The postponement underscores the impact of geopolitical instability on global events, highlighting the need for adaptive planning in volatile regions.

The post TOKEN2049 Dubai postponed to April 2027 amid regional security concerns appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The surge in TRUMP meme coin highlights the volatile influence of high-profile events on cryptocurrency markets, impacting investor behavior.

The post TRUMP meme coin soars 60% after Mar-a-Lago event announcement appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The PI surge highlights the growing influence of exchange listings on altcoin market dynamics, potentially reshaping crypto investment strategies.

The post Pi Network’s PI surges over 30% as Kraken listing lifts it into top-ranked altcoins appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

SwissBorg's MiCA approval enhances regulatory trust, fostering innovation and potentially accelerating crypto adoption across Europe.

The post Crypto startup SwissBorg secures MiCA authorization from French regulator appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Trump's involvement in a crypto event may signal increased political interest in digital currencies, potentially influencing regulatory discussions.

The post Trump to speak at exclusive crypto and business conference at Mar-a-Lago next month appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin Magazine

Bitcoin Price Reclaims $73,000 as War Shakes Markets, Outperforming Gold and Stocks

The Bitcoin price has outperformed gold, silver, and major U.S. equity indexes since the outbreak of the Iran–Israel conflict escalation 2026, climbing above $73,000 even as oil surged and expectations for near-term interest rate cuts faded.

Market data shows Bitcoin price rising about 8% since the first strikes against Iran, reaching a one-month high above $73,000. The move placed the digital asset ahead of several traditional safe-haven and risk assets during a period of geopolitical stress.

Gold declined during the same stretch, falling roughly 3% from levels seen before the conflict began. Silver dropped more than 10%, sliding from above $90 to around $82. U.S. equities also weakened, with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite each down between 1% and 2%.

The divergence came as global markets responded to a surge in energy prices. Crude oil climbed close to 20%, breaking above $100 per barrel for the first time in nearly four years as tensions threatened supply routes across the Middle East. 

These conditions often pressure crypto markets because higher oil prices and tighter financial conditions raise inflation concerns and reduce risk appetite across global portfolios.

The bitcoin price followed that pattern at first.

In the hours after the conflict began, the asset dropped sharply as traders cut exposure across crypto derivatives markets. Roughly $300 million in leveraged positions were liquidated during the initial weekend selloff. Bitcoin briefly fell toward the mid-$63,000 range as uncertainty spread through global markets.

The selloff matched Bitcoin’s historical behavior during geopolitical shocks, where it often trades in line with other high-beta assets during the first wave of risk reduction.

The market response changed during the following week.

Bitcoin price recovery

Instead of remaining near those lows while energy prices climbed, Bitcoin price recovered steadily and broke back above the $70,000 level. The rebound left it outperforming metals and equities during the same window despite the challenging macro backdrop.

Derivatives data via Bitcoin Magazine Pro shows that part of the recovery followed a reset in market leverage. After the liquidation event cleared large speculative positions, traders began rebuilding exposure.

Open interest across major exchanges climbed back to roughly 88,000 BTC. The increase signals renewed participation without reaching extreme leverage levels that often precede sharp corrections.

Institutional demand also contributed to the rebound.

U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded strong inflows during the week. Data from ETF trackers shows the funds attracted about $586 million, marking one of the largest inflow weeks of the year.

The flows represent a steady source of demand entering the market even as geopolitical tensions intensified and inflation concerns returned.

Robert Mitchnick, head of digital assets at BlackRock, said the behavior of ETF investors has remained stable during periods of volatility.

Speaking on CNBC, Mitchnick said ETF flows show a long-term accumulation pattern even during large price declines in Bitcoin price. 

He said the investor base across financial advisors, institutions, and direct retail buyers has taken a steady approach to the asset, with many participants using price weakness to add exposure.

He also pointed to the performance of the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), which continued attracting inflows despite a sharp drop in Bitcoin’s price from its previous peak.

Mitchnick said IBIT ranked among the largest ETF inflows globally during 2025 even while the underlying asset declined, highlighting sustained demand from long-term investors.

The growth of spot ETFs has expanded Bitcoin’s investor base and deepened market liquidity compared with earlier geopolitical episodes. Institutional capital can now enter the market through regulated products that trade alongside equities.

For now, Bitcoin’s performance during the conflict has reinforced its status as a liquid macro asset that reacts to both global market forces and crypto-native demand.

While oil, inflation expectations, and central bank policy continue to shape the backdrop, the digital asset has managed to recover faster than many traditional benchmarks during one of the most volatile geopolitical episodes of the year.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin price is trading at $72,941.

This post Bitcoin Price Reclaims $73,000 as War Shakes Markets, Outperforming Gold and Stocks first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Strategy (MSTR) Bought Over 4,000 Bitcoin Today via STRC As Strong Week Continues

Strategy appears to have purchased more than 4,000 bitcoin on Thursday, according to estimates derived from real-time trading data and community tracking dashboards monitoring the firm’s preferred equity sales.

Data from STRC.live and market trackers suggests the purchases were funded through heavy issuance of the company’s Variable Rate Series A Preferred Stock (STRC), a perpetual preferred instrument that Strategy has increasingly used to raise capital for bitcoin accumulation.

By end of day in New York, trading activity implied the firm had already raised enough capital to acquire more than 4,000 BTC, marking the largest single-day bitcoin purchase funded through STRC since the instrument launched.

The surge follows unusually strong activity earlier in the week. On March 10, STRC recorded a record $409 million in daily trading volume while maintaining roughly 3% 30-day volatility and a one-month volume-weighted average price near $99.78.

On-chain indicators and community monitoring suggested that day’s activity funded the purchase of more than 2,000 BTC, already one of the largest one-day accumulations tied to the instrument.

Thursday’s pace easily surpassed that figure.

Strategy, already the largest public corporate holder of bitcoin, has increasingly leaned on its preferred equity program to finance additional acquisitions.

Earlier this year the company amended its at-the-market (ATM) program, allowing multiple agents to sell STRC shares simultaneously. The change increased liquidity in the instrument and made it easier for Strategy to raise large amounts of capital quickly, with proceeds directed toward bitcoin purchases.

Real-time dashboards tracking STRC trading attempt to estimate how many shares Strategy itself is issuing versus secondary market trades. 

Because the company previously indicated it may sell shares when the price trades above its $100 stated amount, analysts can approximate capital raised when trading occurs above that threshold.

A recent SEC filing disclosed that the company purchased 17,994 BTC between March 2 and March 8 for approximately $1.28 billion. That acquisition lifted the firm’s total holdings to about 738,731 BTC, representing roughly 3.5% of bitcoin’s circulating supply.

The filing showed the purchase was funded through a combination of $377.1 million in STRC sales and $899.5 million raised through common stock issuance.

Based on those figures, STRC accounted for about 29.5% of the funding for that five-day accumulation period, equivalent to roughly 5,300 BTC acquired through preferred share sales.

If Thursday’s estimates prove accurate, the day’s purchases alone could exceed the average daily bitcoin acquisition pace seen during that earlier buying window.

The data remains unofficial. Strategy typically confirms purchases later through SEC filings or public disclosures.

How does Strategy’s STRC work?

STRC acts as a bridge between traditional income investors and Strategy’s Bitcoin-focused balance sheet. Income investors typically seek steady payouts, while Strategy’s large Bitcoin holdings bring long-term upside along with short-term price swings. The preferred stock helps connect these two profiles.

The security is structured to keep demand near its $100 par value while paying a monthly dividend that yields about 11.5% annually. In effect, it converts the economics of a Bitcoin treasury into a format that appeals to fixed-income investors who prioritize regular income.

Strong liquidity and relatively low volatility suggest that the investor base is shifting toward income-focused capital. That shift can help stabilize trading activity compared with instruments driven mainly by speculation.

These early results point to product-market fit. Rather than relying on marketing or hype, the structure appears to meet a clear demand among investors seeking yield tied to Bitcoin exposure.

For corporate leaders considering Bitcoin treasury strategies, STRC offers a way to integrate Bitcoin into broader capital structures. It allows companies to draw funding from multiple investor groups while building a shared strategic reserve around the asset.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin trades near $70,000, while shares of MicroStrategy (MSTR) are down about 0.75% on the day.

This post Strategy (MSTR) Bought Over 4,000 Bitcoin Today via STRC As Strong Week Continues first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

David Bailey Confirmed As A Bitcoin 2026 Speaker

David Bailey has been officially confirmed as a speaker at Bitcoin 2026, returning to the conference he helped build to share his perspective on Bitcoin’s expanding role across media, capital markets, and corporate strategy. As the Chairman and CEO of Nakamoto Inc. (NASDAQ: NAKA), Bailey has executed one of the most ambitious consolidation plays in Bitcoin’s history — bringing together BTC Inc., and UTXO Management under a single publicly traded Bitcoin operating company. His vision extends far beyond media: Nakamoto is positioned as a diversified Bitcoin enterprise spanning asset management, advisory services, and institutional infrastructure, with Bitcoin accumulation at its core.

Bailey has long been a central force in shaping how the global Bitcoin community organizes, communicates, and grows. Under his leadership, BTC Inc. became the parent company of Bitcoin Magazine — the longest-running source of Bitcoin news and commentary, first published in 2012 — while also building The Bitcoin Conference into the largest Bitcoin event series in the world, drawing more than 67,000 attendees across U.S., Asia, Europe, and Middle East events in 2025 alone. His work through Bitcoin for Corporations has further accelerated institutional adoption, connecting over 40 member companies with the education and networks needed to integrate Bitcoin into their treasuries.

With the Nakamoto acquisition of BTC Inc. and UTXO now complete, Bailey arrives at Bitcoin 2026 at a defining moment — not just for his own company, but for the broader Bitcoin ecosystem.

Bitcoin Magazine is published by BTC Inc, a subsidiary of Nakamoto Inc. (NASDAQ: NAKA)

Bitcoin 2026 Returns to Las Vegas Bigger Than Ever

Bitcoin 2026 will take place April 27–29 at The Venetian, Las Vegas, and is expected to be the biggest Bitcoin event of the year.

Focused on the future of money, Bitcoin 2026 will bring together Bitcoin builders, investors, miners, policymakers, technologists, and newcomers from around the world. The event will feature a wide range of pass types, including general admission passes designed specifically for those new to Bitcoin, alongside premium passes for professionals, enterprises, and institutions.

With multiple stages, immersive experiences, technical workshops, and headline keynotes, Bitcoin 2026 is designed to serve both first-time attendees and long-time Bitcoiners shaping the next era of global adoption.

Past Bitcoin Conferences in the U.S.

Bitcoin’s flagship conference has scaled dramatically over the past five years:

• 2021 – Miami: 11,000 attendees
• 2022 – Miami: 26,000 attendees
• 2023 – Miami: 15,000 attendees
• 2024 – Nashville: 22,000 attendees
• 2025 – Las Vegas: 35,000 attendees

Get Your Bitcoin 2026 Pass

Bitcoin Magazine readers can save 10% on Bitcoin 2026 tickets using code ‘ARTICLE10‘ at checkout.

Stay at The official hotel of Bitcoin 2026, The Venetian, and get a guaranteed low rate plus 15% off your pass. Be in the middle of where the fun is all happening, and where the networking never ends.

Bring your whole team to Bitcoin 2026 and get 20% off your entire order, bring more than six in a group and get 25% off for a limited time.

Volunteer at Bitcoin 2026 and get Pro Pass access plus exclusive perks.

Location: The Venetian, Las Vegas
Dates: April 27–29, 2026

With tens of thousands of attendees expected and hundreds of major speakers like David Bailey already confirmed, now is the time to lock in your ticket.

Buy Bitcoin 2026 Tickets — Save 10%

Why Attend Bitcoin 2026?

Bitcoin 2026 is the definitive gathering for anyone serious about the future of money. With 500+ speakers, multiple world-class stages, and programming spanning Bitcoin fundamentals, open-source development, enterprise adoption, mining, energy, AI, policy, and culture, the conference brings every corner of the Bitcoin ecosystem together under one roof.

From headline keynotes on the Nakamoto Stage to deep technical sessions for builders, institutional strategy discussions for enterprises, and beginner-friendly Bitcoin 101 education, Bitcoin 2026 is designed for everyone—from first-time attendees to the leaders shaping Bitcoin’s global adoption.

Whether you’re looking to learn, build, invest, network, or influence, Bitcoin 2026 is where Bitcoin’s next chapter is written.

Bitcoin 2026 Pass Types: Something for Everyone

Bitcoin 2026 offers a range of pass options designed to meet the needs of newcomers, professionals, enterprises, and high-net-worth Bitcoiners alike.

Bitcoin 2026 General Admission Pass

Ideal for newcomers and those looking to experience the heart of the conference.

• Limited access on Days 2 & 3
• Entry to Main Stage
• Access to Genesis Stage
• Full access to the Expo Hall

Bitcoin 2026 Pro Pass

Designed for professionals, operators, and serious Bitcoin participants.

Includes all General Admission features, plus:

• Full 3-day access, including Pro Day
• Entry to the Pro Pass Reception
• Access to Enterprise Hall, Enterprise Stage, and Networking Lounge
• Conference App networking features
• Access to the Bitcoin For Corporations Symposium
• Entry to Compute Village and Energy Stage
• Complimentary lunch, coffee, tea, and snacks
• Dedicated registration and check-in
• Reserved seating at Main Stage
• Huge savings when you bundle your hotel and Pro Pass

Bitcoin 2026 Whale Pass

The all-inclusive, premium Bitcoin 2026 experience.

Includes all Pro Pass features, plus:

• Reserved seating at Main Stage
• All-inclusive gourmet food and beverages
• Entry to Whale Night and Whale Reception
• Access to all official after-parties
• Networking app access to connect with other Whales
• Premium access to The Deep — an exclusive networking lounge with intimate speaker sessions
• Complimentary stay at The Venetian when you bundle your whale pass and hotel (use promo code ‘WHALEHOTEL’ here)

This is the most immersive way to experience Bitcoin 2026.

Bitcoin 2026 After Hours Pass

Your ticket to the night.

Most deals are done with a drink in your hand. Get exclusive access to 3 official Bitcoin 2026 after-parties across Las Vegas — each with a 2-hour open bar — where the real conversations happen and the best connections are made.

• Access to 3 official Bitcoin 2026 after-parties
• 2-hour open bar at each event
• Evening events across Las Vegas, April 27–29
• Network with Bitcoiners, builders, and industry leaders after hours

More headline speaker announcements are coming soon.

Don’t miss Bitcoin 2026.

This post David Bailey Confirmed As A Bitcoin 2026 Speaker first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

Bitcoin Magazine

Policy Group Calls for Bitcoin Inclusion in Proposed Crypto Tax Exemption

The Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI) is urging Congress to broaden proposed de minimis tax relief for digital assets beyond payment stablecoins to include bitcoin and other major network tokens.

Under current law, bitcoin is treated as property, which means every purchase with the asset triggers a capital gains calculation, regardless of transaction size. 

BPI argues that this framework discourages routine payments, such as buying coffee or sending small remittances, because users must track cost basis and report minor gains and losses.​

Lawmakers have worked on several approaches in the 119th Congress. Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced a standalone bill that would create a 300 dollar per‑transaction threshold with a 5,000 dollar annual cap and address mining and staking taxation. 

House members Max Miller and Steven Horsford floated a discussion draft tied to the PARITY Act that would apply a narrower exemption to regulated payment stablecoins and target a 200 dollar threshold consistent with foreign currency rules.​

BPI describes that shift toward a “stablecoin‑only” de minimis model as a significant departure from earlier bipartisan efforts to cover a broader range of digital assets. 

The group contends that limiting relief to stablecoins would leave most bitcoin payments subject to full reporting obligations while also failing to account for the fact that stablecoin transactions rely on separate network tokens for transaction fees, which remain taxable events.​

In response, BPI has led a coalition letter to key tax writers and mounted an outreach campaign on Capitol Hill, meeting with 19 congressional offices across both chambers over the past three months. 

The organization is pressing for a value‑based exemption that would apply to both GENIUS‑compliant payment stablecoins and large‑cap network tokens, potentially up to 600 dollars per transaction with an annual cap near 20,000 dollars. 

BPI warns that with midterm politics approaching and Senator Lummis set to leave the Senate in January 2027, the window for comprehensive digital asset tax reform may close if Congress does not advance a package before an expected legislative push in August 2026.

Coinbase rejects claims they opposed Bitcoin tax relief 

All this comes as Coinbase Chief Policy Officer Faryar Shirzad and CEO Brian Armstrong recently denied allegations that the exchange lobbied against the proposed de minimis tax exemption for Bitcoin, responding on X to claims made by Bitcoin podcaster Marty Bent. 

Shirzad called the accusation “a total lie,” stating the company had never and would never lobby against Bitcoin.

The denial followed Bent’s March 11 report alleging Coinbase had told lawmakers the exemption was unnecessary because Bitcoin was not widely used as money. 

According to Bent, the company argued that a de minimis exemption would amount to a “handout” unlikely to pass and was instead advocating for stablecoin-focused tax treatment that could benefit its own business model. Bent later said he had three sources supporting the claim.

Armstrong  rejected the allegation, calling the rumor “totally false” after being publicly asked for clarification by Jack Dorsey of Block Inc..

This post Policy Group Calls for Bitcoin Inclusion in Proposed Crypto Tax Exemption first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Paraguay Adopts Stricter Crypto Oversight, Mandates Detailed Transaction on Bitcoin Reporting

Paraguay’s National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT) has issued General Resolution No. 47/26, imposing comprehensive reporting requirements for bitcoin and crypto activity. 

The rule targets Bitcoin (BTC) and other digital assets. It mandates that residents and entities disclose nearly all transactions exceeding $5,000 per year.

The resolution requires platforms and administrators to submit detailed data, including wallet addresses, blockchain networks, and transaction hashes. Obligated parties must also report the date and time of each transaction, the amount and USD value, fees paid, and counterparty information, according to local reporting.  

The measure covers buying, selling, trading between cryptocurrencies, mining, staking, yield farming, airdrops, lending income, payments, and transfers between personal wallets.

Officials describe the initiative as a step toward integrating cryptocurrencies into the national tax system. 

“Proper identification and monitoring will strengthen oversight and compliance,” the DNIT stated. The regulation does not create new taxes but increases transparency for fiscal authorities.

The resolution aligns with recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Since 2019, FATF has urged countries to enforce strict reporting requirements on virtual assets to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. 

Paraguay, as a member of GAFILAT, has incorporated these guidelines to improve anti-money laundering enforcement and reduce international scrutiny.

The regulation arrives during a period of broader legal and financial transition. Law No. 7572/2025 on the Securities and Products Market formalizes oversight of tokenized assets, while the Securities Superintendency (SIV) regulates tokens representing property or credit rights. 

DNIT’s authority, by contrast, covers all cryptocurrency transactions, including decentralized digital assets used as a medium of exchange.

Paraguay aims to professionalize its capital market. Over the last decade, the market’s share of national GDP rose from 1% to 15%. 

Paraguay’s changing crypto oversight

The government is also moving to mine Bitcoin using seized rigs and to develop tokenization projects in agribusiness and real estate. Officials hope to attract foreign investment, reduce intermediation costs, and enforce mandatory audits for smart contracts. 

Separating custody functions from stock exchange operations at the Paraguayan Securities Depository (Cavapy) is planned to strengthen transparency.

Regional trends reinforce Paraguay’s direction. Brazil introduced similar reporting rules in 2023, and Argentina has proposed comparable legislation. 

Multilateral agencies, including the International Monetary Fund and Inter-American Development Bank, provided technical support for integrating blockchain analysis and taxation into fiscal systems.

Market responses have been measured. Exchanges operating in Paraguay have started updating policies to comply with the new resolution. 

The DNIT resolution represents the first phase of Paraguay’s comprehensive cryptocurrency oversight. Implementation will continue through 2026, with subsequent phases addressing taxation and compliance verification, according to reports. 

This post Paraguay Adopts Stricter Crypto Oversight, Mandates Detailed Transaction on Bitcoin Reporting first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

BlackRock's new staked Ethereum ETF (ETHB) is easy to misunderstand.

This is not the first time ETH staking has finally reached exchange-traded products, as Grayscale has already crossed that bridge. What's interesting about the launch is that BlackRock is now standardizing the way Ethereum is explained to mainstream investors.

With ETHB, Ethereum is being repackaged less as a confusing crypto-tech bet and more as a yield-bearing portfolio asset: something investors can hold in a brokerage account, potentially collect monthly staking-related income from, and understand in much more familiar investment terms.

BlackRock introduced the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF on Mar. 12. BlackRock's release says the product gives investors exposure to spot Ether while “potentially generating income” by staking a portion of its Ether holdings.

Its product page says ETHB is designed for “monthly income,” seeks exposure to the price of Ethereum and staking rewards, and pays a monthly distribution.

On Jan. 5, ETHE became the first US Ethereum ETP to distribute staking rewards, and it said staking had already been activated for ETHE and ETH in October 2025. Grayscale's current product pages still show both products with staking branding.

So the shift on Mar. 12 was less about product novelty than about who was offering it and how it was being marketed.

Mainstream ratification, not first-mover advantage

BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, and its materials frame ETHB around “income potential,” “monthly income,” brokerage account convenience, and exposure to Ether plus staking rewards.

That makes the more important change one of distribution power: one of Wall Street's biggest product machines is now telling traditional investors how to understand Ethereum.

For years, Ethereum's mainstream problem was translation.

Bitcoin was easy to sell as digital gold. Ethereum was harder to package because it sits awkwardly between a technology platform, a monetary asset, and an application-layer infrastructure.

ETHB simplifies that story into something more familiar: price exposure plus income potential inside a brokerage account.

Ahead of the first US spot Ether ETFs, investors complained that unstaked Ether exposure resembled buying “a bond without the coupon,” and staking yields were about 3.1% at the time.

BlackRock's ETHB is a direct answer to that old demand problem.

BlackRock's own educational note says staking currently offers returns of roughly 2.5% to 3% annually, but also entails liquidity constraints and the risk of financial penalties.

It explicitly states that the decision to stake “does not materially change” an investor's exposure to ETH price movements, which remain the primary driver of returns.

How does this change the capital pitch

This changes how Ethereum competes for capital. If ETH gets marketed as “the crypto that pays,” it no longer competes only with Bitcoin for crypto allocation. It starts competing for investors seeking a mix of growth, network exposure, and yield, even though the ETH price remains the primary driver of returns.

The launch economics are designed to be competitive.

BlackRock says ETHB's sponsor fee is 0.12% for the first $2.5 billion of assets for the first 12 months beginning Mar. 12, 2026, and 0.25% thereafter or on assets above that threshold.

The firm also says ETHB intends to stake the majority of its ETH and distribute rewards, less fees, to shareholders.

ETHB's launch release says its existing crypto lineup already includes IBIT and ETHA, which had over $55 billion and $6.5 billion in assets under management, respectively, as of Mar. 6.

BlackRock is attaching that yield pitch to the same distribution network that has already made its bitcoin and Ether products market leaders.

Grayscale is the proof that ETH staking ETPs were already viable before ETHB.

As of Jan. 9, Grayscale's staking-branded ETH and ETHE product pages showed gross staking rewards of 4.49% and 4.04%, respectively, with ETHE showing a monthly distribution frequency.

BlackRock's launch is about scale, branding, and mainstream distribution.

Two competing ways to sell Ethereum

The real conflict is between two competing ways of selling Ethereum.

One version treats ETH mainly as a speculative tech token. The other treats ETH as a yield-bearing digital asset that can sit in a brokerage account and generate income-like returns while still providing price exposure.

ETHB strongly advances a second narrative. BlackRock's own language makes that framing available: ETHB offers “income potential,” “monthly income,” and a way to access staking without direct operational burdens.

This is exactly how a complicated crypto asset gets translated into mainstream portfolio language.

The bull case is that BlackRock's framing sticks. Ethereum stops being the “harder-to-explain” major crypto and becomes the one that offers a mainstream-friendly combination of infrastructure exposure and yield.

In that case, ETH may begin competing for pockets of capital that would not normally buy a pure-beta crypto asset, especially in brokerage and advisory channels already comfortable with income language.

The bear case is that the yield pitch proves too small relative to volatility. BlackRock itself says staking offers only modest rewards and adds liquidity and penalty risk, while the ETH price remains the main driver of returns.

In that version, ETHB is useful but not transformative: a better wrapper for existing ETH bulls rather than a true expansion of the addressable investor base.

The black swan is that a staking-related operational, liquidity, tax, or regulatory problem hits a high-visibility product, turning “crypto with yield” into “crypto with extra complications.”

BlackRock's own educational piece devotes real time to lock-up timing, risk-slashing, and operational complexity, which is a reminder that mainstreaming yield also mainstreams those risks.

Grayscale opened the door. BlackRock is deciding what Ethereum looks like once Wall Street walks through it.

Bitcoin was easy to market as digital gold. BlackRock is trying to make Ethereum legible as crypto with yield.

ETHB marks the point when staking becomes Ethereum’s mainstream sales pitch.

BlackRock did not invent the staking Ethereum product category. It is, however, shaping what Ethereum will look like once traditional finance starts taking it seriously.

The launch economics, distribution power, and marketing emphasis on monthly income all point to the same conclusion: Ethereum is being repositioned less as a speculative platform bet and more as a yield-bearing digital asset that traditional investors can understand, buy, and hold inside a brokerage account.

The post BlackRock’s new product launch just made Ethereum income impossible to ignore appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Bitcoin has outperformed gold, silver, and major US equity indexes since the US-Israeli attack on Iran began, recovering to over $72,000 even as oil surged above $100 a barrel and traders cut expectations for near-term Federal Reserve easing.

According to CryptoSlate data, Bitcoin is up 7.3% since the conflict began and even rallied to a one-month high of over $73,000. The flagship digital asset has since retraced to around $72,200 as of press time.

Over the same stretch, gold fell to $5,091, about 4% below the level it stood before the first strikes hit Iran. Silver dropped more than 10%, falling from over $90 to $82 as of press time. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq were down 1% to 2%.

The scorecard also places Bitcoin ahead of several traditional benchmarks during a period when the usual macro headwinds facing digital assets have otherwise strengthened.

Oil climbed about 20% and broke above $100 per barrel for the first time in nearly four years amid escalating tensions over Iran. The dollar also strengthened, and investors sharply reduced expectations for near-term rate cuts.

That backdrop usually weighs on crypto through tighter financial conditions and a more defensive tone across global markets.

However, Bitcoin has rebounded strongly, drawing attention because its rise came after an initial selloff, and because it held while other large assets struggled to regain ground.

From weekend selloff to rebound

Bitcoin’s first move after the strikes was consistent with its history during sudden geopolitical shocks.

At the time, CryptoSlate reported that BTC sold off over the weekend following the outbreak of war, with roughly $300 million in liquidations as traders cut risk.

Here, Bitcoin fell toward the mid-$63,000 range in the immediate aftermath, trading in line with broader expectations for a high-beta asset amid acute uncertainty.

However, the move that followed changed the shape of the story.

Instead of remaining pinned near those lows as oil moved higher and inflation concerns returned to the market, Bitcoin recovered into the second week of March and broke through the $70,000 mark.

That rebound left it ahead of gold, silver, and the major US stock indexes over the same period, even as crude remained elevated and traders reassessed the macro implications of a prolonged Middle East conflict.

Part of that rebound appears to have come from a market that had already cleared a sizable amount of leverage during the initial washout.

Data from CoinGlass showed Bitcoin price rising alongside open interest, with leverage rebuilding after the flush. Open interest returned to about 88,000 BTC, a level that points to renewed participation without yet reaching an extreme.

That setup leaves room for volatility in either direction. It also shows that traders returned to the market quickly after the first liquidation event, helping support the price recovery.

ETF flows add support

Another support layer came from spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund demand.

Data from SoSoValue showed that spot Bitcoin ETF inflows totaled $586.99 million this week, marking the third-strongest inflow week this year.

Those flows do not on their own explain the full price move, though they do point to a steady source of demand entering the market during a period of geopolitical strain and tighter macro conditions.

That combination, liquidation reset followed by ETF inflows, helps explain why Bitcoin recovered faster than many expected after the first round of war-related selling.

The backdrop differs from earlier geopolitical episodes in crypto because Bitcoin now trades in a deeper, more institutionalized market.

Spot ETFs have expanded the buyer base, and that broader capital pool appears to have helped absorb volatility after the first de-risking wave.

Bitcoin’s trading pattern during the conflict has also reinforced its role as a liquid macro asset. The market has been processing both crypto-native signals and global cross-asset signals simultaneously.

Price action around oil, the dollar, and Fed expectations remained relevant throughout the rebound, yet Bitcoin still recovered more strongly than several traditional benchmarks.

At the same time, there is also evidence of stress-driven utility beneath the surface of the market.

Following the initial strikes, blockchain data showed a jump in outflows from Iranian crypto exchanges.

Those flows were too small to move the global Bitcoin market on their own, though they added another reminder of how digital assets can be used during periods of capital stress and financial disruption.

Bear market view still hangs over the rally

Even with the rebound, several analysts continue to describe the market as bearish.

CryptoQuant head of research Julio Moreno said the firm’s Bitcoin Bull Score Index hit 30, the highest reading since late October. He said the index had shifted from “extra bearish” to “bearish,” while describing the latest move as a relief rally within a broader bear market.

Additional data from CryptoQuant has also shown growing market disbelief even as Bitcoin held above $70,000.

According to that view, the macro backdrop remains difficult, especially with tensions around global oil trade still unresolved. In that setting, traders have continued to lean against the rally rather than chase it.

That skepticism is visible in the derivatives market. Funding rates on Binance have remained negative for about a week, showing that each rebound has been used by many traders as an opportunity to add short exposure.

On March 10 and 11, funding rates on Binance fell below minus 0.006, a level that signaled a heavily short-skewed market.

Those conditions can cut both ways. Persistent short positioning reflects caution, though it also creates the possibility of further upside if rising prices force bearish traders to cover.

Joao Wedson, founder of blockchain analysis platform Alphractal, added another warning sign. He said Whale vs Retail Delta showed that whales had been reducing their long positions relative to retail traders.

When that measure moves into the red zone, it indicates whales are becoming more inclined to take short positions while retail traders lean the other way.

In previous cases, Wedson said, those readings either preceded a price decline or coincided with local exhaustion near a bottom.

Liquidity zones define the next move

For now, Bitcoin’s short-term structure remains range-bound, with whale supply overhead and strong bid support below.

Analysts at Bitunix told CryptoSlate that derivatives liquidation heatmaps show the area around $71,300 as the first major short-liquidation and liquidity concentration zone above the current price, making it a near-term resistance level.

CoinGlass data adds to that picture, showing large sell walls stacked between $72,000 and $74,000, creating a notable band of overhead supply.

Meanwhile, the support structure is also becoming clearer below the market.

CoinGlass data show whales layering bids between $70,500 and $71,000, with a deeper cluster between $69,000 and $70,000. Bitunix analysts separately identified secondary liquidity support near $69,000, while deeper long-liquidation clusters are concentrated around $68,800.

Taken together, the order-book and liquidation data show Bitcoin is trading between whale supply above and strong bid support below.

If buyers absorb the sell walls above $72,000, the price could move into the denser short-leverage zone between $72,000 and $73,500.

However, if that resistance holds, the market may rotate back toward the bid support near $70,500 to $71,000 and, in a deeper pullback, test liquidity around $69,000.

The post With Bitcoin’s surge over $72k it now outperforms gold and stocks since Iran strikes, but one brutal sell wall is looming appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Mastercard’s crypto partner push is really a plan to keep stablecoins inside its network

Mastercard is trying to make sure the stablecoin era still needs its card services.

On Wednesday, the company launched a program with more than 85 crypto-native firms, payments providers, banks, compliance vendors, custody companies, exchanges, and infrastructure groups. On its face, that reads like another ecosystem announcement.

However, let's look at what the list implies. Mastercard is assembling the counterparties it needs so that if stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and other digital-dollar instruments become meaningful payment rails, those flows can still pass through Mastercard’s acceptance, trust, and settlement layers rather than around them.

The partner program is essentially a public index page for infrastructure already under construction. Mastercard spent years building crypto card issuance, merchant-facing acceptance tools, compliance controls, digital asset services, and tokenized settlement rails.

The new program packages those pieces into a clearer pitch: digital assets can move faster and on more programmable rails, while regulated money movement and merchant access can still run through the existing network.

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The real contest here is about who controls digital money once it starts moving in remittances, merchant settlement, payouts, treasury transfers, and issuer-acquirer flows. Stablecoins create the possibility of a cheaper or faster side road around traditional card economics. Mastercard’s answer appears to be to absorb that side road into its own governed routes.

Additionally, on March 3, Mastercard and SoFi said they would enable SoFiUSD settlement across the Mastercard network. That was a more operational proof point than the broader partner rollout on March 11. It tied a named stablecoin to network settlement, which is much closer to real payment plumbing than an open-ended ecosystem statement.

Put together, the two announcements suggest Mastercard is moving from “we support digital assets” language toward specific settlement use cases with branded instruments and defined network pathways.

The new announcement is a wrapper around an older build

Mastercard’s latest move makes more sense when viewed as strategic packaging around an existing build. The company has been laying this groundwork for years. In 2021, it rolled out a card program for cryptocurrency companies, aiming to simplify issuance and bring more crypto-linked payment products onto its rails.

That was an early sign that the company saw the risk of treating crypto as an external market to observe from a distance. It wanted to be the network used when crypto touched consumer payments.

Since then, Mastercard has expanded its digital-asset stack across multiple layers of the transaction chain. Its broader overview of digital asset services points to work across acceptance, card programs, settlement, identity, and compliance. Its network materials describe a system intended to connect financial institutions and businesses in tokenized transactions.

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In plain English, Mastercard has been building payment plumbing for a world where some bank money and transaction settlements happen in blockchain form.

That is why the partner roster looks like a map of dependencies. A network trying to stay central in digital-dollar flows needs blockchains to host assets, custodians to hold them, compliance firms to screen them, banks to issue or support them, processors to route them, and merchant-facing infrastructure to put them to work in commerce.

The companies in Mastercard’s new program span those categories, making the list less a show of breadth than a map of function. It sketches the minimum coalition needed to keep on-chain money connected to off-chain commerce.

Mastercard is building the rails for digital dollars to settle, move, and reconcile behind the scenes while merchants, banks, and users continue to interact with familiar payment experiences. So, the visible consumer experience may change little even if the underlying money flows become more blockchain-native.

A shopper can still tap a card or approve a wallet transaction. A merchant can still see ordinary checkout flows. The real change happens in settlement, when the money actually lands, how fast it moves, whether it can move on weekends, and which intermediary controls the trust layer around that transfer.

Stablecoins are the real prize because settlement is the real battleground

Mastercard’s own recent messaging points in that direction. In 2025, the company enabled stablecoins, including USDC, PYUSD, USDG, and FIUSD, on its network. It also announced end-to-end capabilities for stablecoin transactions, from wallets to checkouts, in a release focused on the movement of value across the payment chain rather than on crypto as an investment story.

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That push covered wallet enablement, merchant acceptance, and settlement functionality. Read together, those materials point to a company trying to make digital-dollar movement usable inside the network, not merely adjacent to it.

The near-term use cases follow from that design. Remittances are one. Cross-border payouts are another. B2B transfers, supplier payments, treasury movement, and merchant settlement all fit the model. These are areas where 24/7 transfer capability, faster finality, and programmable conditions can have practical value even before consumers see a major change at checkout.

Tokenized deposits become relevant for the same reason. They are bank deposits issued in blockchain form, which makes them easier to route through programmable systems while keeping them tied to regulated institutions.

A crypto exchange can help distribute or interface with digital assets. A custody provider can hold them. A compliance vendor can screen counterparties and transactions. A banking partner can issue the money or support the fiat leg. A processor or network layer can move instructions and settle them into the existing merchant universe. Mastercard appears to want a seat at that intersection, where blockchain-native assets meet the trusted controls, rules, and acceptance footprint of traditional payments.

Visa’s recent actions are in alignment. In late 2025, Visa announced U.S. stablecoin settlement in a release centered on settlement integration. That suggests both major card networks have reached a similar conclusion: stablecoins are becoming credible rails for back-end money movement. Neither network appears willing to leave that territory open for banks, fintechs, or crypto infrastructure firms to own outright.

Still, the opportunity is real, but not fully mainstream yet.

The strongest reporting guardrail in this article is to separate gross on-chain volume from actual payment usage. A review from McKinsey, citing Artemis data, estimated annualized “actual stablecoin payments” at roughly $390 billion. That is a meaningful base, but it is much smaller than the most inflated readings of raw stablecoin transfer volume.

So stablecoins have not replaced card networks in commerce. Instead, they have become important enough in settlement and money movement that card networks are now building to contain the threat and capture the upside.

DefiLlama put total stablecoin market capitalization at about $309.0 billion. BVNK reported that 77% of surveyed crypto users would open a stablecoin wallet if their bank or fintech offered one, while 28% convert or spend stablecoins within days. And a16z's stablecoin estimate of $46 trillion in transaction volume last year should be treated as directional evidence of on-chain dollar movement rather than a pure payments number.

Taken together, those figures paint a clear picture: the market is already large enough to matter, but it is still early enough that control of the rails remains up for grabs.

If major retailers, large fintech stacks, processors, or bank consortia can move more value over stablecoin or tokenized-money systems, they may eventually reduce dependence on traditional card-settlement economics. Reporting from the Journal on Walmart and Amazon exploring stablecoins captured the direction of travel. Mastercard’s partner program can be read as a defensive response to that possibility. There's no panic or pivoting. It is network defense.

The next proof points are straightforward.

• Watch for more issuer settlement announcements, merchant settlement rollouts, bank stablecoin launches, tokenized-deposit pilots, and case studies tied to Mastercard’s Multi-Token Network.
• Watch for processors and acquirers moving recurring production settlement flows onto these rails. Most of all, watch for disclosed volume.

That is where we will see either things harden into a measurable shift in payment infrastructure or fade back into branding.

For now, Mastercard’s crypto partner program looks less like a broad endorsement of crypto and more like an attempt to shape where digital dollars travel next.

The company has published the ecosystem map. The harder question is whether the next wave of stablecoin settlement will keep using Mastercard’s network layers, or whether parts of the market will decide they no longer need them.

The post Is Mastercard embracing crypto or trying to contain it? appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Bitcoin held near $70,000 despite oil price briefly trading around $100 a barrel, a move that would once have pushed crypto sharply lower under the usual macro playbook.

According to CryptoSlate's data, the flagship digital asset climbed a modest 0.3% over the last 24 hours, reaching as high as $71,337 before retracing to $69,803 as of press time.

Oil prices climbed sharply, with WTI crude rising 4.79% to $92.04 and Brent crude jumping 5.24% to $97.22.

The rally followed escalating shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which deepened concerns about a sustained supply shock. Notably, Iran had warned the world to prepare for oil prices of $200 a barrel.

Nonetheless, BTC's price performance despite these threats marks a significant divergence from previous weeks, when surging oil prices pushed the crypto market lower amid inflation fears.

While those fears persist in the market, Bitcoin has shown greater resilience, holding within an established range rather than breaking lower.

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Why is Bitcoin price not falling this time?

One of the clearest catalysts for Bitcoin's price not breaking lower during the recent oil price rise was the falling speculative froth in the market.

Data from CoinShares showed that BTC leverage ratios had already dropped from about 33% in October 2025 to 25% by early March, back near long-run averages.

According to the firm:

“Market structure entering the crisis was already significantly cleaner, following an estimated $30 billion of whale distribution over the previous five months that pushed valuations and technical indicators into oversold territory. With leverage reduced and much of the motivated selling already exhausted, the market was better positioned to absorb new demand.”

Meanwhile, spot BTC exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows have also turned less hostile at a crucial point in the market.

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According to CoinShares, digital-asset investment products took in more than $1 billion in the first five days of March after five straight weeks of outflows totaling about $4 billion.

Data from Glassnode also corroborated this, noting that flows into 12 US spot Bitcoin ETFs are stabilizing, with their 7-day moving average returning to positive territory after weeks of sustained institutional outflows.

Moreover, Santiment’s data also point to a market that has been stronger than its mood in recent months, but is still dealing with fragile conviction.

According to Santiment, Bitcoin’s 365-day MVRV shows long-term returns on the blockchain are about level with what was seen in the final week of 2022.

At the time, the 365-day MVRV was deeply negative following the FTX collapse, but Bitcoin rose 67% over the following three months.

Santiment said the current divergence is notable even with very different macro conditions and the added influence of Strategy’s aggressive accumulation.

At the same time, the spot market demand for BTC has started to recover, and cumulative volume delta has rebounded as buyers absorb sell-side liquidity across major exchanges.

That combination helps explain why Bitcoin has not reacted to the oil jump the way it often did in earlier phases of the cycle.

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Can BTC sustain its current resilience?

Considering this, the question that begs for an answer is whether BTC can sustain its current resilience and march even higher under current constraints.

Notably, the on-chain picture supports the idea that the top crypto could continue to show strength if current indicators remain positive.

Data from Alphractal showed liquidation levels are becoming clearer, with the majority of open positions now on the long side. Bitcoin had previously been moving in a volatile sideways range, forcing liquidations in both longs and shorts.

According to the firm, the maximum pain for longs sits around $61,000, while shorts are concentrated near $75,000.

That creates pressure points at both ends of the range and helps define the market’s next decision.

Also, Glassnode noted that BTC is currently seeing an accumulation cluster forming near the middle of its $62,800 to $ 72,600 range, though its intensity remains below that of prior episodes that led to stronger expansions.

This is supported by data from Alphractal, which showed Bitcoin's RVT Ratio is rising.

The Realized Value to Transactions Ratio compares Realized Cap with the daily adjusted on-chain transfer volume. A rising reading usually points to coins circulating less on-chain, more capital being held rather than transacted, and weaker network activity relative to the amount of stored value.

According to the firm, the 28-day moving average of the indicator suggests that capital stored in Bitcoin continues to grow faster than on-chain economic activity.

Historically, those phases often align with accumulation or softer on-chain demand rather than with broad speculative overheating.

What next for BTC?

If BTC maintains its current price resilience, futures trader positioning the asset leaves room for a move higher.

According to Glassnode, perpetual futures funding has turned negative, pointing to growing short positioning. In past episodes, that setup has given the market room to squeeze higher if spot buying firms.

Data from CME Group showed about $660 million in Bitcoin call open interest in March, compared with about $240 million in puts. Glassnode added that roughly $2 billion of negative gamma is concentrated around the $75,000 strike, with about $1.8 billion of that expiring on March 27.

If Bitcoin pushes through the low $70,000s and reaches that zone, dealer hedging could help accelerate the move toward $80,000.

Those readings suggest traders have eased aggressive short-dated hedging, but they have not yet built strong directional conviction around an immediate breakout.

The post Bitcoin shrugs off oil surge and geopolitical tension, setting up potential push toward $80k appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Wallets linked to the team behind President Donald Trump’s Solana-based TRUMP memecoin sent a large batch of tokens to Binance on March 12, adding a fresh supply overhang to a project that has crashed to an all-time low.

On March 12, blockchain data from Arkham Intelligence showed that a BitGo custodial wallet associated with the TRUMP team transferred 5 million TRUMP tokens, valued at about $14.4 million, to Binance, the largest crypto trading platform globally.

The movement followed a similar transfer in late February, when 5 million TRUMP tokens, valued at around $17.3 million, were sent to Binance via BitGo-linked custody flows.

Taken together, the deposits amount to nearly 10 million TRUMP tokens, worth about $31.7 million at the time of the transactions.

Deposits into exchange-linked wallets are closely watched because they often precede selling, especially when the sender controls a large allocation.

Blockchain data, however, only shows that tokens arrived at a venue where they can be sold; it cannot confirm whether the tokens were sold immediately or held for later execution.

In memecoin markets, teams and large holders also route inventory through market makers, which can blur the trail once custody and execution become intermediated.

Meanwhile, the latest transfer comes at a time when Binance is trying to narrow the scope of US scrutiny, after a Wall Street Journal report said the Justice Department is examining whether Iran used the exchange to evade sanctions.

However, Binance has denied any wrongdoing and sued the Journal and Dow Jones for defamation.

A vesting event becomes a supply test

In an X post, on-chain analyst EmberCN said the recent deposits were part of a larger batch of 32.5 million TRUMP tokens, valued at around $143 million, that was unlocked and moved out of a team allocation wallet in early February.

Data from DeFiLlama shows that the project recently unlocked $558.09 million worth of tokens to insiders in January. According to the data, TRUMP insiders control 80% of the token's 1 billion total supply.

Indeed, token unlock schedules can be routine in venture-backed crypto projects.

However, they can turn into price catalysts when a newly liquid supply is controlled by insiders and begins moving toward venues with deep liquidity.

Considering the above, this kind of transfer could spark selling speculation, especially given that the TRUMP memecoin team has a history of systematically divesting from the token.

Meanwhile, this action comes as the TRUMP token price action has left little buffer for additional supply.

Data from CryptoSlate shows TRUMP has fallen to $2.73, representing a drawdown of roughly 96% from its January 2025 peak of $73.43.

While the broader crypto market has also suffered considerable losses during the period, TRUMP's price crash has proven more significant because the token began as a political brand extension of the US president and has sparked recurring questions for ethics critics and regulators.

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Moreover, the retail performance metrics have heightened political sensitivity around the token.

Last month, CryptoRank reported that losses across Trump family-linked memecoins, including TRUMP and MELANIA, had exceeded $4.3 billion, with nearly 2 million wallets underwater.

The firm noted that the main beneficiaries from these tokens were insiders, with only 45 early wallets recording about $1.2 billion in gains. It added:

“While insiders cashed out over $600M through fees and token sales, retail holders absorbed the losses at a ratio of 20-to-1: for every dollar insiders earned, ordinary investors lost $20.”

In light of this, the key question is whether the team’s newly unlocked inventory is headed toward the market, which would add further selling pressure to an already struggling token.

A web of Trump-Binance connections

All of this drama is occurring against a backdrop of deepening financial ties between the Trump family's crypto ventures and Binance.

For context, Trump pardoned Zhao in October 2025. Prior to that, representatives of the Trump family held talks about taking a financial stake in Binance.US, the exchange’s US arm.

However, Zhao denied those claims.

Apart from that, World Liberty Financial, another crypto company associated with the Trump family, launched a dollar-pegged stablecoin called USD1, which was issued on Binance's blockchain.

Binance subsequently used the stablecoin to receive a $2 billion investment from MGX Fund Management Limited, an investment fund based in the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, the firm has aggressively promoted the asset to its 300 million users.

All of these moves have intensified conflict-of-interest questions, given the overlap between the president’s family's crypto business orbit and Binance’s efforts to rebuild its standing in the United States.

Meanwhile, the White House has previously said Trump’s business interests are held in a trust managed by his children, and the administration has rejected conflict-of-interest allegations tied to his crypto-related ventures.

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Binance scrutiny collides with politically exposed flows

On the other hand, the TRUMP token transfer also lands amid a widening compliance spotlight on Binance in Washington.

The Wall Street Journal reported on March 11 that the Justice Department is investigating whether Iran used Binance to evade US sanctions.

Separately, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the top Democrat on the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, opened an inquiry into the platform after reports emerged that Iranian users accessed more than 1,500 Binance accounts and that about $1.7 billion flowed to Iran-linked entities and networks.

According to the lawmaker:

“The scale of the newly-revealed illicit transfers — uncaught until nearly two billion dollars flowed to sanctioned entities — and the unexplained firing of internal investigators call into question Binance’s compliance with American sanctions and banking laws, and its 2023 agreement to resolve the previous federal investigation”

The lawmaker framed the allegations as a test of whether Binance’s compliance controls have weakened since its record 2023 settlement with US authorities.

Under that settlement, Binance paid about $4.3 billion in fines and overhauled its compliance measures after prosecutors said it failed to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program. Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty, resigned as chief executive, and later served a prison term.

In response to these allegations, Binance has vehemently denied the claims while stating that it has recorded a 97% drop in exposure to illicit transactions over the past two years.

At the same time, the firm stated that it has helped law enforcement seize more than $752 million in illicit funds over the same period.

Meanwhile, the firm has also touted recent court victories in civil litigation tied to terror-financing allegations as further evidence of its compliance efforts.

On March 12, Binance stated that an Anti-Terrorism Act case in Alabama was dismissed and that a separate ATA case in New York was also dismissed.

Although those claims are distinct from the current sanctions-related scrutiny, Binance stated that these outcomes demonstrate its commitment to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything it does.

According to the firm:

“[The] courts reviewing these claims have found them wanting on both the facts and the law, and they reinforce that allegations involving sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters that must be backed by evidence rather than rhetoric and speculation.”

The post Trump-linked memecoin insiders move $31M in tokens to Binance as price collapses 96% appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Bitcoin Reclaims Key Levels Amid Regulatory Clarity

The crypto market is witnessing a significant breakout as we head into the weekend of March 13, 2026. After a period of consolidation, Bitcoin has surged past the $72,000 resistance level, currently trading at approximately $72,540. This 3.2% daily gain comes as institutional confidence is bolstered by a historic announcement from U.S. regulators and the successful launch of high-yield investment products.

For traders tracking the current trend: the "Extreme Fear" sentiment from earlier in the week is rapidly dissipating. The primary driver is the newly announced "Joint Harmonization Initiative" between the SEC and CFTC. Bitcoin’s move to $72,500 signals that the market is beginning to price in a more stable, "fit-for-purpose" regulatory environment in the United States.

The SEC and CFTC "Harmonization": Why It’s Pumping the Market

The most impactful news today is the official agreement between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to collaborate on a unified crypto oversight framework.

Historically, the "tug-of-war" between these two agencies over whether assets are securities or commodities created immense market friction. According to reports from Reuters, this new initiative aims to:

1. Streamline Reporting: Create formal data-sharing protocols for digital asset exchanges.
2. Clarify Jurisdiction: Provide a clear "checklist" to determine agency oversight, reducing legal uncertainty for developers.
3. Promote Innovation: Align with the broader federal policy goals of the current administration to make the U.S. a global "crypto hub."

This regulatory "cheer" has successfully offset global jitters regarding energy prices and geopolitical tensions, providing the necessary liquidity for Bitcoin to retest its yearly highs.

BlackRock’s ETHB Debut: $15.5 Million in Day One Volume

While Bitcoin leads the price action, Ethereum is capturing the "yield" narrative. BlackRock’s iShares Staked Ethereum Trust (ETHB) officially began trading on Nasdaq on March 12, 2024.

The fund recorded $15.5 million in trading volume on its first day, a result described by Bloomberg analysts as "very respectable" for a new ETF category. ETHB allows institutional investors to earn approximately 3.1% annual yield from staking rewards, distributed monthly. This launch confirms that the transition from passive holding to active "productive" crypto assets is well underway.

Bitcoin Price Prediction: Is $80,000 Next for Bitcoin?

With Bitcoin holding firmly at $72,500, technical analysts are eyeing the psychological $75,000 resistance.

The divergence between Bitcoin and traditional equities is notable today; while the S&P 500 showed weakness due to oil market volatility, Bitcoin acted as a "digital gold" hedge, fueled by the $115 million weekly inflow into BlackRock’s IBIT fund.

Summary and Outlook

The convergence of regulatory peace and institutional product innovation has created a "perfect storm" for the $72,500 breakout. As the market digests the implications of the SEC-CFTC cooperation, volatility is expected to remain high. The focus for the next 48 hours will be whether BTC can flip the $72,000 mark into a permanent support floor.

Global financial markets are once again facing rising geopolitical uncertainty. Oil prices are climbing as tensions escalate across key energy regions, while governments and energy companies move quickly to protect critical infrastructure.

A new development illustrates how rapidly the global energy landscape is evolving. The world’s largest oil producer, Saudi Aramco, is reportedly in talks with Ukrainian firms to purchase specialized interceptor drones designed to defend oil facilities from potential Iranian drone attacks.

At the same time, President Donald Trump has stated that rising oil prices could benefit the United States because the country has become one of the world’s largest oil producers.

Together, these developments highlight how energy security is becoming a central issue for global markets — and why crypto investors are paying attention.

Oil Infrastructure Is Becoming a Strategic Target

Energy facilities have increasingly become targets during geopolitical conflicts. Drone attacks on refineries, pipelines, and export terminals can disrupt global oil supply within hours.

For companies like Saudi Aramco, protecting infrastructure is therefore a top priority.

Ukraine has developed sophisticated drone defense systems during the Russia–Ukraine War, including interceptor drones capable of stopping incoming unmanned aerial vehicles before they reach critical targets.

Reports indicate Saudi Aramco is now exploring these technologies to strengthen its defenses against potential attacks.

This reflects a broader shift in modern warfare, where relatively inexpensive drones can threaten infrastructure worth billions of dollars.

Oil Prices React to Rising Risk

Energy markets are extremely sensitive to geopolitical tensions. Even the threat of disruption to major producers can push oil prices sharply higher.

Recent headlines have already contributed to volatility in financial markets, with billions of dollars wiped from global stock valuations as investors reacted to rising geopolitical risk and oil prices moving higher.

One of the most sensitive energy chokepoints remains the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil exports pass.

Any disruption to shipping in this region could trigger major price spikes and ripple effects across global markets.

Trump Highlights the U.S. Energy Advantage

President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the situation, noting that the United States benefits from high oil prices due to its status as a major producer.

Over the past decade, the U.S. has dramatically increased production through shale extraction, transforming the country into one of the world’s largest oil suppliers.

If geopolitical tensions push oil prices higher, American energy exports could play an increasingly important role in stabilizing global markets.

However, higher oil prices can also contribute to inflation and market volatility.

Why Crypto Investors Are Watching Oil

For cryptocurrency markets, developments in energy markets often serve as early signals of macroeconomic changes.

When oil prices surge, several effects tend to follow:

• Inflation expectations increase
• Central banks may delay interest rate cuts
• Global financial markets become more volatile

These conditions can initially pressure risk assets such as cryptocurrencies.

At the same time, prolonged geopolitical instability can strengthen Bitcoin’s narrative as a hedge against global uncertainty.

As traditional markets react to geopolitical shocks, some investors begin exploring alternative stores of value.

Is Bitcoin Becoming a Crisis Hedge?

The idea of Bitcoin acting as “digital gold” has been debated for years. During periods of geopolitical instability, this narrative often returns.

Rising oil prices, drone threats to critical infrastructure, and shifting energy alliances are once again forcing investors to reconsider how global crises affect financial markets.

Whether Bitcoin ultimately behaves like a risk asset or a crisis hedge will depend largely on liquidity conditions and investor sentiment.

What is clear, however, is that geopolitical developments in energy markets are increasingly influencing the cryptocurrency landscape.

The Ethereum price has recently demonstrated significant strength, establishing a firm base above the $1,900 support zone. After a period of intense volatility in early 2026, driven by macroeconomic shifts and geopolitical tensions, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap is showing signs of a structural bottom.

Is the Ethereum Bottom In?

Current market data confirms that the ETH USD pair has successfully navigated a high-tension consolidation block. Traders are closely watching the $1,900 region, which has served as a critical pivot point.

So we can safely say yes, the Ethereum price has stabilized above $1.9k. This stabilization is backed by a "scarcity index" turning positive and massive exchange outflows, indicating that whales are moving assets into cold storage.

• Key Metrics: As of March 12, 2026, ETH is trading above $2,050, recovering from recent local lows.

Ethereum Price Analysis: Decoding the ETH Chart

Analyzing the recent ETH/USD price action reveals a "coil" effect. The price has been trapped between a descending trendline and a static horizontal support.

Support and Resistance Zones

The technical structure shows a bullish divergence on the daily RSI. While the price made lower lows in early March, the RSI formed higher lows, suggesting that bearish momentum is fading. For a confirmed breakout, ETH needs a weekly close above $2,160 on high volume. This would clear the path toward the 50-day moving average (currently near $2,247) and eventually the $3,000 target.

On-Chain Fundamentals: Whales are Accumulating

Despite the "bleak" retail sentiment, professional investors are positioning themselves for a reversal.

• Exchange Outflows: Within a recent 48-hour window, over $155 million in ETH was withdrawn from major exchanges like Binance and Kraken.
• Institutional Inflows: BlackRock recently expanded its suite with a Staked Ethereum ETP, signalling that Wall Street's appetite for Ethereum's yield-bearing properties remains high.
• Network Upgrades: The upcoming "Glamsterdam" and "Hegota" upgrades are set to enhance parallel execution and sharding, potentially slashing Layer-2 fees by 95%.

"The current consolidation suggests bears are losing momentum. Historical data shows that ETH often delivers sharp relief bounces from these 'Extreme Fear' zones." — Market Analyst Insight.

The Path to $3,000: What Needs to Happen?

For the Ethereum price to reach $3,000, two major catalysts are required:

• Macro Stabilization: A shift in global risk sentiment, potentially sparked by a pause in interest rate hikes or a de-escalation of energy-related geopolitical conflicts.
• Altcoin Season: Historically, Ethereum outperforms Bitcoin once $BTC dominance stabilizes. If the Altcoin Season Index crosses the 75-mark, $ETH is likely to lead the charge.

The U.S. crypto industry may be entering a new regulatory era. In a landmark development, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate oversight of digital assets.

For years, one of the biggest obstacles to crypto adoption in the United States has been regulatory uncertainty. The SEC frequently classified many tokens as securities, while the CFTC argued that some digital assets should be treated as commodities. This disagreement created confusion for exchanges, investors, and crypto projects operating in the U.S.

Now, the two regulators are attempting to align their approaches — a move that could significantly impact Bitcoin, altcoins, and the broader digital asset market.

Why SEC and CFTC Cooperation Matters

The new agreement between the SEC and the CFTC is designed to improve collaboration between the two agencies when regulating cryptocurrency markets.

The partnership will focus on:

• sharing enforcement data
• coordinating investigations into crypto firms
• developing clearer oversight frameworks for digital assets
• supporting the introduction of new crypto financial products

This cooperation could help reduce regulatory uncertainty that has slowed innovation in the United States while other regions, such as Europe and the UAE, have moved forward with clearer crypto frameworks.

For crypto companies and institutional investors, regulatory clarity is often more important than regulation itself.

Institutional Investors Are Watching Closely

The timing of the agreement is significant. Institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies has accelerated over the past two years, especially after the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and the expansion of crypto services by major financial institutions.

At the same time, global companies like Mastercard are expanding blockchain partnerships with major crypto platforms such as Ripple, Binance, and PayPal. These developments signal that traditional finance is gradually integrating digital assets into existing payment infrastructure.

However, large institutions typically require clear regulatory frameworks before committing significant capital. The SEC–CFTC collaboration could therefore act as a catalyst for further institutional investment in the crypto market.

Bitcoin Holds Strong Amid Regulatory Developments

Despite macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, Bitcoin has continued to trade near the $70,000 level. The resilience of BTC during periods of global instability has strengthened the narrative that Bitcoin is evolving into a macro asset class.

While Bitcoin remains the dominant asset in the crypto market, many analysts believe that regulatory clarity could eventually benefit altcoins as well. If regulators establish clear guidelines for digital assets, projects with strong fundamentals and real-world use cases may attract more institutional attention.

For now, Bitcoin continues to lead the market while investors wait for the next major catalyst.

Could This Trigger the Next Crypto Market Phase?

The cooperation between the SEC and CFTC may represent an important step toward a more mature crypto ecosystem in the United States.

Clearer regulatory frameworks could:

• reduce legal risks for crypto companies
• encourage innovation within the U.S. market
• attract institutional capital
• enable the development of new crypto investment products

While short-term price movements are still influenced by macroeconomic conditions and global events, regulatory progress could shape the long-term trajectory of the crypto industry.

If the new regulatory alignment leads to clearer market rules, the next phase of the crypto cycle could be driven not only by retail speculation but also by institutional participation.

Conclusion

The SEC and CFTC agreement marks a significant moment for the cryptocurrency industry. After years of regulatory uncertainty and conflicting oversight, the two agencies are now attempting to coordinate their approach to digital asset regulation.

For investors, the development signals a potential shift toward a more stable regulatory environment. As the crypto market continues to mature and institutional adoption expands, regulatory clarity may become one of the most important drivers of the next market cycle.

$BTC, $ETH, $XRP

Payments giant Mastercard has officially launched its Global Crypto Partner Program, a massive initiative designed to weave blockchain technology directly into the fabric of traditional global banking. This is not just another pilot; the program unites over 85 high-profile companies to standardize how digital assets move across the world’s existing financial rails.

What is the Crypto Partner Program?

The Mastercard Crypto Partner Program is a unified integration framework. Unlike previous one-off partnerships, this initiative provides a set of technical and compliance standards that allow crypto-native firms to connect their on-chain tools to Mastercard’s network. It leverages the Mastercard Multi-Token Network (MTN) to handle tokenized deposits and stablecoins, aiming to make blockchain "invisible" to the end user while providing the speed of digital assets.

Solving the "Plumbing" Problem

For years, the friction between "crypto" and "banks" has been the primary barrier to adoption. Mastercard is addressing this by focusing on three specific pillars:

• Cross-Border Remittances: Bypassing the slow SWIFT network to settle international transfers in minutes using stablecoins like USDC.
• Mastercard Crypto Credential: Replacing complex wallet addresses with human-readable aliases (e.g., user.mastercard) to reduce send-errors.
• Real-Time Settlement: Enabling merchants to receive fiat instantly while the consumer pays from a self-custodial wallet like MetaMask.

Who is Involved in the Global Crypto Partner Program?

The program features an "Avengers-level" lineup of industry leaders. Key partners confirmed include:

• Infrastructure & Settlement: Ripple, Circle, and Paxos.
• Payments & Wallets: PayPal, Gemini, and MetaMask.
• Global Exchanges: Binance, Crypto.com, and Bitget.

Why This Matters Now

According to reports from The Block, Mastercard believes the "next phase of on-chain payments will be built through collaboration." By bringing 85+ firms under one roof, they are effectively creating a "Common Language" for money. This move follows the recent integration of SoFiUSD for card settlement, signaling that the company is moving aggressively to dominate the $300 billion stablecoin settlement market.

As Bitcoin consolidates, select altcoins like Trump, Pi, and Render surge on specific catalysts and improving risk appetite.

Chairman Selig has issued a staff advisory amid a formal rulemaking process, as states and Congress close in.

The transition comes as generative AI reshapes the tech industry, forcing companies to rethink how they build products and run teams.

Bitcoin rose even as equities dropped, with analysts pointing to crypto-specific demand alongside geopolitical tensions driving energy markets higher.

Officials say the FBI alert cited by the network came from an unverified tip, as Iran deploys drones across the Middle East following U.S. and Israeli strikes.

This Friday the 13th, XRP joins Coinbase's $4.2 billion DeFi ecosystem, SHIB price rallies 18% and Bitcoin targets $72,500. Key levels and technical analysis for the weekend ahead.

Avoiding questionable smart contracts and services might not be enough nowadays as wallet poisoning is becoming much more popular.

XLM burned 50% of its total supply, former Ripple CTO uses this clue to explain what might happen if a large XRP supply were to be burned.

Privacy protocol Midnight Network has recorded more than 300% growth in its user milestone since its inception.

Anthony Scaramucci has made a bullish Bitcoin prediction, adding that he has bought some BTC on the dip.

TLDR

• Yield-bearing stablecoins grew 15 times faster than the broader stablecoin market over six months.
• Circle’s USYC and Paxos’ USDG led gains with market cap increases of 198% and 169%.
• The total value of yield-bearing stablecoins reached $22.7 billion after an 11% monthly rise.
• Maple’s Syrup USDC offered the highest weekly yield at 4.54% APY, according to Messari.
• US lawmakers remain divided as the Senate delays action on the crypto market structure bill.

Yield-bearing stablecoins expanded rapidly over the past six months, according to Messari. The research firm reported that these tokens grew 15 times faster than the broader stablecoin market. However, US lawmakers remain divided over how federal law should treat crypto-linked yield.

Messari published its findings on Thursday and outlined sharp market cap increases across major tokens. The report showed that yield-bearing products attracted rising demand while the overall stablecoin market grew modestly. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue to debate provisions in pending digital asset legislation.

USYC and USDG Lead Growth in Stablecoins Segment

Circle’s USYC recorded a 198% increase in market capitalization over six months. Paxos’ Global Dollar (USDG) posted a 169% rise during the same period. Messari stated that these gains far outpaced the 9% growth in the broader stablecoin market.

The firm said the largest yield-bearing stablecoins now function like money market funds or bank deposits. “The winners don’t do payments,” Messari wrote in the report. It added that leading issuers focus on single-asset exposure rather than payment use cases.

Yield-bearing stablecoins began outpacing overall supply growth in mid-October 2025. The trend pointed to a stronger demand for blockchain-based dollar products offering yield. Stablewatch data showed the sector reached $22.7 billion after an 11% rise in 30 days.

That figure doubled the $11 billion recorded in May 2025. Still, yield-bearing tokens account for 7.4% of the $303 billion stablecoin market. The share stood at 4.5% in May last year.

USDD, USDY, and Top APYs Draw Policy Scrutiny

Tron DAO-linked Decentralized USD (USDD) rose 114% in market value over six months. Ondo Finance’s Ondo US Dollar Yield (USDY) increased 91% during the same timeframe. DefiLlama ranked Sky’s sUSDS, Ethena’s sUSDe, and Maple’s Syrup USDC among the largest by value.

Maple’s Syrup USDC offered a 4.54% annual percentage yield this week. Maple USDT followed with a 4.17% APY, while Sky Lending’s sUSDS posted 3.75%. Ethena’s USDe delivered a 3.49% APY, according to Messari data.

Lawmakers continue to debate how to regulate yield-bearing stablecoins under federal law. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the chamber will not advance the market structure bill before April. Banking groups argue that yield features could shift deposits away from traditional banks.

The Senate Banking Committee delayed its markup in mid-January as bipartisan talks continued. President Donald Trump criticized the delay and urged faster action on the bill. The House passed the Digital Asset Market Structure Clarity Act on July 17, 2025.

The GENIUS Act became law on July 18, 2025, and it restricts interest on payment stablecoins. However, the law allows third-party platforms to offer reward programs tied to holdings. Debate over yield provisions continues as the Senate reviews the legislation.

The post Stablecoins With Yield Surge as US Lawmakers Clash appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

• Vitalik Buterin said he no longer aligns with the Future of Life Institute after its strategic direction changed.
• He donated Shiba Inu tokens to the institute in 2021 after developers sent meme coins to his public wallet.
• He stated that the institute initially focused on reducing global risks linked to artificial intelligence, biology, and nuclear threats.
• He later expressed concern that the group shifted toward political and cultural advocacy around AI risks.
• Buterin warned that great coordinated political efforts with major funding could lead to unintended outcomes.

Vitalik Buterin said Friday that he no longer aligns with the Future of Life Institute. He explained that the group changed direction after receiving Shiba Inu (SHIB) tokens from him in 2021. He stated that the institute now focuses on political advocacy around artificial intelligence risks rather than its earlier research goals.

Vitalik Buterin and Shiba Inu Donation Background

Vitalik Buterin received large amounts of Shiba Inu and other meme tokens in 2021 from project developers. Many developers sent tokens to his public wallet for marketing exposure and community attention. He later redirected portions of those assets to charities and research groups, including the Future of Life Institute.

He said the institute initially presented a roadmap to reduce global existential risks. The plan addressed threats linked to artificial intelligence, biology, and nuclear conflict. He stated that these objectives motivated his decision to donate SHIB tokens to the organization.

Buterin later addressed the outcome of that Shiba Inu donation in public remarks. He said he expected the institute to convert between $10 million and $25 million. He explained that he believed the SHIB market lacked enough depth for larger conversions.

However, the institute reportedly converted around $500 million worth of SHIB tokens. He described that outcome as beyond his expectations at the time. The donation became one of the largest crypto-linked charitable contributions recorded in 2021.

Concerns Over Shift Toward Political Advocacy on AI

Buterin said the institute shifted its focus toward cultural and political advocacy related to AI risks. He stated that this direction differed from the broader strategy presented when he donated.

He wrote, “My worry is that large-scale coordinated political action with big money pools is a thing that can easily lead to unintended outcomes.”

He added that such coordinated efforts could create public backlash and fragile policy results. He warned that concentrated funding and influence could produce authoritarian outcomes. He said these risks could emerge even without intent from organizers.

The Future of Life Institute states that it works to reduce extreme risks and guide transformative technologies. The organization says it seeks policies that ensure artificial intelligence benefits society broadly.

It writes on its website, “We need policies to help ensure that AI development improves lives everywhere – rather than merely boosts corporate profits.”

Buterin also addressed policy proposals tied to emerging technologies and biosafety. Some proposals support safeguards in biosynthesis devices and AI models to block harmful outputs.

He said, “I view this as a very fragile solution: there are many ways to jailbreak, fine-tune or otherwise get around such restrictions.”

In June 2021, the institute announced a $25 million multi-year grant program. The program drew funding from Buterin and the Shiba Inu community. It aimed to support research focused on global risks and emerging technologies.

The post Vitalik Buterin Distances Himself From Future of Life Institute After Shiba Inu Donation appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

• Boeing received two E-7A Wedgetail program contract modifications from the U.S. Air Force worth a combined $2.43B
• The primary modification valued at $2.33B represents an option exercise for the E-7A Rapid Prototype Airborne Mission Segment contract
• An additional $99.3M modification addresses the E-7A’s Multi-Role Electronically Scanned Array radar system
• Combined contract value has reached approximately $5.01B
• Completion timeline extends to August 2032, with primary operations based in Seattle

Boeing has secured a significant defense contract expansion. The aerospace giant received two contract modifications from the U.S. Air Force worth a combined $2.43 billion, focused on advancing its E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft initiative.

The Boeing Company, BA

The primary modification amounts to $2.33 billion and represents an option exercise connected to the current E-7A Rapid Prototype Airborne Mission Segment contract. This substantial award elevates the contract’s aggregate value to approximately $4.91 billion.

From this total, $31 million in fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funding was committed when the modification was finalized.

The companion modification totals $99.3 million and addresses the E-7A’s Diminishing Manufacturing Sources Multi-Role Electronically Scanned Array radar system. Following this award, the overall contract value climbed to roughly $5.01 billion.

This second award designated $4 million in fiscal 2026 R&D funding upon contract execution.

The E-7A utilizes Boeing’s 737 airframe as its foundation. The platform is engineered to detect, identify, and monitor airborne threats while simultaneously managing battle coordination and command-and-control operations.

Several allied nations currently operate the aircraft, including Australia and the United Kingdom.

Where the Work Gets Done

Seattle, Washington will serve as the primary location for Boeing’s contract execution. Supporting facilities include Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Huntsville, Alabama; and Heath, Ohio.

The contractual obligations extend through August 10, 2032. Oversight responsibility falls to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center located at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts.

Boeing’s involvement with the E-7 program spans multiple years. In 2023, the company secured a potential $1.2 billion Air Force contract focused on developing two E-7 airborne early warning and control aircraft variants, both utilizing the 737 Next-Generation platform.

Subsequently, a potential $2.56 billion contract followed to manufacture two rapid prototype E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and deliver lifecycle development, training, and fleet support services for the Air Force.

That subsequent agreement definitized what had initially been an undefinitized contract action — effectively transforming a preliminary arrangement into a binding contract with established parameters.

By the Numbers

Collectively, the sequence of E-7A contract awards demonstrates a clear pattern of expanding program commitment.

Starting from the 2023 baseline of $1.2 billion, the program has grown progressively. These two recent modifications elevate the total contract value to $5.01 billion.

The $31 million in committed R&D funding for the primary modification and $4 million allocated for radar development represent the immediate federal expenditure associated with these contract actions.

Boeing’s defense division has encountered challenges in recent years, making contract victories of this magnitude particularly significant for the business unit.

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hanscom AFB in Massachusetts maintains administrative authority for the E-7A program.

The post Boeing (BA) Stock Secures Massive $2.4B E-7A Wedgetail Contract from U.S. Air Force appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights

• Two Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie autonomous combat drones are being outfitted at Airbus’s Manching, Germany location for maiden flights with European mission systems
• Initial test flights are scheduled for late 2026, with full operational capability planned for the German Air Force in 2029
• The Valkyries will feature Airbus’s MARS (Multiplatform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure) platform, incorporating AI-driven coordination between crewed and uncrewed aircraft
• Collaboration between Airbus and Rafael will enhance the Eurofighter’s Litening 5 targeting pod, enabling it to serve as a control platform for drone operations
• The XQ-58A Valkyrie boasts a 5,000+ km operational range, 45,000-foot service ceiling, and completed its inaugural U.S. flight in 2019

Airbus is accelerating its initiative to validate two Kratos-manufactured combat drones equipped with European-designed mission systems, with inaugural flights anticipated before year’s end.

The unmanned aerial vehicles — identified as the Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie — are undergoing final preparations at Airbus’s Manching facility located outside Munich. The initiative aims to deliver a fully operational capability to Germany’s air force within five years.

This collaboration merges Airbus’s advanced software development capabilities with Kratos’s proven drone manufacturing expertise. Instead of designing an entirely new airframe, Airbus is integrating proprietary command-and-control technology into the battle-tested Valkyrie platform to expedite deployment.

Airbus SE, AIR.DE

The aerospace manufacturer is equipping these drones with its MARS architecture. MARS — an acronym for Multiplatform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure — incorporates MindShare, an artificial intelligence software suite engineered to replicate pilot decision-making and orchestrate mixed formations of piloted and autonomous aircraft during complex operations.

According to company officials, leveraging a flight-proven airframe alongside European-developed software infrastructure significantly reduces both timeline and expenses — while ensuring European sovereignty over critical mission systems.

MARS Platform and Artificial Intelligence Capabilities

Kratos President of Unmanned Systems Steve Fendley characterized the integration of Valkyrie airframes with MARS technology as delivering a “multi-mission, cost-effective solution” capable of independent operations, coordinated drone swarms, or manned-unmanned teaming configurations.

Marco Gumbrecht, Airbus’s Head of Key Account Germany, emphasized that this approach provides Germany and broader Europe with validated technology without requiring complete indigenous development — a strategic imperative given current security challenges facing the continent.

The Valkyrie platform achieved its first flight in American airspace in 2019 and has undergone continuous evaluation since. Airbus projects the drone’s European debut flight will occur during late 2026.

The aircraft features a 9.1-meter fuselage with an 8.2-meter wingspan. Performance specifications include an operational radius surpassing 5,000 kilometers, a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, and approximately three metric tons maximum takeoff weight.

Eurofighter Integration as Control Platform

The development program encompasses significant modifications to the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet to enable drone command and control functionality during operational missions.

Airbus is collaborating with Rafael to upgrade the Litening 5 Advanced Targeting Pod, currently deployed on Eurofighter platforms, incorporating enhanced data-link capabilities. Complementary avionics modifications to the fighter aircraft are also under development.

These enhancements will enable Eurofighter pilots to actively manage and direct Valkyrie drones throughout combat engagements in real-time.

The Valkyrie platform is engineered for diverse mission profiles encompassing both kinetic strike and electronic warfare operations — particularly scenarios deemed excessively dangerous for human aircrew. Airbus confirms these drones can execute missions with complete autonomy or under direct supervision from manned fighter aircraft.

For Germany’s specific requirements, Airbus and Kratos are concentrating on a defined operational capability to meet the 2029 initial operating capability deadline.

The post Airbus Partners with Kratos to Deploy Valkyrie Combat Drones Across Europe appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

• Michael Saylor said large corporate Bitcoin purchases do not trigger instant price increases.
• Strategy acquired 17,994 Bitcoin for about $1.28 billion at an average price of $70,946.
• The latest purchase marked Strategy’s 102nd Bitcoin acquisition and its 11th straight week of buying.
• Strategy currently holds around $3.35 billion in unrealized losses on its Bitcoin reserves.
• The company’s market value remains below the estimated $52.65 billion value of its Bitcoin holdings.

Michael Saylor said large corporate Bitcoin purchases do not trigger instant price surges. He stated that markets often react after a delay rather than immediately. His remarks followed Strategy’s latest multibillion-dollar Bitcoin acquisition.

Saylor shared his view in a post on X on Thursday. He explained that price momentum can form well after large buying events. He added that short-term moves may not reflect underlying demand.

He wrote that investors should remain patient as markets adjust. He stressed that price gains often appear over time. His message drew mixed reactions across social media platforms.

Strategy Extends Bitcoin Accumulation Streak

Strategy announced it purchased 17,994 Bitcoin for about $1.28 billion last week. The company paid an average price of $70,946 per coin. This transaction marked its 102nd Bitcoin acquisition.

The purchase also extended Strategy’s buying streak to 11 consecutive weeks. The firm confirmed the details in an official statement. It continues to increase its Bitcoin holdings despite price volatility.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin traded near $71,970. Despite recent purchases, Strategy holds about $3.35 billion in unrealized losses. The company’s balance sheet reflects current market conditions.

Strategy’s market capitalization stands at $47 billion. Meanwhile, its Bitcoin holdings carry an estimated value of $52.65 billion. Therefore, the company’s stock trades below its digital asset reserves.

Saylor defended the firm’s long-term plan in recent interviews. He told Fox Business that Strategy can manage dividend payments with 1.25% annual Bitcoin growth. He maintained that even modest gains could support shareholders.

He also addressed a potential extended flat market scenario. He said the company would have around 80 years to adjust operations. He projected that Bitcoin could grow 30% annually over two decades.

Bitcoin Price Reaction and Market Signals

Saylor stated that corporate purchases do not cause immediate price spikes. He explained that markets digest large transactions over time. He reinforced the message by urging patience.

His comments followed online discussions about delayed price reactions. Some users referenced past advocacy statements. Others expressed support for his long-term position.

Meanwhile, a crypto analyst known as Ted highlighted a rise in the Coinbase Premium. This metric tracks price differences on Coinbase and other exchanges. Analysts often view it as a spot demand indicator.

Ted stated that holding support above $70,000 could push Bitcoin toward $76,000. He shared this view in a public market update. The projected level aligns with the strategy’s average acquisition cost.

Bitcoin’s recent trading range remains close to Strategy’s average entry price. The $76,000 level sits near that historical benchmark. Market participants continue to monitor price support near $70,000.

The post Michael Saylor Urges Long-Term View as Strategy Expands Bitcoin Holdings appeared first on Blockonomi.

The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange announced a major delisting, following which most affected cryptocurrencies collapsed by double digits.

Prior to that, the firm temporarily suspended certain withdrawals and deposits and implemented additional amendments to its platform.

The Binance Effect

Binance Alpha (a dedicated platform inside the exchange’s ecosystem that showcases early-stage crypto projects) removed 21 altcoins, including WorldShards (SHARD), FreeStyle Classic (FST), Alliance Games (COA), BNB Card (BNB Card), MilkyWay (MILK), Hyperbot (BOT), and many more.

The company clarified that the sale of the impacted tokens will still be allowed after the removal. At the same time, it warned users to conduct proper research before trading the aforementioned coins to avoid any scams and protect their funds.

As is typically the case, many of the delisted digital assets headed south shortly after the disclosure. After all, Binance is the largest crypto exchange, and withdrawing support usually results in reduced liquidity, diminished availability, and a damaged reputation. MILK and SHARD fell by 6-7% daily, whereas FST and BNB Card nosedived by 70-80%.

A similar reaction was observed in late 2025 when Binance disallowed all services with Kadena (KDA), Flamingo (FLM), and Perpetual Protocol (PERP). Similar to FST and BNB Card, the involved altcoins crashed by double-digit percentages immediately after the news broke.

Other Recent Efforts

Earlier this week, the exchange supported an upgrade and temporarily paused withdrawals and deposits on the Ethereum network. The process was expected to take about an hour, after which operations were supposed to resume smoothly.

This is a routine procedure that Binance has executed flawlessly many times before. Over the years, it has taken similar measures to support upgrades across various ecosystems, including Cardano, BNB Smart Chain, and others.

Prior to that, Binance issued numerous listing announcements focused on U (United Stables) – a stablecoin launched last year and pegged to the American dollar. In January, it expanded the list of trading choices offered on its Spot section with the BNB/U, ETH/U, KGST/U, and SOL/U pairs.

In February, it added XRP/U, SUI/U, ASTER/U, and PAXG/U, while earlier this month it opened trading for AVAX/U, LINK/U, LTC/U, PAXG/U, and ZEC/U.

The post Binance Causes Brutal Crash for Numerous Altcoins After a Single Major Announcement appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Pi Network and its native cryptocurrency have been the talk of the town lately after the Core Team announced a series of important upgrades, while PI’s price soared to a five-month peak.

Ripple’s XRP appears to be gearing up for a major move, while Shiba Inu (SHIB) nears a breaking point that has historically resulted in explosive gains.

PI’s Impressive Comeback

After months of a prolonged downtrend, PI has finally posted an evident resurgence, with its valuation rising to almost $0.30. This is the highest point observed since the end of October last year and represents a whopping 100% increase on a monthly scale.

Some of the catalysts driving the price up include the recent updates disclosed by the project’s team. Earlier this month, the protocol v19.9 migration was successfully completed, while the next version, v20.2, was scheduled for release on March 12.

Moreover, one of the biggest crypto exchanges, Kraken, allowed trading services with PI. Backing from such a giant typically has a positive impact on valuation, as it results in increased liquidity, improved availability, and a stronger reputation.

The community has now moved its focus towards March 14 – a date known as Pi Day due to the symbolic resemblance to the mathematical constant π (3,14). Last year, the team announced ecosystem updates, raising the question of whether we’ll see something similar tomorrow.

While PI’s price increase over the past few weeks is undeniable, the asset’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) suggests it might be time for a correction. The ratio has soared past 70, indicating the token is overbought and could head south in the short term.

Where Next for XRP?

Ripple’s native token has also risen over the last seven days, albeit significantly less than PI. Currently, it trades at around $1.43 (per CoinGecko), representing a 2% weekly increase.

Recently, the popular analyst Ali Martinez noted that XRP’s Bollinger Bands have squeezed due to the relatively slight volatility. Historically, such developments have been followed by major market moves, though the direction – a strong rally or a sharp decline – remains unclear.

Earlier today, the same person outlined a highly bullish forecast, envisioning XRP to explode to the ridiculous (at least as of now) $48 during the next bull cycle. Prior to that, analysts like TradingShot predicted that the valuation may drop below $1 in the foreseeable future.

SHIB on the Move

The second-largest meme coin has rallied 10% over the past week and is currently worth around $0.000006161 (per CoinGecko). Just a few days ago, X user JAVON MARKS analyzed Shiba Inu’s performance and concluded that it appears to be nearing the breaking point of another Falling Wedge-like structure. According to the market observer, the last move out of such a formation preceded a staggering 455% price explosion.

The gradually declining amount of SHIB tokens stored on crypto exchanges supports the bullish outlook. CryptoQuant’s data shows that the figure recently fell to a five-year low, suggesting that investors continue to move their holdings from centralized platforms toward self-custody methods. This generally reduces the immediate selling pressure.

The post Pi Network (PI) Price Explosion, Ripple (XRP) Set for a Huge Move, and More: Bits Recap March 13 appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Yesterday, BlackRock launched its iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF, trading under the ticker ETHB.

According to Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart, it recorded a trading volume of about $15.5 million on its first day.

A New Structure for Crypto Income

In a series of posts on X, Seyffart explained that the fund opened with just over $100 million in assets and had raked in more than $11 million in trading volume by 2 p.m. Eastern time. However, by day’s end, it had added another $4 million to close at $15.5 million. The analyst described the performance as “very, very solid for a day 1 ETF launch.”

He also looked at the numbers next to BlackRock’s existing spot Ethereum ETF, ETHA. During the same period, ETHA had about $264 million in trading volume, well above ETHB’s numbers. But the gap is largely a reflection of the difference in assets, with ETHA holding nearly $6.6 billion per SoSoValue and the staked Ethereum ETF launching at $100 million.

According to the analyst, ETHB carries a management fee of 0.25%, although in the first year, BlackRock is offering a reduced fee of 0.12% until the fund hits $2.5 billion in assets.

Documents released at the same time as yesterday’s launch show that Coinbase will be the custodian and staking provider. The ETF’s ETH will be delegated to a small number of approved validators, such as Figment, Galaxy Blockchain Infrastructure, and Attestant. Bitwise bought Attestant and is now rebranding it as Bitwise Onchain Solutions.

Rather than add staking rewards to the fund’s net asset value, BlackRock will pay them out as dividends, and according to Seyffart, the distribution will probably be paid out every month. Still, he urged investors to read the prospectus for the final details.

Some Analysts Think This Could Move ETH’s Price

Following ETHB’s announcement, analyst Ash Crypto said on X that the product was more important than it might appear. According to them, the 3% yield gives Ethereum a new reason for institutional capital allocation. They also pointed to how it could affect the basic supply and demand dynamic, which could help push up ETH’s price.

“Every dollar flowing into $ETHB removes ETH from circulation and locks it into staking,” the market watcher posted. “Less supply. Same or growing demand. Price goes up by basic math.”

The new product is part of a bigger change in how institutions are using Ethereum. Per data shared by the network earlier in the year, more than 35 financial and tech companies, including BlackRock, JPMorgan, and Fidelity, have released products that are built directly on the blockchain. These offerings include tokenized funds, on-chain deposits, and stablecoin services.

At the time of writing, ETH was trading around $2,100, which was about 3% more than it was 24 hours ago and about 6% higher than a month ago. The asset has also gone up almost 12% in the last year but is still well below its all-time high of nearly $4,950, which it hit in August 2025.

The post BlackRock Staked Ethereum ETF Sees $15.5M First-Day Volume appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Ripple’s cross-border token has showcased some mind-blowing price moves during its existence, and even in more recent years, when it became a household altcoin worth tens and even hundreds of billions of dollars.

Now, though, popular analyst Ali Martinez has made a bold claim that it could surge to $48 during the next bull run. He based these rather far-fetched (at the moment) findings on XRP’s multi-year triangle chart.

A multi-year triangle on $XRP points to $48 as a potential target for the next bull run. pic.twitter.com/QSZpGrIXn3

— Ali Charts (@alicharts) March 13, 2026

Can It Really, Though?

Even after today’s 4% surge, Ripple’s token trades at just over $1.40. This means that it would have to stage a hard-to-believe run of approximately 3,300% to reach Martinez’s target. We are not saying that this is impossible, but let’s put some perspective on what such a price tag would mean.

If XRP indeed taps $48 per token, this would mean that its market cap would skyrocket to a whopping $3 trillion level. And, this is based on XRP’s current supply, which, as we know, expands every month. Again, not that this is impossible, but it would break even bitcoin’s record, as the market leader’s peak in October 2025 was well below the $3 trillion mark.

In fact, XRP’s market cap would match Microsoft’s and surpass giants like Saudi Aramco, Meta, Tesla, and Amazon.

Obviously, such a rally would require time. Perhaps a few years until the peak of the next bull rally. And, XRP has shown in the past that it could post some incredible gains. But even during its post-US-election rally, when it skyrocketed from $0.50 to $3.60 in less than a year, its gains were a lot more modest – 620%. If it is to materialize the $48 target, it would need to be 5-6x that, which, again, is not impossible but highly, highly unlikely.

Let’s Be More Realistic

Let’s leave the aforementioned big target away and focus more on the current XRP moves. Analyst CW noted earlier today that the token has begun to break out of its first sell wall, which is located around the $1.43 resistance. If it falls, the subsequent one is at around $1.50, meaning that there are quite a few obstacles before the breakout succeeds.

Nevertheless, the analyst doubled down that net buying of long XRP positions on the world’s largest crypto exchange has increased “significantly” lately, which could be the necessary push for that aforementioned breakout.

Net buying of long positions for $XRP on Binance is increasing significantly. pic.twitter.com/8vwOTASFvp

— CW (@CW8900) March 13, 2026

The Bollinger Bands on XRP’s trading chart are also squeezing, suggesting a major move ahead after a long period of sideways trading. However, the indicator doesn’t provide any hints in which direction the move would go.

The post XRP at $48? Key Technical Tool Shows Ripple’s Next Bull Run Target appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Ethereum’s ETH is gaining steam on the day after the world’s largest asset manager launched a staked ETH tracking its performance in the US.

The token is currently challenging the $2,100 level after a 3% daily increase, but one popular analyst, who has focused on the longer term, laid out what he called a dream trade for ETH.

When to Buy and Sell ETH

Ali Martinez, the crypto analyst with nearly 165,000 followers on X, noted in a recent post that the accumulation zone is close by. He believes investors should accumulate the largest altcoin at levels around $1,070. Although the asset slipped below $1,500 last year, it has not traded anywhere near Martinez’s buy target since December 2022, at the end of the bear market.

If investors are indeed able to purchase ETH at these low levels, then the ‘dream’ profit-taking scenario would be at over $8,600. It’s worth noting that the altcoin has never even come close to such peaks. It would have to stage a 300% surge from its current level (or 700% from the accumulation zone) and smash through its 2025 all-time high of almost $5,000 to materialize Martinez’s trade.

The dream trade for Ethereum $ETH:

• Accumulate near $1,070
• Take profits around $8,670 pic.twitter.com/lBY8ThOsB7

— Ali Charts (@alicharts) March 13, 2026

Bullish News for ETH

Fellow analyst CW outlined two factors that could propel ETH to new peaks soon. First, they noted that there’s a notable uptick in the Ethereum active addresses, which “indicates bullish market movements.” A similar pattern was visible near the bottom at the aforementioned bear cycle in 2025, and ETH’s price went on a roll in the following months.

The increase in $ETH active addresses indicates bullish market movements.

Although the price of $ETH has fallen, the network has actually become more active.

This pattern has been observed consistently near the bottom since 2022. This is expected to be due to increased… pic.twitter.com/FLwikGFfsn

— CW (@CW8900) March 13, 2026

In a separate post, the analyst outlined that Ethereum’s realized capitalization (calculated by the total value of all ETH coins based on the price when they last moved, rather than the current market price) has turned positive again. This, according to their estimations, is a clear signal about “the start of a full-scale bull market.”

The post When to Buy and Sell Ethereum (ETH): Analyst Lays Out Dream Trade appeared first on CryptoPotato.