incentives would still appear to survive under the proposal, with US financial regulators, including the SEC and the US Treasury, given time to define the regulations.

The new text landed after a strong rally in Circle shares. The stock had climbed 170% from its February lows and had risen from $50 to $127 as investors responded to earnings, faster USDC growth, and optimism that regulated stablecoins would gain from tokenization, AI-linked payments, prediction markets, cross-border transfers, and 24/7 market structure.

At those levels, Circle was being valued for continued strength in reserve income, expanding adoption, and a smooth regulatory path.

However, the revised CLARITY language challenged one of the assumptions supporting that setup, especially for investors who had linked USDC growth to exchanges and brokers' ability to offer deposit-like rewards on idle balances.

Stefanidis said the market had repriced the entire stablecoin trade within hours. He said the draft exposed a business-model vulnerability, coming at a time when rates had already moved lower, and reserve yields were no longer offering the same support they had a year earlier.

According to him, the Fed's yield on reserves declined to 3.81% in the fourth quarter of 2025 from 4.49% a year earlier. That meant investors were already watching whether slower monetary support would weigh on reserve income before Washington’s latest draft added a new layer of uncertainty.

Related Reading

Circle stock leaps to $200 record after 34% daily gain

Besides CRCL, Coinbase and Robinhood shares also climbed on the GENIUS Act progressing in the Congress.

Jun 18, 2025 · Gino Matos

The selloff may have conflated Circle with its distributors

Meanwhile, several analysts argued the market’s first reaction to CRCL overlooked how Circle actually makes money.

Circle issues USDC, invests the reserves in short-duration US Treasurys and overnight repurchase agreements, and keeps the spread generated on those holdings. In the fourth quarter of 2025, its reserve income rose 60% from a year earlier to $711 million, driven by a 97% increase in average USDC supply.

Thus, its full-year 2025 revenue reached $2.7 billion, up 64%, while about 95.5% of revenue came from interest income on reserves.

Essentially, the bulk of the firm's revenue comes from interest earned on its reserves.

Given this, Bernstein analysts said CRCL stock investors should not conflate stablecoin issuers with distributors.

In their view, the proposed rules are aimed at platforms that pass yield through to users, not at issuers such as Circle that earn on reserve assets and do not directly pay holders for simply keeping tokens in their wallets.

That reading has led some investors to reach the opposite conclusion based on Tuesday’s price action.

Simon Dedic, managing partner of Moonrock Capital, argued the draft could strengthen Circle’s model by preserving its ability to retain reserve yield while narrowing the scope for others to compete on aggressive yield offers.

Meanwhile, exchanges like Coinbase, which pass on yield to their users, could face more immediate adjustments if the bill becomes law.

The Brian Armstrong-led exchange currently offers a yield of around 3.5% on USDC balances and shares a significant portion of its reserve income with Circle.

So, a narrower path for deposit-style incentives could force distributors like Coinbase to rework reward programs, loyalty systems, or activity-linked payments.

Related Reading

Crypto yields expose the exact amount banks are underpaying you, and why they want Congress to ban it

Incumbents are lobbying to define crypto rewards as illegal interest because they can't afford to compete with yields that track the real government rate.

Jan 14, 2026 · Liam 'Akiba' Wright

USDC growth has stayed firm even as the debate intensified

The sharp move in Circle shares came at a time when USDC’s underlying operating metrics were still pointing higher.

Data from Artemis shows that USDC circulation reached about $81 billion in late March, up from $76 billion at the end of 2025.

The asset's adjusted on-chain transaction volume totaled $6.8 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2025, more than double the level a year earlier.

At the same time, the company has also been widening its commercial footprint. Circle recently announced an expansion into Africa through a partnership with Sasai Fintech and secured an integration with Intuit.

Those figures support the argument that USDC demand is no longer tied solely to passive yield, as other activities, such as cross-border settlement, trading collateral, and others, have all become larger parts of the stablecoin market.

That outlook also explains why Ark Invest stepped in during the selloff. Cathie Wood’s firm bought 161,513 Circle shares across ARKK, ARKW, and ARKF on Tuesday, a purchase worth about $16.34 million based on the closing price of $101.17.

Other pressures that shook confidence in Circle's CRCL stock

There are also arguments that the stock’s decline was amplified by two separate developments that added stress to an already fragile trading session.

The first was Tether’s move toward a full audit by a Big Four firm. The effort raised speculation that Tether could improve its standing in markets where Circle has benefited from being seen as the more tightly regulated and more trusted issuer.

Several investors read that as a possible challenge to one of Circle’s strongest positioning advantages in the US and Europe. Dedic argued:

“The race between Tether and Circle just got a lot more interesting.”

The second was Circle’s freeze of the USDC balances of 16 business hot wallets late Monday, disrupting operations at several exchanges, casinos, and foreign exchange platforms, including FxPro, Pepperstone, AMarkets, and HeroFX. The freeze was reportedly tied to a U.S. civil case whose details were not disclosed.

Blockchain investigator ZachXBT questioned the move, saying even basic onchain tools would have shown the addresses were operational business wallets handling thousands of transactions.

He stated:

“In my 5+ yrs of investigations it could potentially be the single most incompetent freeze I have seen. This is what happens when you outsource your freezing decisions to literally any random federal judge instead of having a process”

What's next for Circle's CRCL?

For now, the market appears to be treating the draft's harshest possible interpretation as the base case. However, that may prove too severe.

Stefanidis noted that the policy direction is not entirely new because the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) proposed implementation of the GENIUS Act pointed toward a regime in which payment stablecoin issuers could not offer interest or yield simply for holding tokens.

According to him, the argument in Washington is increasingly shifting toward what remains permissible around usage-based economics rather than whether passive interest-like rewards would survive intact.

Given this, analysts at Berinstein have maintained an Outperform rating on Circle with a $190 price target. At the same time, Clear Street also reiterated its buy rating for the stock and set a price target of $152.

Meanwhile, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan argued that Circle's impressive position in the stablecoin market puts it at an advantage over the big banks that might enter the sector later.

Against that backdrop, he concluded that the stablecoin firm would be a $75 billion company by 2030.

The post A new US rule wiped $5B off Circle — but it may hurt Coinbase more appeared first on CryptoSlate.

From launch milestone to durability test

In less than a week, the Playnance story shifted from launch setup to live market read. CryptoSlate’s March 18 coverage framed G Coin as entering its public milestone with more than 200,000 holders already on the tracker and a live entertainment ecosystem behind it.

By March 19, the token had moved into open trading on MEXC, and by March 23, CryptoSlate reported that the public tracker had climbed above 1.15 million holders.

Utility claims now have public benchmarks

That matters because Playnance is not positioning G Coin as a blank-slate asset. Its documentation describes G Coin as the economic layer for gameplay interactions and fees, rewards and incentives, partner revenue distribution, and treasury flows, while PlayBlock is presented as the execution layer with gasless transactions, deterministic settlement, transparent on-chain accounting, and sub-second finality.

Playnance’s docs also explicitly describe G Coin as an operational economic layer rather than a speculative asset.

Staking, liquidity, and distribution are visible in real time

Open trading gives G Coin continuous price discovery, while staking creates the first visible post-launch read on user conviction. CryptoSlate’s March 19 coverage said more than 1 billion G Coin had already been locked shortly after trading began, and the official staking page shows four lockup options, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months.

Combined with the public tracker, those signals make it possible to watch liquidity, lockups, and holder growth at the same time, which is a stronger market test than launch-week excitement alone.

The next headline should be about operating proof

Playnance’s recent CryptoSlate coverage says G Coin is a utility token rather than a governance or profit-sharing claim, and says the token has a fixed maximum supply of 77 billion. The company’s G Coin page also says the token is already used across 10,000-plus on-chain games and 2.5 million live sports events.

That suggests the sharper follow-up story is not another holder milestone by itself, but whether public-market demand keeps aligning with measurable ecosystem usage after the initial listing window fades.

The post Playnance G Coin shifts from breakout launch to utility test appeared first on CryptoSlate.

A poisoned release of LiteLLM turned a routine Python install into a crypto-aware secret stealer that searched for wallets, Solana validator material, and cloud credentials every time Python started.

On Mar. 24, between 10:39 UTC and 16:00 UTC, an attacker who had gained access to a maintainer account published two malicious versions of LiteLLM to PyPI: 1.82.7 and 1.82.8.

LiteLLM markets itself as a unified interface to more than 100 large language model providers, a position that places it inside credential-rich developer environments by design. PyPI Stats records 96,083,740 downloads in the last month alone.

The two builds carried different levels of risk. Version 1.82.7 required a direct import of litellm.proxy to activate its payload, while version 1.82.8 planted a .pth file (litellm_init.pth) in the Python installation.

Python's own documentation confirms that executable lines in .pth files run at every Python startup, so 1.82.8 executed without any import at all. Any machine that had it installed ran compromised code the moment Python next launched.

FutureSearch estimates 46,996 downloads in 46 minutes, with 1.82.8 accounting for 32,464 of them.

Additionally, it counted 2,337 PyPI packages that depended on LiteLLM, with 88% allowing the compromised version range at the time of the attack.

LiteLLM's own incident page warned that anyone whose dependency tree pulled in LiteLLM through an unpinned transitive constraint during the window should treat their environment as potentially exposed.

The DSPy team confirmed it had a LiteLLM constraint of “superior or equal to 1.64.0” and warned that fresh installs during the window could have resolved to the poisoned builds.

Built to hunt crypto

SafeDep's reverse engineering of the payload makes the crypto targeting explicit.

The malware searched for Bitcoin wallet configuration files and wallet*.dat files, Ethereum keystore directories, and Solana configuration files under ~/.config/solana.

SafeDep says the collector gave Solana special treatment, showing targeted searches for validator key pairs, vote account keys, and Anchor deploy directories.

Solana's developer documentation sets the default CLI keypair path at ~/.config/solana/id.json. Anza's validator documentation describes three authority files central to validator operation, and states that theft of the authorized withdrawer gives an attacker complete control over validator operations and rewards.

Anza also warns that the withdrawal key should never sit on the validator machine itself.

SafeDep says the payload harvested SSH keys, environment variables, cloud credentials, and Kubernetes secrets across namespaces. When it found valid AWS credentials, it queried AWS Secrets Manager and the SSM Parameter Store for additional information.

It also created privileged node-setup-*pods in kube-system and installed persistence through sysmon.py and a systemd unit.

For crypto teams, the compounded risk runs in a specific direction. An infostealer that collects a wallet file alongside the passphrase, deploy secret, CI token, or cluster credential from the same host can convert a credential incident into a wallet drain, a malicious contract deployment, or a signer compromise.

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Jul 31, 2023 · Oluwapelumi Adejumo

The malware assembled exactly that combination of artifacts.

This attack is part of a wider campaign, as LiteLLM's incident note links the compromise to the earlier Trivy incident, and Datadog and Snyk both describe LiteLLM as a later stage in a multi-day TeamPCP chain that moved through several developer ecosystems before reaching PyPI.

The targeting logic runs consistently across the campaign: a secret-rich infrastructure tooling provides faster access to wallet-adjacent material.

Potential outcomes for this episode

The bull case rests on the speed of detection and the absence, so far, of publicly confirmed crypto theft.

PyPI quarantined both versions by approximately 11:25 UTC on Mar. 24. LiteLLM removed the malicious builds, rotated maintainer credentials, and engaged Mandiant. PyPI currently shows 1.82.6 as the latest visible release.

If defenders rotated secrets, audited for litellm_init.pth, and treated exposed hosts as burned before adversaries could convert exfiltrated artifacts into active exploitation, then the damage stays contained to credential exposure.

The incident also accelerates the adoption of practices already gaining ground. PyPI's Trusted Publishing replaces long-lived manual API tokens with short-lived OIDC-backed identity, approximately 45,000 projects had adopted it by November 2025.

LiteLLM's incident involved the abuse of release credentials, making it much harder to dismiss the case for switching.

For crypto teams, the incident creates urgency for tighter role separation: cold validator withdrawers kept fully offline, isolated deployment signers, short-lived cloud credentials, and locked dependency graphs.

The DSPy team's rapid pinning and LiteLLM's own post-incident guidance both point toward hermetic builds as the remediation standard.

The bear case turns on lag. SafeDep documented a payload that exfiltrated secrets, spread inside Kubernetes clusters, and installed persistence before detection.

An operator who installed a poisoned dependency inside a build runner or cluster-connected environment on Mar. 24 may not discover the full scope of that exposure for weeks. Exfiltrated API keys, deploy credentials, and wallet files do not expire on detection. Adversaries can hold them and act later.

Sonatype puts malicious availability at “at least two hours”; LiteLLM's own guidance covers installs through 16:00 UTC; and FutureSearch's quarantine timestamp is 11:25 UTC.

Teams cannot rely solely on timestamp filtering to determine their exposure, as those figures do not yield a clear all-clear.

The most dangerous scenario in this category centers on shared operator environments. A crypto exchange, validator operator, bridge team, or RPC provider that installed a poisoned transitive dependency inside a build runner would have exposed an entire control plane.

Kubernetes secret dumps across namespaces and privileged pod creation in the kube-system namespace are control-plane access tools designed for lateral movement.

If that lateral movement reached an environment where hot or semi-hot validator material was present on reachable machines, the consequences could range from individual credential theft to compromise of validator authority.

PyPI's quarantine and LiteLLM's incident response closed the active distribution window.

Teams that installed or upgraded LiteLLM on Mar. 24, or that ran builds with unpinned transitive dependencies resolving to 1.82.7 or 1.82.8, should treat their environments as fully compromised.

Some actions include rotating all secrets accessible from exposed machines, auditing for litellm_init.pth, revoking and reissuing cloud credentials, and verifying that no validator authority material was accessible from those hosts.

The LiteLLM incident documents a path of an attacker who knew exactly which off-chain files to look for, had a delivery mechanism with tens of millions of monthly downloads, and built persistence before anyone pulled the builds from distribution.

The off-chain machinery that moves and safeguards crypto sat directly in the payload's search path.

The post Hackers sneak crypto wallet-stealing code into a popular AI tool that runs every time appeared first on CryptoSlate.

The crypto industry has framed its quantum reckoning as a single catastrophic “Q-Day” moment when a sufficiently powerful machine arrives, old cryptographic keys shatter, and blockchain history unravels. This week, that moment may have been brought forward into this decade.

The Ethereum Foundation's Mar. 24 post-quantum (PQ) roadmap shows that the realistic quantum threat to Ethereum centers on forged signatures enabling theft and impersonation, and that selecting stronger cryptographic algorithms is the comparatively manageable layer of the problem.

The coordination infrastructure underneath it is an order of magnitude harder.

EF's FAQ ranks the exposed surfaces in a specific order: user accounts (externally owned accounts, or EOAs), high-value operational keys at exchanges, bridges, custody hot wallets, governance and upgrade multisigs, then validator keys.

Each category has a different migration timeline and political weight. Together, they describe a live financial system that must upgrade itself while running at full capacity, with hundreds of millions of accounts and no acceptable flag day.

Account abstraction is EF's primary execution-layer migration path because it allows users to replace ECDSA-based authentication without forcing a chain-wide reset.

EIP-4337 infrastructure already supports more than 26 million smart wallets and 170 million UserOperations, which is still a fraction of Ethereum's active user surface.

DefiLlama currently shows roughly 680,777 active Ethereum addresses, with 206,823 new addresses in the last 24 hours.

The Foundation's timeline puts L1 protocol upgrades at roughly 2029, with full execution-layer migration taking additional years beyond that. EF says that most expert roadmaps place cryptographic relevance in the early to mid-2030s.

The Global Risk Institute's 2025 quantum-threat survey puts the probability of a cryptographically relevant quantum computer emerging within 10 years at 28%-49% and within 15 years at 51%-70%, with respondents noting that the timeline has accelerated.

That overlap between L1 preparation and user-wallet migration is where the operational exposure actually lives.

However, that timeline looks tighter this week. Google’s new warning compresses the policy and market timetable even if the science remains uncertain. Google is now planning against a 2029 Q-Day horizon. While this does not settle when a cryptographically relevant quantum computer will arrive, it does change the operational framing.

Once major infrastructure operators start budgeting and planning for a shorter window, post-quantum readiness stops being a distant research topic and becomes a near-cycle execution problem for wallets, bridges, custodians, and validators.

Where capital and control concentrate

The bridge and custody layer sharpens that exposure considerably.

L2Beat shows Ethereum-linked L2s securing about $32.54 billion in value, while DefiLlama shows bridge protocols on Ethereum holding roughly $7.275 billion in total value locked, with bridge rails processing about $18.835 billion in volume over the last month.

Those flows run through a relatively compact set of key-management choke points, which are exactly the “high-value operational keys” EF places second in its risk hierarchy.

TRM Labs' January 2026 crime report found that infrastructure attacks on keys, wallets, and access-control systems drove the majority of crypto's $2.87 billion in 2025 hack losses, outpacing smart contract exploits.

The operational discipline the post-quantum roadmap requires in this domain mirrors the discipline the industry is already failing at today, which makes bridge and custody key rotation urgent on two timelines simultaneously.

The validator layer adds a different dimension to the coordination problem.

Beaconcha.in shows roughly 976,204 active validators and 36.67 million ETH staked, which looks like a maximally decentralized key-migration problem at first glance.

At the entity level, Lido holds 21.24% of the net staking share, Binance 8.73%, Ether.fi 6.05%, and Coinbase 4.64%, with those four operators controlling roughly 40.66% combined.

Validator key rotation is simultaneously a mass-coordination problem and a concentrated-operator problem.

If major staking platforms rotate keys early, migration momentum builds naturally, and the smaller validator cohort follows clear precedents. If large operators drag, the compliance burden falls disproportionately on independent validators, who lack the operational infrastructure to bear it alone.

EF frames the dormant coin case as the most politically charged element of the roadmap.

Accounts that have never revealed a public key have no direct quantum exposure, as their key remains hidden within an address.

Accounts that transacted, exposed their public keys, and then went silent are a different category entirely, leaving funds vulnerable with no mechanism for self-migration.

EF's FAQ names two natural outcomes when the risk window arrives: do nothing, or freeze vulnerable coins. EF explicitly frames that choice as a community governance decision, one requiring social consensus on who gets protected and under what conditions.

EF estimates Ethereum's exposure in this category at roughly 0.1% of supply, and Bitcoin's runs closer to 5%, tied to early address formats that many consider abandoned.

a16z's Justin Thaler has argued Bitcoin is uniquely exposed because early P2PK outputs put public keys directly on-chain, and because Bitcoin's governance structure makes coordinating any freeze politically severe.

Glassnode shows that about 3.46 million BTC have been inactive for more than 10 years, a broader dormancy measure that clarifies why any debate over dormant coins would be far more combustible on Bitcoin than on Ethereum.

Two outcomes

Ethereum rests on account abstraction infrastructure already running at scale.

If EIP-7702 and EIP-4337 tooling enable a large share of active users to migrate before quantum anxiety reaches a retail tipping point, Ethereum can absorb the transition without a governance crisis.

Bridges and custodians, controlling concentrated value and facing institutional due diligence demands, move first and establish migration norms across the industry.

With Ethereum's low dormant exposure figures, “do nothing” remains politically viable, sparing the chain a contentious debate over a freeze.

In that scenario, Ethereum's real advantage is upgrade agility: a live financial system that achieves quantum readiness through gradual, incentive-compatible migration, preserving continuity and user experience throughout.

However, if L1 milestones slip, execution-layer migration extends deeper into the 2030s, and the highest-value surfaces stay partly anchored to legacy assumptions as quantum timelines tighten. This is especially true if Google's 2029 projection comes to fruition.

Because infrastructure attacks already account for most hacking losses today, markets are beginning to price operational lag as a security discount for custodians and bridge operators before any quantum computer becomes relevant.

Post-quantum readiness becomes a standard due diligence criterion for institutional allocators, and operators unable to demonstrate a credible migration timeline face capital outflows and escalating insurance costs.

The cryptographic threat causes reputational and capital costs to accumulate during the migration window itself, propelled by market perception of operational lag well ahead of any cryptographic event.

EF placed PQ work within the “Harden the L1” protocol track in February and explicitly tied native account abstraction to quantum readiness. The cryptography will advance on a predictable schedule.
The migration fight over wallets, bridges, and dormant coins is already underway.

The post As quantum ‘Q-Day’ jumps to 2029, Ethereum faces a new fight over what to do with coins left in old wallets appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Morgan Stanley’s spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) appears close to launch, giving Wall Street one of its clearest signs yet that a major US bank is ready to put its own name directly on a BTC product.

On March 25, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) posted a listing notice for the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust under the ticker MSBT, which helped fuel expectations across the ETF market that trading could begin soon.

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas described the development as a sign the launch is “imminent.”

The product’s arrival would carry weight beyond the addition of one more ticker to an already crowded field.

Morgan Stanley already offers wealthy clients access to Bitcoin through approved investment channels. MSBT would bring that exposure inside the bank’s own wrapper, allowing Morgan Stanley to move from distributing other firms’ products to issuing one itself.

That shift would place one of Wall Street’s largest adviser networks at the center of Bitcoin distribution, with potential implications for fund flows, fee economics, and how crypto exposure is sold across private wealth.

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A large platform behind a single ticker

Morgan Stanley enters the market from a different position than a typical ETF issuer, as the Bitcoin news cycle around ETFs has died down significantly since 2024.

The bank’s Wealth Management division held about $8 trillion in client assets at the end of 2025, including nearly $6 trillion in adviser-led client assets. It has also continued to describe its adviser force at roughly 16,000 financial advisers.

That platform gives the proposed fund a scale few launches can match. Even modest client adoption could translate into a large pool of assets if advisers begin using the fund within existing portfolio frameworks.

Phong Le, president and chief executive of Strategy, framed the opportunity in those terms after the firm's initial application emerged last week.

On X, Le said Morgan Stanley Wealth Management oversees about $8 trillion in assets and uses a 0% to 4% Bitcoin allocation framework. On that basis, a 2% allocation would imply about $160 billion in potential demand.

That figure should be read as scenario math rather than a forecast. Morgan Stanley is not about to pull $160 billion into MSBT overnight. Advisers would still have to recommend the fund, clients would still have to approve the allocation, and the product still has to begin trading.

Still, the estimate shows why the market is treating the launch differently from a routine ETF debut. Small allocation bands within a platform of Morgan Stanley’s size can quickly produce numbers that dwarf the largest existing BTC funds, like BlackRock's $55 billion IBIT fund.

From third-party access to an in-house product

Morgan Stanley’s proposed launch comes after the bank already showed it was willing to let clients own and trade Bitcoin.

Over the past year, the firm has aggressively introduced several BTC-related products, including a structured note tied to BlackRock's IBIT, which drew more than $100 million from investors. Apart from that, the bank holds more than $700 million across several spot Bitcoin ETFs, including IBIT.

These holdings have made Morgan Stanley one of the largest institutional owners of Bitcoin. Meanwhile, it also offered a glimpse into the next stage of competition in the ETF market.

BlackRock built IBIT into the dominant Bitcoin ETF product through scale, pricing, and broad adoption by advisers across multiple platforms. Morgan Stanley is now preparing to offer a version of the same trade under its own brand, through its own advisers and inside its own wealth-management ecosystem.

The distinction is important because the underlying exposure is largely similar, as both funds hold Bitcoin in institutional custody. They both rely on established financial plumbing, and their product design is mostly familiar.

However, the change comes in who controls the route to the client.

When a Morgan Stanley adviser recommends MSBT, the product remains within the bank’s system from recommendation through execution.

For a bank with one of the largest adviser networks in the United States, that can shape adoption over time, even if the product itself looks similar to existing ETFs.

Bitcoin enters the model portfolio conversation

Morgan Stanley’s case for issuing its own fund also rests on work it has already done around portfolio construction.

In its cryptocurrency allocation guidance, the bank’s Global Investment Committee said initial crypto exposure should be 0% for wealth-conservation and income portfolios, 2% for balanced-growth portfolios, 3% for market-growth portfolios, and 4% for opportunistic-growth portfolios. The bank also said investors should use exchange-traded products where possible.

That guidance gives advisers a defined range rather than an open-ended decision.

It also keeps Bitcoin inside conventional portfolio language, tied to risk tolerance and capped at low-single-digit exposures. Conservative mandates remain at 0%, while higher-growth portfolios have room for small allocations through regulated investment products.

MSBT fits directly into that structure. The launch would give Morgan Stanley a product that matches its own allocation framework, its own implementation preferences, and its own wealth-management channels.

That is a more advanced stage of adoption than simple client access. It suggests Bitcoin is being folded into the same machinery that governs other portfolio exposures across private wealth.

John Haar, a private client services officer at Swan, best captured it, explaining that Morgan Stanley is launching the product because it believes Bitcoin will remain a lasting percentage allocation across client portfolios.

Fee pressure rises as the market matures

Meanwhile, the economics behind MSBT will become clearer once Morgan Stanley discloses the fund’s final sponsor fee. That detail remains one of the biggest unresolved pieces of the launch.

However, the broader market has already moved toward tight pricing. IBIT currently charges 0.25%, a level that has become a reference point for the sector.

Considering this, ETF analysts, including Balchunas and Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart, have suggested that Morgan Stanley may need to price MSBT close to that level, with some expecting it around 0.20%.

A fee in that range would help Morgan Stanley position the product as a standard client solution rather than a higher-cost in-house alternative.

That could be important inside a wealth-management platform where advisers will need to justify using the bank’s own ETF when BlackRock’s product already offers deep liquidity, a large asset base, and a long first-mover lead.

The post Morgan Stanley’s first bank-issued Bitcoin ETF is “imminent” – will sell BTC directly to clients appeared first on CryptoSlate.

What Are Wrapped and Staked Bitcoin?

At first glance, tokens like LBTC, ckBTC, or staked BTC may look like new versions of Bitcoin. But in reality, they are financial layers built on top of Bitcoin, not Bitcoin itself.

Wrapped and staked BTC are derivative assets that represent Bitcoin in different environments:

• Wrapped BTC allows Bitcoin to be used on other blockchains like Ethereum or Solana
• Staked BTC lets holders earn yield by locking their BTC in DeFi protocols
• Synthetic BTC tracks Bitcoin’s price without necessarily holding real BTC

These tokens typically aim to maintain a 1:1 value with BTC, but they come with very different mechanics and risks.

Wrapped vs Staked vs Synthetic BTC — What’s the Difference?

Understanding the differences is key before interacting with any of these assets.

Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC-style assets)

• Backed 1:1 by real BTC held in custody
• Used for DeFi trading, lending, and liquidity
• Requires trust in custodians or bridge mechanisms

👉 Example use: Providing liquidity on Ethereum-based platforms

Staked Bitcoin (LBTC, eBTC, etc.)

• BTC is locked into a protocol
• Users receive a token representing their deposit
• Can earn yield while remaining liquid

👉 Example use: Earning passive returns on BTC holdings

Synthetic Bitcoin

• Tracks BTC price via algorithms or collateral
• May not be backed by real BTC
• Higher risk due to dependency on mechanisms

👉 Example use: Trading exposure without owning BTC

What Does ‘Rehypothecated Bitcoin’ Mean?

One of the most overlooked concepts in crypto today is rehypothecation.

This means the same Bitcoin can be used multiple times across different platforms.

Here’s a simplified example:

1 BTC is locked in a protocol
→ A wrapped token is issued
→ That token is used as collateral
→ Another asset is created from it

Now, multiple claims exist on the same BTC.

This creates what many call:
👉 “paper Bitcoin” inside DeFi

Why These Tokens Trade at Bitcoin Prices

Despite not being real BTC, these assets trade close to Bitcoin’s price because:

• They are designed to maintain a 1:1 peg
• Arbitrage keeps prices aligned
• Market participants trust the backing mechanism

However, small deviations can occur due to:

• Liquidity differences
• Market stress
• Trust issues

The Hidden Risks Most Investors Ignore

This is where things get serious—and often misunderstood.

1. Custodial Risk

If the entity holding the BTC fails, the token may lose its backing.

2. Smart Contract Risk

Bugs or exploits in DeFi protocols can lead to loss of funds.

3. Depeg Risk

The token may lose its 1:1 value with BTC during market stress.

4. Liquidity Risk

Some of these tokens have very low volume, making them hard to exit.

Why This Trend Is Growing in 2025

The rise of wrapped and staked BTC is not random—it’s driven by major shifts in the crypto market:

• Investors want yield on Bitcoin, not just price appreciation
• DeFi protocols need BTC liquidity
• Institutions are exploring structured BTC products
• Cross-chain ecosystems are expanding

Bitcoin is no longer just a store of value—it is becoming programmable capital.

Should You Use Wrapped or Staked BTC?

It depends on your strategy.

Use them if:

• You want to earn yield on BTC
• You actively use DeFi
• You understand the risks

Avoid them if:

• You want pure, self-custodied BTC
• You prioritize security over yield
• You don’t fully understand DeFi mechanisms

Final Thoughts: Not All Bitcoin Is Equal

While wrapped and staked BTC open new opportunities, they also introduce layers of complexity and risk.

Owning Bitcoin directly is fundamentally different from holding a representation of it.

As the ecosystem evolves, one key question remains:

👉 Is your Bitcoin truly Bitcoin—or just a claim on it?

Can You Use Crypto for a Fannie Mae Mortgage?

Yes. As of March 2026, Fannie Mae-backed conforming mortgages can now include a separate crypto-collateralized loan to cover down payments. This means you do not have to sell your Bitcoin to qualify for a standard mortgage. The program, originated by Better and powered by Coinbase, ensures that borrowers maintain their market exposure while satisfying the rigorous underwriting standards of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).

What is Fannie Mae?

The Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), commonly known as Fannie Mae, is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) created by the U.S. Congress. Its primary role is to provide liquidity to the mortgage market by purchasing loans from banks and lenders, packaging them into mortgage-backed securities (MBS), and selling them to investors.

Because Fannie Mae sets the "underwriting guidelines" for what constitutes a "conforming loan," their acceptance of an asset class effectively makes that asset mainstream. Historically, Fannie Mae required crypto to be converted into USD at least 60 days prior to a home purchase. This new policy removes that barrier entirely.

How the Crypto-Backed Mortgage Works

The new product structure is designed to mitigate the volatility risks that have long kept digital assets out of the mortgage industry. Instead of a single complex loan, the process is split into two components:

• The Conforming Mortgage: A standard Fannie Mae-backed loan for the bulk of the home price.
• The Token-Backed Pledge: A separate loan used to fund the down payment, secured by Bitcoin or USDC held in a Coinbase Prime custody account.

Key Features of the Program:

• No Margin Calls: Unlike standard crypto margin trading, the mortgage terms remain unchanged even if the Bitcoin price drops.
• Tax Efficiency: By pledging assets instead of selling them, borrowers avoid triggering immediate capital gains taxes.
• USDC Rewards: Borrowers pledging USDC can earn rewards on their collateral, which can be applied to offset monthly mortgage payments.
• Liquidation Protection: Collateral is only at risk of liquidation after a 60-day payment delinquency, mirroring traditional foreclosure timelines.

Why This Boosts Crypto Adoption

The integration of crypto into Fannie Mae’s framework is perhaps the strongest signal of "institutional legitimacy" to date. This move boosts adoption in three critical ways:

1. Unlocking "Locked" Wealth

An estimated 20% of American adults own digital assets. Many of these individuals are "asset rich but cash poor," holding significant wealth in Bitcoin but unable to satisfy down payment requirements without selling. This product unlocks billions in dormant purchasing power.

2. Mainstream Standardization

When the FHFA, led by Director Bill Pulte, ordered the GSEs to draft these guidelines, it essentially classified Bitcoin as a "financial asset" on par with stocks and bonds. This standardization encourages other traditional banks to follow suit, further bridging the gap between DeFi and TradFi.

3. Incentivizing Long-term Holding

By removing the need to liquidate, the housing market is no longer a "sell-pressure" event for the crypto market. Instead, it becomes a reason to hold, as the asset now provides utility as a collateral base for real-world infrastructure.

Information Density: Comparison of Mortgage Types

Crypto Market Drops Despite Strong Bullish Developments

The cryptocurrency market is showing a surprising contradiction. Despite a wave of bullish developments — from institutional accumulation to major adoption milestones — both Bitcoin and Ethereum have declined over the past 24 hours.

Bitcoin slipped below key levels near $70,000, while Ethereum saw even sharper losses, underperforming the broader market. This raises a critical question:

👉 Why is crypto falling despite positive news?

The answer lies beyond crypto itself.

Geopolitical Tensions Are Driving a Risk-Off Market

The biggest force currently impacting markets is not crypto — it is geopolitics.

Escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, combined with increasingly aggressive statements from Donald Trump, have injected uncertainty into global markets. Investors are now pricing in the risk of further conflict and potential economic disruption.

As a result:

• Oil prices are rising sharply
• Inflation fears are returning
• Investors are shifting away from risk assets

In this environment, crypto is behaving like a high-risk asset rather than a safe haven.

Markets Are Reacting to Headlines, Not Fundamentals

Recent price movements highlight a key shift in market behavior.

When headlines suggested a pause in military escalation, crypto surged. When tensions resumed, prices dropped almost immediately.

This pattern shows that:

• Short-term crypto movements are now headline-driven
• Macro sentiment outweighs crypto-specific developments
• Volatility is being dictated by global events

In other words, crypto is currently trading like a macro asset, not a standalone market.

Liquidations Are Accelerating the Downside

Beyond macro pressure, market structure is amplifying the drop.

A significant number of leveraged long positions were wiped out in recent sessions, triggering forced selling. This type of liquidation cascade often accelerates declines beyond what fundamentals would justify.

Ethereum, in particular, tends to experience stronger moves due to its higher volatility and heavier use in leveraged trading.

Bullish Crypto News Is Being Ignored (For Now)

Ironically, some of the most important bullish developments are happening at the same time.

One of the most significant is the reported move by Fannie Mae to accept crypto-backed mortgages, allowing users to leverage Bitcoin and other digital assets as collateral for home purchases.

This marks a major step toward real-world adoption and financial integration.

At the same time:

• Institutional players continue accumulating crypto
• Infrastructure for mainstream use is expanding
• Regulatory clarity is gradually improving

However, these developments are structural and long-term. They do not immediately impact short-term price movements, especially during periods of macro uncertainty.

Why Bitcoin and Ethereum Are Falling Right Now

The current market can be explained by three overlapping forces:

• Geopolitical escalation → driving risk-off sentiment
• Liquidity pressure → limiting upside momentum
• Liquidations → accelerating short-term declines

Together, these factors are overpowering bullish narratives and pushing prices lower.

Crypto Is Becoming a Macro Asset

A key takeaway from the current market environment is the evolving role of crypto.

Bitcoin is often described as “digital gold,” but recent price action suggests otherwise. In times of uncertainty, it is still treated as a risk asset similar to tech stocks.

However, beneath the surface, the foundation for long-term growth continues to strengthen.

This creates a paradox:

• Short term → driven by fear, macro, and liquidity
• Long term → supported by adoption and institutional growth

Outlook: Short-Term Pressure, Long-Term Opportunity

While the current environment remains uncertain, the broader trajectory for crypto has not changed.

If geopolitical tensions ease and liquidity conditions improve, bullish developments could quickly return to the forefront and drive the next move higher.

Until then, markets are likely to remain volatile and reactive to global headlines.

Conclusion

The recent drop in Bitcoin and Ethereum is not a rejection of crypto’s fundamentals — it is a reflection of a market dominated by macro forces.

Crypto is no longer trading in isolation. It is now deeply connected to global events, liquidity cycles, and investor sentiment.

And right now, those forces are pointing toward caution.

While major assets have shown steady growth, a select group of projects has entered a "parabolic" phase, securing returns of over 50% in less than three months. This rally is not driven by mere speculation but by fundamental shifts in decentralized governance, high-frequency trading infrastructure, and cross-chain interoperability.

For investors monitoring crypto news, identifying these "alpha" generators early is the key to outperforming the broader market. Below, we break down the five projects currently leading the 2026 leaderboard.

Which Cryptos are Up Over 50%?

As of late March 2026, the following five cryptocurrencies have demonstrated exceptional year-to-date (YTD) performance:

1. Hyperliquid (HYPE)
2. DeXe (DEXE)
3. LayerZero (ZRO)
4. Kite (KITE)
5. Stable (STABLE)

Each of these assets has cleared the 50% growth threshold, often outperforming $Bitcoin and other large-cap alternatives.

1. Hyperliquid (HYPE): The Revenue-Driven Powerhouse

Hyperliquid has arguably been the breakout star of 2026. Transitioning from a decentralized exchange (DEX) to a fully programmable Layer-1 blockchain, HYPE has benefited from a unique "buyback and burn" flywheel.

• Project Focus: Decentralized perpetuals and Real-World Assets (RWA).
• The Catalyst: In March 2026, the protocol integrated HIP-3, allowing for the permissionless creation of oil and gold perpetuals.
• Tokenomics: Approximately 97% of protocol fees are funneled into an "Assistance Fund" used to market-buy and burn HYPE tokens.

2. DeXe (DEXE): Reimagining DAO Governance

DeXe has seen a resurgence in 2026 as decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) seek more secure treasury management tools. The DEXE token has surged as the protocol's "Validator" voting layer became the industry standard for on-chain security.

• Project Focus: Social trading and DAO infrastructure.
• The Catalyst: Increased institutional adoption of the DeXe Protocol for secure payroll and vendor payments has driven demand for the token as a governance and security asset.
• Market Position: It currently stands as a leader in the DAO infrastructure sub-sector, according to recent exchange comparisons.

3. LayerZero (ZRO): The "Zero" Blockchain Effect

LayerZero’s ZRO token has exploded following the announcement of its native blockchain, "Zero." This move shifts ZRO from being just a protocol token to a native gas and staking asset for a high-performance network.

• Project Focus: Omnichain interoperability.
• The Catalyst: High-profile partnerships with Google Cloud and Citadel Securities in early 2026 have validated the technology's institutional viability.
• Utility: ZRO is now utilized for gas fees on the Zero network, which claims to handle 2 million transactions per second.

4. Kite (KITE): AI-Powered Payments

Kite has carved out a niche at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and blockchain payments. As AI agents become more autonomous in 2026, the need for a machine-to-machine payment layer has skyrocketed.

• Project Focus: AI-based payment blockchain.
• The Catalyst: A series of successful "proof-of-concept" integrations with autonomous AI agents that use KITE for micro-settlements.
• Performance: The token reached new all-time highs in February 2026 and has maintained strong support levels throughout March.

5. Stable (STABLE): Beyond the Peg

The project "Stable" (STABLE) represents a new generation of yields within the stablecoin ecosystem. Rather than just acting as a dollar peg, STABLE serves as a governance and yield-capture token for a cross-chain liquidity aggregator.

• Project Focus: Stablecoin liquidity and yield optimization.
• The Catalyst: The launch of the "USDT0" cross-chain initiative has made STABLE a central piece of the new liquidity architecture.

Comparison of Performance Metrics

The boundaries between traditional finance (TradFi) and the digital asset ecosystem have blurred further as Franklin Templeton announces a major leap in its blockchain strategy. The investment giant has officially expanded its tokenization platform, allowing its regulated fund shares to be held and traded 24/7 directly within crypto wallets. This move marks a significant shift from "experimental" blockchain use to functional, "wallet-native" asset management.

What’s New?

Franklin Templeton is now enabling institutional and retail investors to manage tokenized versions of their funds—specifically through their Benji Technology Platform—with the same ease as holding Bitcoin or stablecoins. Unlike traditional ETFs that are tied to exchange opening hours, these tokenized assets are available for transfer and settlement 30 seconds at a time, 365 days a year.

What is a Tokenized ETF?

• A tokenized ETF (or tokenized fund) is a digital representation of a traditional exchange-traded fund where the shares are issued as tokens on a blockchain.
• System of Record: Instead of a legacy database, a public blockchain (like Stellar, Polygon, or Arbitrum) acts as the primary ledger.
• The BENJI Token: In Franklin Templeton’s case, one share of the fund is represented by one BENJI token.
• Yield on Chain: These tokens often accrue yield daily, which is "airdropped" directly into the user's digital wallet.

The Powerhouse Behind the Move: Who is Franklin Templeton?

Franklin Templeton is a global investment management leader with over $1.6 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM). Founded in 1947, the firm has transitioned from a traditional powerhouse to a blockchain pioneer. Since 2021, they have been the first U.S.-registered mutual fund to use a public blockchain to process transactions, proving that heavy-duty regulation and decentralized tech can coexist.

Impact on the Crypto Market

The integration of tokenized Real World Assets (RWAs) into crypto wallets provides several transformative benefits:

• Instant Collateral: Traders can use their tokenized government money market funds as collateral on exchanges like Binance without exiting to cash.
• 24/7 Liquidity: Eliminates the "T+2" settlement delay found in traditional markets.
• Lower Costs: By removing intermediaries like transfer agents, the firm reportedly reduces processing costs by up to 80%.

Investors looking to explore these assets often compare them to stablecoins, though tokenized funds offer the added benefit of being SEC-registered and yield-bearing.

Conclusion: The Future is Wallet-Native

As Franklin Templeton’s Head of Innovation, Sandy Kaul, recently noted, the goal is a future where "the totality of an individual's financial life" lives in a digital wallet. With Bitcoin already acting as digital gold, tokenized ETFs are now providing the digital version of the traditional brokerage account.

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While Bluesky seems familiar on the surface, the AT protocol architecture it runs on has the potential to be revolutionary.

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A new law in Brazil will allow authorities to seize digital assets like Bitcoin to help combat organized crime and fund public security.

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Ripple Labs will integrate AI in a bid to boost the security of XRP Ledger.

Shiba Inu is seeing strong network growth despite its unstable price movements as the amount of SHIB tokens burnt over the last day soars by 1,086%.

TLDR

• Bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.53 billion in net inflows in March after four months of withdrawals.
• Funds reaccumulated 38,000 BTC in March, reducing the 2026 net outflow to 4,000 BTC.
• February outflows pushed total 2026 withdrawals to 42,000 BTC before the March recovery.
• The March rebound brought ETF holdings close to their January 1 levels.
• CryptoQuant data shows that steady demand supported the recent recovery trend.

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds reversed months of withdrawals as March inflows reduced earlier losses in 2026. CryptoQuant data shows funds added 38,000 BTC this month after heavy February exits. As a result, the net 2026 outflow now stands at 4,000 BTC as of March 26.

Bitcoin ETFs Cut 2026 Net Outflows to 4,000 BTC

Bitcoin ETFs faced strong withdrawals in February, which pushed cumulative 2026 outflows to 42,000 BTC. CryptoQuant reported that funds lost 42,000 BTC between January and February. However, March inflows reversed much of that decline and improved balances.

Funds reaccumulated 38,000 BTC in March, valued at about $2.5 billion. Therefore, the overall net outflow for 2026 narrowed to 4,000 BTC. When compared with January 1 levels, holdings remain lower by 4,000 BTC.

CryptoQuant stated, “Bitcoin ETFs have reaccumulated 38,000 BTC in March.” The firm added that the remaining gap now stands at 4,000 BTC. As a result, March activity offset most early-year withdrawals.

The data shows that steady buying supported the recovery trend. In turn, ETF balances approached their January starting levels. The reversal followed four consecutive months of withdrawals through February 2026.

March Inflows Break Four-Month Withdrawal Streak

Bitcoin ETFs recorded about $1.53 billion in net inflows in March. Fund providers reported steady demand throughout the month. Consequently, the funds moved closer to ending the prolonged outflow streak.

Since November 2025, the products had posted monthly net withdrawals. However, March inflows placed the funds on track to close the month with a positive balance. This shift would end four straight months of declining balances.

CryptoQuant data confirms that inflows accelerated during recent weeks. As buying continued, ETF holdings recovered from February lows. The funds now stand within 4,000 BTC of their January positions.

Market data shows that sustained inflows could erase the remaining deficit. Analysts expect the products to offset the 4,000 BTC gap if demand holds. As of March 26, the net 2026 outflow remains at 4,000 BTC.

The latest figures reflect cumulative flows across all listed Bitcoin ETFs. Fund managers continue to publish daily flow updates. March totals currently show $1.53 billion in net inflows.

The post Bitcoin ETFs Trim 2026 Losses With Strong March Demand appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

• JPMorgan reported that Bitcoin traded near $69,000 while gold and silver extended recent losses.
• The bank said Bitcoin showed stronger resilience than traditional safe-haven assets during market stress.
• Gold prices fell about 15% month to date after reaching record highs in January.
• Silver prices also declined after reversing gains from earlier peaks this year.
• Gold ETFs recorded nearly $11 billion in outflows during the first three weeks of March.

Bitcoin traded near $69,000 while gold and silver extended losses, according to a Wednesday report from JPMorgan. The bank said Bitcoin showed stronger resilience than traditional safe-haven assets during recent market stress. Analysts linked the divergence to ETF outflows, positioning cuts, and weaker liquidity in precious metals markets.

Bitcoin and JPMorgan Report Stable Futures Positioning

JPMorgan said Bitcoin maintained relative stability after an initial sharp sell-off linked to the Iran conflict. Prices briefly fell into the low-$60,000 range before stabilizing in the high-$60,000 zone. Analysts wrote, “The deterioration in liquidity conditions in gold has seen its market breadth decline below that of bitcoin currently.” They added that Bitcoin behaved like a high-beta macro asset during the early shock phase.

The bank stated that Bitcoin futures positioning on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange remained relatively stable in recent weeks. In contrast, gold and silver futures exposure declined sharply after peaking earlier this year. The report showed that institutional proxies based on CME open interest reflected steady Bitcoin positioning. Momentum indicators also showed Bitcoin recovering from oversold levels toward neutral territory.

Gold and Silver Face ETF Outflows and Liquidity Pressure

Gold prices dropped about 15% month to date after reaching record highs near $5,500 in January. Silver also reversed course after peaking near $120 earlier this year. JPMorgan attributed the declines to rising interest rates and a stronger U.S. dollar. The bank also cited broad profit-taking across retail and institutional accounts.

ETF flow data reflected the shift in capital allocation across asset classes. Gold ETFs recorded nearly $11 billion in outflows during the first three weeks of March. Silver ETF inflows built since last summer reversed during the same period. Meanwhile, Bitcoin funds continued to post net inflows over those weeks.

JPMorgan said trend-following investors reduced exposure to gold and silver as indicators shifted from overbought to below-neutral levels. The bank stated that this repositioning amplified price declines in both metals. It also reported that gold’s market breadth now trails Bitcoin, which reverses the usual pattern. Silver liquidity weakened further as thinner market depth intensified recent price swings.

Bitcoin traded around $69,000 at publication time, while gold stood near $4,450 per ounce. Silver changed hands near $69 per ounce. The report captured the latest cross-asset pricing levels during ongoing geopolitical tensions and oil prices above $100 per barrel.

The post JPMorgan: Bitcoin Holds Firm While Metals Retreat appeared first on Blockonomi.

Quick Overview

• Euro-backed digital currencies capture 80% of alternative stablecoin market
• Total supply reaches $1.2 billion with EURC driving primary expansion
• Transaction volume demonstrates 85% share indicating practical adoption
• European MiCA framework enhances regulatory confidence and participation
• Market remains fraction of dollar-denominated stablecoin ecosystem

Euro-denominated stablecoins have secured more than four-fifths of the market for non-dollar digital currencies, with total circulation approaching $1.2 billion. These euro-pegged assets represent 85% of transaction activity within this category, demonstrating meaningful adoption beyond speculation. Financial institutions and payment processors are increasingly incorporating these instruments into everyday operations.

EURC Emerges as Primary Driver of Euro-Pegged Token Growth

The expansion of euro-denominated digital currencies centers primarily on EURC, which dominates both circulation and transactional use within payment infrastructures. This token has surpassed $506 million in total supply while facilitating settlement and payment operations. The asset class demonstrates growing incorporation into structured financial workflows.

Euro Stablecoins demonstrate utilization patterns focused on genuine economic transactions rather than speculative behavior. Approximately 80% of non-EURC activity supports corporate treasury functions, payroll distribution, and international remittances. These digital euros align closely with operational financial requirements within business environments.

Integration with Visa and Mastercard payment rails has accelerated euro-pegged token adoption. This connectivity bridges blockchain-based transactions with established financial infrastructure, enhancing usability. Euro-backed digital currencies now extend beyond cryptocurrency platforms into mainstream financial channels.

European Regulatory Framework Accelerates Euro-Pegged Asset Adoption

Euro-denominated stablecoins receive substantial support from the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation enacted throughout European Union member states. This comprehensive framework establishes operational clarity and minimizes regulatory uncertainty for participating entities. The regulatory environment encourages institutional and commercial engagement.

Euro Stablecoins gain traction as European enterprises pursue streamlined digital payment mechanisms. Organizations conducting business in euros demand accelerated settlement processes and round-the-clock transaction capabilities. Euro-backed tokens provide viable alternatives to conventional banking infrastructure.

The postponement of a central bank digital euro initiative creates opportunities for private stablecoin providers. Enterprises including Circle extend euro-pegged offerings through instruments like EURC alongside their dollar counterparts. These assets gain acceptance in continuous-operation financial systems and cross-jurisdictional transactions.

Euro-Pegged Tokens Represent Minor Fraction of Total Stablecoin Ecosystem

Despite impressive expansion rates, euro-denominated stablecoins comprise a modest portion of the overall digital currency landscape. The worldwide stablecoin market measures between $300 billion and $316 billion, with dollar-backed assets maintaining overwhelming dominance. Euro-pegged instruments continue advancing within a specialized market segment.

These digital euros underscore a disparity between traditional currency reserve holdings and cryptocurrency adoption levels. While euros constitute approximately 20% of international reserve assets, their representation in digital asset markets remains comparatively minimal. Euro-backed tokens encounter structural obstacles to broader market penetration.

Expanded infrastructure supporting banking connectivity and payment processing remains essential for scaling euro-pegged digital currencies. Providers must ensure rapid, compliant, and cost-effective transfer capabilities to drive increased utilization. Euro Stablecoins stand positioned for accelerated growth should infrastructure limitations diminish and institutional participation broaden.

The post Euro-Backed Stablecoins Command 80% Share of Non-USD Crypto Market appeared first on Blockonomi.

Quick Summary

• On March 25, PayPal welcomed Alyssa Henry, who previously led Block’s Square division, to its board with immediate effect.
• With more than three decades of expertise spanning payments, digital commerce, and tech platforms, Henry’s resume includes executive positions at Amazon Web Services and Microsoft.
• Gail J. McGovern, a board member since 2015, has announced she will step down and not seek re-election at the upcoming May shareholder meeting.
• Following McGovern’s departure, Ann Sarnoff is set to assume leadership of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.
• Currently valued near $44 per share, PYPL has plunged approximately 33% in the last half-year and was dropped from the S&P 100 index on March 23.

PYPL is currently valued at approximately $44.21 per share, translating to a market capitalization of $40.7 billion.

PayPal Holdings, Inc., PYPL

PayPal Holdings (PYPL) has brought Alyssa Henry, who previously served as CEO of Block’s Square division, onto its board of directors. An SEC filing dated March 25 confirmed the appointment took effect right away.

Henry stands out as a prominent figure in the fintech industry’s merchant-commerce sector. She oversaw Square’s Seller operations prior to Block’s corporate rebranding and previously occupied senior executive positions at both Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, where her tenure spanned 12 years.

PayPal CEO Enrique Lores described Henry as a “proven operator” whose extensive background in developing payments ecosystems will prove invaluable for merchant-focused initiatives.

Board Chairman David Dorman highlighted her demonstrated success in driving product innovation and maintaining disciplined operational execution as primary factors behind her selection.

Henry’s responsibilities will include membership on both PayPal’s Compensation Committee and its Risk and Compliance Committee. She’ll have oversight duties related to executive compensation structures and the company’s technological backbone.

With Henry’s addition, the board expands to 12 members total, with 11 qualifying as independent directors.

Ongoing Board Transformation

This appointment arrives on the heels of former CEO Alex Chriss’s departure, whose growth strategy was deemed insufficiently aggressive by board leadership. Lores assumed the CEO position mere weeks prior to Henry joining the board.

Gail J. McGovern, a veteran board member who has contributed since 2015, has confirmed she won’t pursue re-election when stockholders convene in May. PayPal expressed gratitude for her nearly ten years of dedicated service.

Ann Sarnoff, currently an independent director, will transition into the chair role for the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee following the May shareholder gathering.

Shares Face Continued Headwinds

PYPL has experienced significant turbulence recently. Shares have tumbled roughly 33% across the past six months, and the company suffered removal from the S&P 100 index on March 23—a consequence of sustained weakness linked to disappointing earnings reports and ongoing legal complications.

Trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.19, certain market analysts believe the stock represents a value opportunity at present pricing levels.

Wall Street maintains a measured outlook. According to TipRanks analytics, 34 analysts collectively rate the stock as a “Hold”—breaking down to 5 Buy recommendations, 25 Hold ratings, and 4 Sell calls—with a consensus 12-month price projection of $50.71, suggesting potential upside of approximately 12% from current levels.

Bank of America Securities recently launched coverage with a Neutral stance and established a $48 price objective. Truist Securities maintains a Sell rating with a $39 target, expressing doubt that any strategic acquirer would pursue the company given its $41 billion enterprise valuation. Bernstein SocGen Group carries a Market Perform rating with a $45 price target.

Market chatter has emerged suggesting Stripe might be exploring an acquisition of PayPal, either in full or partially, though these conversations remain in very early stages. Neither organization has issued public statements on the matter.

PayPal presently trades at a price-to-earnings multiple of 8.19, significantly beneath its long-term historical average, with the stock positioned around $44 as of this writing.

The post PayPal (PYPL) Stock Adds Former Square CEO to Board Amid 33% Six-Month Decline appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

• Jordan Klein of Mizuho characterizes memory stock corrections as cyclical events that create purchase windows rather than exit signals
• Micron has declined approximately 17% from recent earnings peaks, matching six previous corrections ranging from 14–21% since mid-2025
• Preferred investments from Klein feature Samsung, SK Hynix, SanDisk, ASML, Applied Materials, and Lam Research
• Joseph Moore from Morgan Stanley identifies memory as “the primary constraint on AI demand,” suggesting current valuations are excessive
• Both market experts anticipate substantial price appreciation in coming months, driven by artificial intelligence memory requirements

Those monitoring this week’s decline in memory semiconductor equities may be unnecessarily concerned, per two prominent Wall Street experts who identify the pattern as historically consistent.

Jordan Klein, Mizuho’s technology sector analyst, noted Thursday that the “memory long trade is starting to wobble big time” following sustained gains throughout 2025 and into early 2026.

Yet Klein isn’t raising red flags. His analysis suggests these periodic retreats occur regularly and don’t indicate market tops.

“Not a signal of peak nor any reason to dump,” Klein stated. “Actually you make money buying these dips.”

Micron Technology has shed approximately 17% from its earnings-driven peaks. Klein notes this decline aligns with six comparable drawdowns spanning 14–21% observed since mid-2025.

Micron Technology, Inc., MU

Notwithstanding such fluctuations, shares remain elevated more than 200% across the identical timeframe.

Klein attributes momentum traders to exacerbating the appearance of weakness beyond fundamentals. His perspective frames broad skepticism as constructive for positioning.

“What is worse is when everyone is all on the same side,” he noted.

Equipment Manufacturers May Present Optimal Value

Klein identifies Samsung Electronics as his preferred individual memory selection. He similarly anticipates gains for SK Hynix and SanDisk.

However, equipment providers may deliver superior returns. Klein designates ASML as his leading equipment choice, with Applied Materials and Lam Research following.

He positions these firms as optimally situated to capture expanding DRAM production investments.

Klein expressed being “very confident that in 3–6 months they are all higher.”

Morgan Stanley: Memory Functions as Critical AI Constraint

Joseph Moore, Morgan Stanley’s semiconductor analyst, presented comparable conclusions Wednesday. He characterized the downturn as “a healthy pricing in of durability concerns” while rejecting narratives of weakening fundamentals.

Moore informed clients that memory availability represents “increasingly THE primary constraint on AI demand.” This framework establishes memory not merely as an AI infrastructure beneficiary, but as a fundamental limiting factor.

He specifically addressed Google’s “TurboQuant” memory efficiency initiative. Following industry consultation, Moore classified it as “an evolutionary development, with basically no surprises for memory.”

Moore further emphasized cash generation capabilities at Micron and SanDisk. He projected annual free cash flow at prevailing profit levels could represent 15–25% of current market capitalizations.

“While it won’t last forever, it is going to last for long enough to see the stocks move materially higher,” Moore determined.

The post Memory Stock Selloff Creates Prime Buying Opportunity, Analysts Say appeared first on Blockonomi.

A crypto analyst has laid out a multi-scenario XRP price forecast stretching to 2027, using a method that averages Fibonacci extension levels across past market cycles to identify where price, time, and chart structure converge.

The analysis places an $8 price target as its conservative case for January 2027, with a primary window of $21 to $27 by August 2027.

How the Model Works

Using an approach they claimed no one had done before, XRP permabull EGRAG CRYPTO identified where the price peaked relative to Fibonacci extension levels in each of the last two bull cycles.

According to the analyst, the first cycle topped at the Fib 3.0 level, while the second one topped at the Fib 1.618 level. Averaging those two values, (3 + 1.618)/2, produces 2.309, which EGRAG rounded to a target zone between Fib 2.236 and 2.414 levels.

Then, the market watcher put the Fibonacci zone in a bigger structural context by pointing out a macro ascending channel, a major trendline resistance line, and a time intersection that would happen around January to August 2027. They called that combination of price level, trendline, and timing the “high probability zone,” and three possible outcomes came up.

The first is a conservative case that puts XRP at $8 by January 1, 2027, treating that level as a retest of Fib 1.618 behavior seen in past cycles. The second, and most logical outcome targets $21 to $27 by August 1 of the same year, where the averaged Fib zone between 2.236 and 2.414 meets trendline resistance.

Finally, the chartist presented a third, so-called “wildcard scenario” where the Ripple token could skyrocket to $60 based on a full Fib 3.0 expansion. While this level is not expected, EGRAG said it was “very possible” in a blow-off phase.

The entire framework rests on one stated assumption: that XRP bottoms near $0.87, around the 100-period exponential moving average, which matches with a downside target identified earlier by analyst CasiTrades. Without that base holding, the targets above it lose their foundation.

Where XRP Stands Now

Despite EGRAG’s lofty predictions, XRP has remained subdued over the short term, struggling to hold above resistance levels and getting rejected repeatedly in the past month. At the time of writing, it was trading near $1.37, a 3.7% drop in the last 24 hours and more than 6% over the past 7 days.

CoinGecko data also shows that year-on-year, the asset is down 44%, while being over 62% below its all-time high (ATH) of $3.65 recorded in July 2025. The $8 conservative case would itself be more than double that ATH, with the distance between the price right now and any of EGRAG’s targets making the cycle timing, and particularly the $0.87 base assumption, the central variable to watch.

The post Analyst: XRP Could Hit $27 by 2027 appeared first on CryptoPotato.

CoinMarketCap has identified several key signals shaping the current position of Bitcoin (BTC), and they are far from aligned.

Whales are quietly accumulating, retail investors are selling, and short-term holders are in the red, while not a single one of the four conditions that could confirm a bull market has been met.

What the Data Shows

One of the most closely watched indicators right now is the Bitcoin Sharpe Signal, which measures risk-adjusted return momentum. According to CoinMarketCap, it is hovering near 0.40 after briefly touching the 0.50 threshold over a week ago when BTC was approaching the $75,000 mark. The platform’s analysts say that, historically, a move above 0.50 has marked stronger upside phases, but for now, the indicator remains in what they are calling a “pre-signal” zone.

Meanwhile, the MVRV Z-Score, which compares Bitcoin’s market value to its realized value, currently reads 0.56, which is a recovery from a low of 0.30 recorded in February. But it is still far below its January level of 1.42, when BTC was worth about $96,000.

The current reading is between 0.4 and 0.8, which is the fair value range. This means Bitcoin is neither cheap nor overheated.

CMC Researchers also noted that short-term holders, those who have owned the asset for less than 155 days, are selling at a loss. Their loss-to-profit ratio has been running at around 8 to 10 times since January, with the worst reading so far being 10.5, which was recorded on February 4.

The clearest positive signal comes from exchange flows, with wallets holding over $1 million in Bitcoin withdrawing more than 6,000 BTC from exchanges during the week of March 24, and smaller holders depositing at the same time. This scenario, according to the analysts, suggests there is selling pressure coming from retail participants, and the divergence often appears during early recovery phases, when larger players accumulate while sentiment remains weak.

Despite these developments, the broader “confluence model,” which tracks price, activity, profitability, and supply conditions, is showing zero active bullish signals, as none of the four tracked categories currently meet the criteria for a confirmed market recovery.

Bitcoin Price Action

CMC’s assessment matches up with cautious analysis from market watchers such as Jelle, who yesterday said BTC could revisit the $60,000 range, even possibly dropping further to $50,000 if support levels fail. Another trader, Doctor Profit, also warned that the OG cryptocurrency has not reached its bottom and could fall all the way to $40,000 before any sustained recovery.

On the other hand, Merlijn The Trader noted on March 24 that Bitcoin’s weekly RSI has reached oversold territory for only the fourth time in its history. The previous three instances, in 2019, 2020, and 2022, were followed by gains of 2,700%, 1,800%, and 350%, respectively. They set $65,000 as the level that would need to hold to keep that historical pattern intact.

Bitcoin was trading at just under $70,000 at the time of writing, down nearly 2% in the last 24 hours but gaining 11% over a 30-day period.

The post 5 Key On-Chain Signals to Watch With Bitcoin at Fair Value appeared first on CryptoPotato.

[PRESS RELEASE – LODZ, Poland, March 26th, 2026]

BTCC, the world’s longest-serving cryptocurrency exchange, is proud to announce it has been awarded the Most Secure Digital Asset Exchange (2025) by Pan Finance, a trusted source of global financial intelligence with a readership of over 200,000 across 150 countries. The recognition comes as BTCC celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2026, a milestone defined by an unmatched security record in the industry.

Since its founding in 2011, BTCC has never suffered a single security breach. Across 15 years of operation, serving over 11 million users worldwide, the exchange has maintained a zero-incident record that no major competitor can claim.

“This award from Pan Finance affirms what our users have trusted us for since day one,” said Aaryn Ling, Head of Branding at BTCC. “We have been doing this for 15 years and security has never been something we compromise on. This recognition from Pan Finance reflects the work of an entire team that takes that responsibility seriously.”

BTCC’s security framework includes two-factor authentication, strict AML and CTF compliance measures, and a 1:1 asset storage policy ensuring that every user’s funds are held in full.

On top of this, BTCC has consistently published monthly Proof of Reserves reports to show that its reserve ratios are well above 100%. The most recent March 2026 report recorded a total reserve ratio of 135%, with Bitcoin reserves standing at 149%. BTCC’s regular PoR reports provide users with verifiable, real-time proof that their assets are always fully backed and over-collateralized.

The exchange’s security track record is matched by its growth. In 2025, BTCC recorded $3.7 trillion in total trading volume and grew its global user base to over 11 million. With NBA All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. serving as global brand ambassador and the Best Centralized Exchange (Community Choice) award from BeInCrypto also in hand, the Pan Finance recognition adds to a strong year for BTCC.

Pan Finance, which delivers authoritative financial coverage spanning world markets, industry analysis, and C-suite interviews to readers across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, LATAM, North America, and Asia, evaluates award recipients against the highest standards of operational excellence and user trust.

As BTCC marks 15 years of incident-free operation, this recognition reinforces its position as the gold standard for security in cryptocurrency trading.

For more details about the award, users can visit the following sites:

• BTCC’s award profile
• Pan Finance Magazine (Q1 2026)

About BTCC

Founded in 2011, BTCC is a leading global cryptocurrency exchange serving over 11 million users across 100+ countries. Partnered with 2023 Defensive Player of the Year and 2x NBA All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. as global brand ambassador, BTCC delivers secure, accessible crypto trading services with an unmatched user experience.

Official website: https://www.btcc.com/en-US

X: https://x.com/BTCCexchange

Contact: press@btcc.com

About Pan Finance 

Each quarter Pan Finance delivers key information through time-sensitive financial news covering world markets, industry analysis and c-suite level interviews. Content from renowned academics and leading professionals provides an accessible view of global trends, with a focus on finance, economics, infrastructure, technology and sustainability.

The post BTCC Wins Most Secure Digital Asset Exchange by Pan Finance, Marking 15 Years of 0 Security Breaches appeared first on CryptoPotato.

[PRESS RELEASE – Paris, France, March 26th, 2026]

• Zama becomes the default confidentiality layer for the T-REX Ledger
• Privacy, compliance, and interoperability built into public blockchain infrastructure
• FHE-powered confidential settlement enabling secure institutional adoption at scale

T-REX Network, the multi-chain RWA orchestration layer supported by Apex Group, which services $3.5 trillion in assets, has partnered with Zama, the pioneer in Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE), to integrate native confidentiality into the T-REX Ledger. This collaboration marks a pivotal move in bringing regulated financial markets onchain by combining Zama’s encryption expertise with the ERC-3643 standard, which currently secures $32 billion in tokenized assets. The initiative is further bolstered by Apex Group’s recent commitment to adopt the T-REX Ledger as its default infrastructure, with a target of $100 billion in tokenized assets by June 2027.

The Missing Layer for Institutional Blockchain Adoption

Decentralized blockchains are public by design. Every transaction, balance, and position is permanently visible to anyone. For regulated financial markets, this is a fundamental dealbreaker. For years financial institutions responded by building private chains, seeking the control and confidentiality that public infrastructure could not provide. In doing so, they created new silos, sacrificed interoperability, and ultimately captured little of the efficiency that blockchain technology promised.

Institutions cannot risk exposing sensitive investor data, portfolio positions, and trading strategies on a public ledger. Yet without access to the public blockchain infrastructure, the efficiency and interoperability promised for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) remains out of reach. Now with confidentiality and control directly at the token level, they can finally use interoperable public ledgers without sacrificing compliance and security. A crucial step for these institutions to scale RWAs.

Confidentiality, Compliance and Interoperability, Built Into the Same Infrastructure

The T-REX Ledger is a neutral Layer 2 blockchain for compliant and interoperable digital securities, serving as the single source of truth across a multi-chain environment. Built to serve tokens issued on the ERC-3643 standard, it unifies identity and compliance into a single interoperable infrastructure designed to connect with major public blockchains.

Through this partnership, Zama will provide the native confidentiality layer for the T-REX Ledger using FHE, a cryptographic solution that allows smart contracts to compute without ever needing to decrypt the data. This enables financial institutions to issue, manage, and trade digital assets on the upcoming T-REX public blockchains while keeping sensitive data confidential, with the same discretion expected from traditional financial systems.

The collaboration, born within a working group of the ERC3643 association, addresses one of the most significant barriers to institutional blockchain adoption: enabling the efficiency of public infrastructure while preserving the confidentiality required by regulated financial markets. Integrating Zama’s FHE protocol into the T-REX Ledger, results in a scalable, compliant, and privacy-preserving foundation for institutional finance to operate onchain.

Building the Standard for Confidential Onchain Finance

“The T-REX Ledger was built to be the trusted multi-chain orchestration layer for institutional RWAs, but trust also means privacy,” said Joachim Lebrun, Co-Founder of T-REX Network and Lead Author of the ERC-3643 standard. “Integrating Zama’s FHE Protocol directly into the T-REX Ledger means institutions can finally operate fully onchain without exposing their confidential data to the world. That is the missing piece for unlocking real institutional scale.”

“Our goal is to make Zama the confidentiality layer for public blockchains, enabling institutions and investors to operate onchain with the same level of privacy they expect offchain,” said Dr. Rand Hindi, Co-Founder and CEO of Zama. “This collaboration with T-REX Network demonstrates that confidentiality is not an optional feature for institutional blockchain adoption — it is foundational infrastructure. Together, we are enabling digital asset markets to scale securely, efficiently, and with trust.”

Institutional Confidentiality as Shared Infrastructure

By embedding FHE confidentiality layer directly into the T-REX Ledger, T-REX Network and Zama are establishing privacy as a core infrastructure for institutional tokenization, rather than a standalone feature. This shared foundation enables regulated institutions to participate in public blockchain ecosystems without compromising operational security or market integrity.

The partnership represents a key step toward large-scale institutional adoption of tokenized real-world assets, where compliance, interoperability, and confidentiality are built into the infrastructure from the start.

About T-REX Network

T-REX Network is the largest ecosystem for compliant RWA tokenization built on the ERC-3643 standard, with more than $32 billion in assets tokenized. Born from years of industry collaboration, T-REX exists to solve the core challenge of scaling tokenization across blockchains without breaking compliance. Through T-REX Ledger, a canonical cross-chain compliance reference layer, and the T-REX AppStore, which connects ERC-3643 assets to natively compatible applications, T-REX Network enables regulated assets to move to wherever liquidity exists with speed, trust, and control. Its mission is to turn tokenization from isolated pilots into a connected, compliant open finance system that finally works at global scale.

About Zama

Zama is a cryptography company building state-of-the-art Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) solutions for blockchain. Its protocol enables confidentiality on public blockchains, allowing digital assets to be issued, managed, and traded privately onchain. Founded by FHE pioneer Dr. Pascal Paillier and entrepreneur Dr. Rand Hindi, Zama brings together one of the world’s largest teams of FHE researchers and engineers and supports a global ecosystem of developers building confidential applications.

The post T-REX Network and Zama Launch Institutional-Grade Confidentiality Infrastructure for RWA Tokenization appeared first on CryptoPotato.

The cryptocurrency technology and mining company headquartered in Ford Lauderdale, Florida, has disposed of a significant chunk of its bitcoin holdings in the past few weeks.

The firm, founded in 2010, justified the decision by indicating that it has to “strengthen” its balance sheet as its leaders are trying to position it for “long-term growth.”

MARA Sells $1.1B in Bitcoin

In a press release shared earlier today, Fred Thiel, MARA Holdings’ chairman and chief executive officer, noted that the firm had sold 15,133 BTC for “an aggregate sale price of approximately $1.1 billion.” This significant bitcoin liquidation took place between March 4 and March 25, 2026.

The firm wants to use the proceeds to fund the notes repurchase transactions, with the remainder available for “general corporate purposes.”

“Our decision to sell a portion of our bitcoin holdings reflects a strategic capital allocation move designed to strengthen our balance sheet and position the company for long-term growth. By retiring over $1 billion of face value debt at a discount, we captured approximately $88 million in value that would otherwise have been lost, reduced potential shareholder dilution, and leveraged our bitcoin holdings to meaningfully de-lever the balance sheet on our terms,” said Thiel.

The exec added that this transaction improves the company’s financial flexibility and “increases strategic optionality as we expand beyond pure-play bitcoin mining into digital energy and AI/HPC infrastructure.”

$1B Senior Note Repurchase

As mentioned above, MARA used the proceeds from its BTC sale to repurchase 0.00% convertible senior notes due 2030 and 2031. More specifically, it repurchased $367.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2030 notes for an aggregate cash price of approximately $322.9 million and $633.4 million in APA of the 2031 notes for a cash price of $589.9 million.

The transactions are expected to be completed by the end of the month, as they are still “subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.” The company will “capture approximately $88.1 million in value through cash savings” after the notes are officially repurchased.

It also expects to reduce its outstanding convertible indebtedness by up to 30%. Once the aforementioned transactions are completed, MARA’s outstanding 2030 and 2031 notes will remain at a face value of $632.5 million and $291.6 million, respectively.

The post MARA Holdings Dumps Over 15K BTC in Weeks, Cashing Out $1.1 Billion appeared first on CryptoPotato.