Meta and Arm unveil a new data center CPU built for AI workloads as Meta expands its custom silicon stack and gigawatt scale infrastructure.

The post Meta partners with Arm to develop new CPUs for AI deployments appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Ledger's shift to a full crypto platform could redefine self-custody, enhancing user experience and competitiveness in the crypto market.

The post Ledger unveils Wallet 4.0 as it shifts from cold storage to full crypto platform appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Circle stock falls nearly 20% after CLARITY Act draft bans stablecoin yield, pressuring USDC growth outlook.

The post Circle stock drops nearly 20% as CLARITY Act draft targets stablecoin yield appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

CFTC launches an Innovation Task Force to shape US rules for crypto, AI, and prediction markets as Selig pushes closer SEC coordination.

The post CFTC launches innovation task force to shape US crypto, AI and prediction markets rules appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin's resilience amid geopolitical tensions and institutional support suggests a potential shift in its role as a stable value store.

The post Bernstein says Bitcoin bottom is in, reaffirms $150K year-end target appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin Magazine

The Core Issue: Beneath The Binary, Verifying Trust

When most people download Bitcoin Core, their interaction with the build system is over in a few clicks. They grab the executable binary of the software, verify a signature (hopefully!), and start running a Bitcoin node. What they immediately see is running software. What they don’t see is the build system and extensive processes that produced that software. A build system that represents Bitcoin’s principles of decentralization, transparency, and verifiability.

Behind that download lies years of engineering work designed to answer a simple question: “Why should anyone trust this software?” The answer is: you shouldn’t have to. You should be able to verify.

In a time when software supply-chain attacks make global headlines, from compromised npm packages, backdoored libraries, rogue CI servers, Bitcoin Core’s build process stands as a quiet project of discipline. Its methods may seem slow and complicated compared to the frictionless convenience of “push to deploy,” but that’s the point. Security isn’t convenient.

To understand Bitcoin Core’s build system, we should understand: 

• Bitcoin Core’s Build System Philosophy
• Reproducible Builds
• Minimizing Dependencies
• No Auto-Updates
• Continuous Integration
• Ongoing Adaptation

Bitcoin Core’s Build System Philosophy

When it comes to Bitcoin’s decentralization, most people focus on miners, nodes, and developers. But decentralization doesn’t stop at the protocol’s participants. It extends to the way the software itself is built and distributed.

One principle in the Bitcoin ecosystem is “don’t trust, verify.” Running your own node is an act of verification, checking every block and transaction against the consensus rules. But the build system itself gives you another opportunity to verify, at the software level. Bitcoin is money without trusted intermediaries and Bitcoin Core works to be software without trusted builders. The build system takes great lengths to ensure that anyone, anywhere, can independently recreate the exact same binaries that appear on the bitcoincore.org website.

This philosophy traces back to Ken Thompson’s 1984 essay Reflections on Trusting Trust, which warned that even a clean-looking source code can’t be trusted if the compiler that built that software was itself compromised. Bitcoin’s developers took that lesson to heart. In the words of Bitcoin Core contributor Michael Ford (fanquake):

“Reproducible builds are critical, because no user of our software should have to trust that what’s contained inside is what we say it is. This must always be independently verifiable.”

A statement that is both a technical goal and part of the Bitcoin ethos.

In the security world, people talk about “attack surfaces.” Bitcoin Core’s build system treats the build process itself as an attack surface to be minimized and defended.

Reproducible Builds: Verification all the way down

The process of producing a Bitcoin Core release begins with the open-source codebase on GitHub. Every change is public. Every pull request is reviewed. But the journey from human-readable code to runnable binary software involves compilers, third-party libraries, and operating-systems which are themselves potential vectors for tampering, backdoors, or errors.

“Trusted third parties are security holes” – Nick Szabo (2001)

To address these concerns, Bitcoin Core architected a build process pipeline using Guix, a package manager designed to create reproducible, deterministic software environments.

When a new Bitcoin Core release is tagged, multiple independent contributors build the binaries from scratch using Guix. Each builder works in an isolated environment that guarantees identical toolchains, compiler versions, and system libraries. If all builders produce identical-bit outputs they know the build is deterministic.

Contributors then cryptographically sign the resulting binaries and publish those signatures on a separate GitHub repository ‘guix.sigs’ that lists these attestations for each release of Bitcoin Core. Some builders are Bitcoin Core developers, but it is not a requirement as the attestation process is open to anyone from the public. In fact, many non-code-contributors regularly contribute signatures.

This process is known as reproducible builds, and it is the antidote to Thompson’s “trusting trust.” It means anyone can take the open-source code, the same Guix environment, and independently confirm that the official binary matches what they built themselves. While reproducible builds can verify the software is a genuine representation of the software’s source code, the software’s correctness is left to processes around thorough testing and code review.

Most people will never perform a full compilation or check the Guix manifests or compare build hashes. They don’t need to. The existence of that infrastructure, and the people maintaining it, gives every user a foundation of earned confidence. 

The official binaries on bitcoincore.org aren’t just “produced by the Bitcoin Core maintainers”. They’re the intersection of dozens of independent builders’ outputs. What you eventually download is what everyone else built and verified to be authentic.

It’s verification all the way down.

Minimizing Dependencies: Less to Trust

Reproducibility is one side of the equation. The other is minimizing what needs to be reproduced. Bitcoin Core’s code is not the only code executed when running Bitcoin Core. Bitcoin Core also relies on external, third-party code and libraries to speed up development and productivity.

Over the past decade, Bitcoin Core developers have steadily stripped away these unnecessary and sometimes problematic third-party dependencies, like OpenSSL and MiniUPnP. Whether it is an external library or toolkit, these dependencies add complexity or import hidden assumptions. Projects like Boost and Libevent, once staples of Core’s codebase, are gradually being phased out or replaced with simpler, self-contained alternatives.

Why? Because every dependency you inherit is a potential supply-chain risk. It’s more code you didn’t write, don’t audit, and can’t fully control. Reducing dependencies makes the build system leaner, safer, and easier to verify.

Brink recently highlighted this effort in its “Minimizing Dependencies” blog post[1], noting that it’s not just a matter of simplicity, it’s about preserving the project’s security and autonomy. Each removed dependency is one fewer external party the project must trust and one less potential for a backdoor.

The eventual goal is to produce fully static binaries: executables that contain everything they need to run, with no dynamic or runtime dependencies. This self-containment means no reliance on external libraries that could differ from one operating system to another.

In a world where most software grows heavier and more dependent on centralized package ecosystems, Bitcoin Core is moving in the opposite direction: toward minimalism and independence.

No Auto-Updates

In most modern software, users are shielded from decisions of what software version to update to, or decisions to update the software at all. You install an app, and it quietly and automatically updates itself to the latest versions in the background. While this is convenient, it is antithetical to Bitcoin Core’s philosophy.

Bitcoin Core has never included automatic updates, and developers have said it never will. Automatic updates concentrate power. They create a single group that can push (potentially malicious) code to every node on the network. This is exactly the sort of centralized control Bitcoin was built to avoid. By requiring users to manually download, verify, and install new versions, Bitcoin Core reinforces individual responsibility and verifiable consent.

The build system and the lack of auto-updates are two halves of the same principle. Only the node runner decides what to run and can verify that the software that is run is authentic.

Continuous Integration: Move slow and fix things

In Silicon Valley, continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) are the hallmarks of agile software development. Ship fast. Iterate faster. Let automation do the rest.

Bitcoin Core takes a different approach. Its CI systems exist not to accelerate deployment but to safeguard integrity. Automated builds test consistency across platforms. Bitcoin Core’s build system is designed to be agnostic to hardware and operating systems as much as possible. The project can build binaries for Linux, macOS, and Windows as well as for multiple architectures including x86_64, aarch64 (ARM), and even riscv64. The continuous integration system ensures this compatibility as well as software integrity by performing hundreds of tests for each proposed change.

The result is a culture where “continuous integration” means continuous testing, verification and security, not continuous innovation.

Move slow and fix things.

Ongoing Adaptation: Are we done yet?

The build system isn’t static. Developers continue to refine it by reducing dependencies, improving cross-architecture builds, and exploring a fully static build future with zero runtime dependencies. 

While Bitcoin Core’s build system strives for determinism, the build system itself cannot be static. The world it operates within is constantly shifting. Operating systems, compilers, libraries, and hardware architectures all change. Each new release of macOS or glibc, every deprecation of a compiler flag, or emerging CPU architecture introduces subtle incompatibilities that must be addressed. A build system that stood still would, over time, cease to build at all.

The paradox of reproducible builds is that they require continual evolution to remain reproducible. Developers must constantly pin, patch, and sometimes replace toolchains to preserve determinism against a moving backdrop of change. Maintaining this balance between stability and adaptability is part of Bitcoin’s ongoing resilience.

Don’t miss your chance to own The Core Issue — featuring articles written by many Core Developers explaining the projects they work on themselves!

This piece is the Letter from the Editor featured in the latest Print edition of Bitcoin Magazine, The Core Issue. We’re sharing it here as an early look at the ideas explored throughout the full issue.

[1] https://brink.dev/blog/2025/09/19/minimizing-dependencies/ 

This post The Core Issue: Beneath The Binary, Verifying Trust first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Mike Schmidt.

Bitcoin Magazine

DV8 Becomes First Bitcoin Treasury Company in Southeast Asia with Digital Asset License

Publicly listed DV8 (SET: DV8) has signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire Rakkar Digital, a licensed digital asset custodian in Thailand. 

This move represents DV8’s first direct entry into regulated digital asset operations and marks a strategic pivot toward building infrastructure that institutional investors can rely on across Asia.

Rakkar Digital, with over $700 million in assets under custody, was established as a joint venture between SCBX, the parent company of Siam Commercial Bank, and Fireblocks, a global digital asset infrastructure provider, according to a note shared with Bitcoin Magazine.  

Early backing from SCB 10X helped lay the foundation for its growth. For DV8, the company’s regulatory standing, operational framework, and trust among institutional clients made it a natural fit.

Custody lies at the heart of any institutional-grade digital asset strategy. It demands licensing, compliance, security expertise, and constant engagement with regulators. 

By acquiring Rakkar Digital, DV8 said they gained a platform already meeting those standards, giving the company a firm foothold in Asia’s evolving digital asset ecosystem.

This deal follows DV8’s September 2025 investment in Bitplanet, a Korean digital asset treasury platform. 

Taken together, these steps illustrate a consistent approach: backing regulated, resilient businesses that enhance DV8’s ability to operate across borders while meeting institutional expectations.

DV8 was originally a media company but is now transforming into a builder of regulated digital asset infrastructure, the company said. 

Bitcoin as a reserve asset

Over the last five years, Bitcoin has become a more and more popular treasury reserve asset for traditional finance companies. 

Strategy (MSTR) has become the flagship case study in the evolution of bitcoin treasury strategies in the corporate world.

Under the leadership of Michael Saylor, Strategy shifted from a traditional software business to a firm whose primary reserve asset is Bitcoin, pioneering a model where BTC sits at the heart of corporate balance sheet strategy.

Strategy uses capital markets to finance its BTC accumulation. Instead of hoarding cash or traditional securities, Strategy has consistently issued equity and convertible debt to fund Bitcoin purchases, aiming to maximize its “BTC per share” metric and align shareholder value with long‑term BTC appreciation.

This model has inspired other corporations like DV8 to consider adding bitcoin to their treasuries. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading slightly below $70,000 after flirting with $71,000 earlier this morning.

This post DV8 Becomes First Bitcoin Treasury Company in Southeast Asia with Digital Asset License first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

CFTC Launches Innovation Task Force for Bitcoin, Crypto, AI, and Prediction Markets

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has launched a new Innovation Task Force aimed at developing clear regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies in U.S. derivatives markets.

CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig said the task force will focus on crypto assets, blockchain, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and prediction markets. “By establishing a clear regulatory framework for innovators building on the new frontier of finance, we can foster responsible innovation at home,” Selig said.

The task force will collaborate with the SEC and its Crypto Task Force, as well as the CFTC’s Innovation Advisory Committee, which includes over 30 executives from companies like Kalshi and Nasdaq. Michael J. Passalacqua, senior advisor to the Chairman, will lead the initiative.

Selig emphasized the goal of creating a space for innovators to engage directly with regulators. The move comes amid increasing coordination between the CFTC and SEC on crypto regulation, including recent guidance clarifying jurisdictional boundaries.

The CFTC is also intensifying oversight of prediction markets, asserting authority despite opposition from states citing local gaming laws.

SEC and CFTC join hands over crypto

Earlier this month, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the CFTC announced a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at harmonizing their regulatory approaches to the digital asset and emerging technology sectors. 

The agreement made it clear they have a commitment to support innovation, protect investors, and reduce duplicative or conflicting rules that previously created a “turf war” between the agencies.

Also, the two agencies issued joint guidance last week clarifying that most digital assets — including stablecoins, digital commodities, and collectibles — are not securities, introducing a formal “token taxonomy” while reserving traditional securities laws only for blockchain-based assets resembling equities or debt. 

The framework also clarifies that crypto activities like mining, staking, and airdrops generally do not qualify as securities transactions, and that an asset’s classification can change.

Under the MOU, the SEC and CFTC will coordinate oversight, data sharing, and joint rulemaking, particularly around product definitions, clearing, margin, trade reporting, and intermediaries. 

SEC Chair Paul Atkins said that the effort seeks to align definitions of digital assets as securities or non-securities and provide a clear, predictable regulatory framework. 

Selig said that harmonization will modernize the regulatory landscape, reduce burdens, and close gaps, helping maintain U.S. financial market leadership.

The agencies also launched a Joint Harmonization Initiative, co-led by Robert Teply (SEC) and Meghan Tente (CFTC), to facilitate cross-agency coordination in policymaking, examinations, risk monitoring, and enforcement. 

This coordinated approach marks a major step toward clarity and efficiency for bitcoin and crypto firms, investors, and other market participants navigating U.S. financial regulations.

This post CFTC Launches Innovation Task Force for Bitcoin, Crypto, AI, and Prediction Markets first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Hyperscale Data (GPUS) Increases Bitcoin Holdings to $44 Million

Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS) revealed today that it now holds 627.8970 bitcoin, valued at approximately $44 million as of March 22, 2026.

In addition to its bitcoin assets, the company maintains $47.5 million in cash and restricted cash, bringing its total financial holdings to $91.5 million. This equates to 147.07% of its market capitalization as of March 23, 2026.

This latest report illustrates a steady increase in Hyperscale Data’s bitcoin portfolio; the figure rose from 617 bitcoin reported on March 10, 2026.

The ongoing accumulation aligns with the company’s strategy to reach 100% parity between its bitcoin holdings and market capitalization, which is part of a broader initiative to establish a $100 million digital asset treasury.

Milton “Todd” Ault III, Executive Chairman of Hyperscale Data, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to this strategy, stating, “We continue to make progress towards our goal of accumulating $100 million of Bitcoin on the Company’s balance sheet.”

This indicates they have confidence in bitcoin as an asset and a strategic alignment with a growing trend among corporations that are increasingly adopting bitcoin as part of their treasury strategies.

The current status of Hyperscale Data’s bitcoin holdings, which now surpass its market capitalization, reflects a robust belief in the asset’s potential. By continuing to pursue its goal of a $100 million treasury composed of bitcoin, Hyperscale Data aims to reflect strong financial health and strategic foresight in a rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.

At the time of writing, GPUS is trading near $0.15 a share.

Hyperscale is following the Bitcoin as a treasury strategy playbook

Strategy Inc. (MSTR) has become the flagship case study in the evolution of bitcoin treasury strategies in the corporate world.

Under the leadership of Michael Saylor, Strategy shifted from a traditional software business to a firm whose primary reserve asset is Bitcoin, pioneering a model where BTC sits at the heart of corporate balance‑sheet strategy.

Strategy uses capital markets to finance its BTC accumulation. Instead of hoarding cash or traditional securities, Strategy has consistently issued equity and convertible debt to fund Bitcoin purchases, aiming to maximize its “BTC per share” metric and align shareholder value with long‑term BTC appreciation.

Strategy’s approach functions as both a treasury and a levered Bitcoin exposure vehicle, effectively turning its balance sheet into a high‑beta proxy for the crypto asset.

This model has inspired other corporations like Hyperscale Data to consider adding BTC to their treasuries.

Editorial Disclaimer: We leverage AI as part of our editorial workflow—supporting research, image generation, and quality assurance processes. However, all content is human-led, rigorously reviewed, and approved by our editorial team, with strict standards for accuracy, originality, and integrity. In Bitcoin, as in media: Don’t trust. Verify.

This post Hyperscale Data (GPUS) Increases Bitcoin Holdings to $44 Million first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

The Amazing Life of Chun Wang: From OG Bitcoin Miner to Astronaut

On March 31, 2025, Chun Wang, co-founder of the historic Bitcoin mining pool f2pool, launched as mission commander of Fram2—the first crewed spacecraft to enter a polar orbit. The SpaceX Crew Dragon Resilience lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center on a Falcon 9 rocket into a 90-degree retrograde inclination orbit passing directly over the North and South Poles. No prior crewed mission had achieved this trajectory; the previous highest inclination for humans in orbit was 65 degrees on the Soviet Vostok 6 flight in 1963.

In an exclusive interview with Bitcoin Magazine, Wang shared one of his most memorable moments in space: “I don’t remember much from my time in space, but gazing down at the Earth rotating below, I just kept thinking: we’re flying so fast, how could we possibly get back down to the ground? The distance itself isn’t actually that great, less than 500 km, but the enormous difference in velocity is what matters. It reminded me of what I learned about the uncertainty principle,” he added, referring to Heisenberg’s 1927 physics theorem, which states that there is an inherent limit to how precisely certain pairs of physical properties of a quantum particle can be known simultaneously. The most famous pair is position (x) and momentum (p, which is mass times velocity).

He continued, “Δx ⋅ Δp ≥ ℏ/2: position only makes sense when you consider momentum together with it. Both determine whether two objects can really ‘meet.’ Here, distance isn’t just the difference in position vectors; it must be considered together with the velocity vectors, too.” The two objects he was probably considering were Earth and the Fram2 spaceship he was aboard, both moving at incredible speeds, and which could easily miss each other for landing if not for the minds of great engineers. 

Wang led an all-civilian crew of first-time astronauts: vehicle commander Jannicke Mikkelsen, a Norwegian filmmaker and polar explorer, pilot Rabea Rogge, a German robotics researcher, and mission specialist Eric Philips, an Australian polar explorer. The mission lasted three and a half days with no docking to the International Space Station. The primary objectives were polar Earth observation and execution of 22 research experiments. 

Space may have been the most extreme travel destination for Wang, but it was far from the first. Wang is on a self-declared mission to visit every territory on earth, described on his X profile as “Documenting my travel to every country/territory in the world following ISO 3166: 60% (150 of 249) on 1 planet/moon(s) done and counting.” To date, he boasts over 1153 different flights around the world, averaging 36 a year, including many recent visits to Antarctica and polar regions. 

Wang was not always such an avid traveler, however. Born in 1982 in Tianjin, China, Wang was five years old when his grandfather brought home a world map that sparked a lifelong obsession with exploration, but it wasn’t well into his adulthood that he began traveling the world, after building a legendary career as an early Bitcoin miner and pool operator. Computers entered his life early: he heard about them at age seven and owned his first 486 SX running MS-DOS by 13. He learned to code games and planetary gravity simulations. University followed through programming contests, but he dropped out without a degree and moved between software jobs across China.

Bitcoin entered his world in May 2011. Wang saw two articles on the Chinese tech site Solidot and spent the night reading the Bitcoin wiki. “Driven by curiosity, I opened the wiki link on en.bitcoin.it and studied it for one night. I finally understood everything, and it was like the discovery of the New World,” he wrote in his 2015 memoirs. He borrowed $40,000 from his father, mined on a MacBook at 800 khash/s, then scaled up with GPUs bought in Zhongguancun. Over the first two years, he personally mined 7,700 BTC, netting roughly 2,700 after power costs. He sold most in January 2013 at $11 to repay the loan.

Early GPU mining rigs in China, the kind of setup Chun Wang used before founding f2pool. (Credit: f2pool official history)

In April 2013 Wang co-founded f2pool with Mao Shihang, known online as Discus Fish. They set up in Wenzhou. Wang coded the backend; Discus Fish handled operations. The pool launched on May 5 and quickly grew to command roughly one-third of Bitcoin’s hashrate at its peak. 

To this day, f2pool mined over 1.3 million BTC, more than 9 percent of all blocks ever produced. It remains one of the largest and longest-running mining pools in Bitcoin’s history. During the 2017 block-size wars, the pool played a quiet but decisive role supporting Bitcoin’s Nakamoto consensus. Wang later stated: “Proof-of-work is the constitution of Bitcoin. Please respect mining and respect the miners. Without miners’ support, we wouldn’t have had SegWit activated, and we wouldn’t have made the Lightning Network possible.”

From 2014 through the early 2020s, Wang kept f2pool operating while navigating industry shifts, including China’s 2021 mining crackdown that pushed operations offshore. In 2017, he discussed the coming proof-of-stake era with Vitalik Buterin. That conversation led him to launch stake.fish in 2018, a non-custodial staking service that became one of the largest validators across Ethereum, Polkadot, Solana, and other networks. The move diversified his infrastructure business across the broader crypto industry, bringing his experience as a large operator to the rapidly transforming crypto market.

To The Moon

Chun Wang (far right) inside the Crew Dragon capsule with the Fram2 crew, strapped in for launch. (Credit: SpaceX via Space.com)

The next frontier was space. Wang had pitched a private polar-orbit mission to SpaceX since 2023. He funded the entire Fram2 flight himself by selling Bitcoin. No sponsors or government backing. The team trained for eight months in California simulators, doing high-G spins, zero-G flights, emergency drills, and polar survival prep.

Launch came on April 1, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center. Wang commanded from the commander’s seat. “The ride to orbit was much smoother than I had anticipated. Apart from the final minute before SECO, I barely felt any G-forces—it honestly felt like just another flight,” he posted. Zero-g was only noticed when he loosened a small stuffed polar bear by accident, and it started floating. Day one brought space motion sickness for the entire crew. “It felt different from motion sickness in a car or at sea. You could still read on your iPad without making it worse. But even a small sip of water could upset your stomach.”

By day two, the nausea passed. “I felt completely refreshed. The trace of motion sickness is all gone.” They opened the cupola over Antarctica. “Hello, Antarctica. From four hundred sixty kilometers up, it’s only pure white—no human activity visible.” The crew ran 22 experiments in three-and-a-half days: the first human X-ray in space, including hand scans with a ring, mirroring Roentgen’s 1895 original X-ray, oyster mushroom growth for Mars food code “Mission MushVroom”, female hormone tracking with urine strips, radiation monitoring, blood-flow restriction, mobile MRI, sleep tracking, and more. Radiation data showed the South Atlantic Anomaly, not the poles, delivered the highest radiation dose. The Polar orbit actually reduced time in that zone compared with ISS paths, which was noted by the highlight discovery of the trip.

View of Antarctica from the Fram2 cupola. (Credit: Fram2 crew via Space.com)

Splashdown occurred on April 4 off California. Wang shared radiation graphs in March 2026, confirming lower-than-expected polar exposure. Full scientific papers on the experiments have not yet been published.

Since then, Wang has hardly stayed still, with his astronaut wings from SpaceX, and NASA Johnson checkups behind him, he went straight back to travel. In March 2026, he reached Bouvet Island—his 150th territory out of 249 on his travel list — via ship and helicopter, spending 201 hours on the ice before heading to Cape Town. He continues logging flights and updating his X account with photos, charts, and occasional Bitcoin and Crypto tech thoughts.

Helicopter departure from Bouvet Island, March 2026—Chun Wang’s 150th territory. (Credit: Chun Wang via X/@satofishi)

This post The Amazing Life of Chun Wang: From OG Bitcoin Miner to Astronaut first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Juan Galt.

A new chart from Jameson Lopp has reopened one of Bitcoin's oldest internal debates: whether visible node counts reflect real support for a rule change.

The immediate flashpoint is BIP-110, a draft proposal that would temporarily impose much tighter consensus-level limits on non-monetary data, following Bitcoin Core 30's loosening of the default OP_RETURN policy.

Lopp says the node surge behind it may be Sybil-inflated (i.e., artificially boosted by a single actor running many nodes to simulate broader support).

The node chart that started it

Lopp shared a chart captioned “Spot the Sybil Attack” showing the BIP-110 signaling line rising sharply while the Bitcoin Knots line whipsawed.

Current data from Coin Dance shows 23,189 public Bitcoin nodes, with 17,961 running Bitcoin Core and 5,193 running Bitcoin Knots, after correcting to omit duplicate and non-listening nodes.

Knots account for roughly 22% of the public-reachable set. The amount is well short of parity with Core.

Related Reading

Seven internet cables were cut at once — Bitcoin barely noticed, but researchers found a real chokepoint

Across 68 verified cable fault events, node impact was usually under 5%, but ASN targeting beats seabed chaos fast.

Mar 8, 2026 · Gino Matos

The numbers look different depending on the dashboard used. Smart Wicked Bitcoin, the platform from which Lopp drew his chart, tracked 22,362 Core v30 nodes, 11,997 Knots nodes, and 10,361 BIP-110 signaling nodes as of Mar. 23.

That gap between Coin Dance's publicly available count and the one used by the Smart Wicked Bitcoin team exists because the two platforms measure different universes. Coin Dance corrects for duplicates and non-listening nodes, while Smart Wicked Bitcoin's broader count includes both listening and non-listening nodes.

The same network can appear either modestly tilted or dramatically surging, depending on methodology.

Bitnodes' own documentation provides a source-backed reason to treat large all-node totals with caution, regardless of intent: its global-node estimates are described as rough counts that may include spurious nodes gossiped by non-standard or malicious peers.

Lopp's complaint is precise and architectural. In his BIP-110 explainer, he argues that reachable-node signaling carries no economic weight, that thousands of nodes can be spun up cheaply, and that Tor addresses are “practically free.”

Related Reading

A developer hid an image inside one Bitcoin transaction — and it bypassed every major filter

Martin Habovštiak avoided OP_RETURN and Taproot, and anyone can verify the bytes with standard node commands.

Mar 1, 2026 · Gino Matos

His framing sees a cluster of nodes signaling without economic stake behind them as a governance theater manufactured at low cost.

Lopp also draws an explicit parallel to earlier Bitcoin governance battles, Bitcoin Unlimited and SegWit2x, where visible node counts were used to argue for consensus support that never translated into actual network adoption.

His core point is that Bitcoin's governance runs on economic weight, such as miners, exchanges, and wallet operators, which reachable-node tallies cannot represent.

A surge in BIP-110 signaling nodes, even a genuine one, leaves the question of activation entirely open.

Core 30 and the OP_RETURN loosening

The trigger for BIP-110 was Bitcoin Core 30.0, released Oct. 10, 2025.

Its release notes confirmed that the default -datacarriersize was raised to 100,000, effectively removing the old limit, and that multiple OP_RETURN outputs are now permitted for relay and mining.

For the anti-spam camp, that policy shift crossed a line: loosening defaults at the node level felt like an endorsement of arbitrary data storage on the Bitcoin network.

BIP-110 is the reaction and was filed in the BIPs repository as “Reduced Data Temporary Softfork,” authored by Dathon Ohm.

The proposal would tighten data limits at the consensus layer.

The specification sets a 34-byte cap on new output scripts except for OP_RETURN outputs up to 83 bytes, limits data pushes and witness elements to 256 bytes, invalidates Taproot control blocks over 257 bytes, and disallows OP_SUCCESS opcodes plus executed OP_IF and OP_NOTIF in Tapscript during deployment.

The BIP also credits Luke-Jr with original drafting and advice.

The activation design is what elevates it into a governance fight. BIP-110 uses a modified version of BIP9 with a 55% signaling threshold and a maximum activation height around Sept. 1, 2026.

A soft fork that activates at 55% miner signaling leaves 45% of hashrate potentially producing blocks that the activated chain would reject, making the chain-split risk more than theoretical.

Alongside the Sybil concern, there are concrete reasons BIP-110-related nodes became easier to deploy in early 2026.

On Feb. 6, myNode released version 0.3.41, which added “Bitcoin Knots + BIP110 Custom Bitcoin Version” as an install option.

A RaspiBlitz pull request on Feb. 19 updated its Knots installer to download and run a BIP110-enabled build.

The official BIP-110 site lists simplified install paths across Start9, Umbrel, myNode, Parmanode, and Docker, and explicitly encourages users to run signaling nodes to demonstrate support.

The surge likely reflects some combination of genuine opt-in adoption, easier platform distribution, private non-listening node installs, and Sybil-style inflation.

The chart surfaces the question, while the data behind it leaves the answer open.

The stakes beyond the signaling fight

BIP-110 carries technical consequences that run deep into Bitcoin's Taproot architecture.

The draft would temporarily invalidate advanced Taproot constructions that rely on OP_SUCCESS upgrade hooks, restrict the execution of OP_IF and OP_NOTIF in Tapscript, and cap control blocks at 257 bytes.

The proposal and the BIP-110 site both acknowledge the tradeoffs.

BitVM-style large Taptrees would need to wait, wallets producing arbitrary Miniscript would require updates, and in narrow edge cases, some funds could be frozen or lost during the deployment window. The site describes that risk as extremely unlikely and says pre-activation UTXOs remain exempt.

Supporters, such as Ohm, frame those constraints as temporary and worth tolerating to restore Bitcoin's monetary focus.

The bear case centers on a coordination failure. If the 55% threshold proves insufficient to bring miners and economic actors along, the result is a failed soft fork and a network that spent months arguing over signaling optics. At the same time, the real governance question stayed unanswered.

Bitcoin has been here before. The difference this time is that Core changed the defaults first, BIP-110's proponents are running a coordinated node distribution campaign across multiple platforms, and the activation threshold is low enough to make the chain-split scenario concrete.

Whether the surge represents a genuine coalition or an inflated signal, the argument it has triggered is the same one that has defined Bitcoin's governance fights for a decade: who counts, who gets counted, and who decides.

The post Power struggle hits Bitcoin network over anti-spam proposal with claims of ‘faked’ node support appeared first on CryptoSlate.

BlackRock's 2026 chairman's letter positions the digital wallet as asset management's next major distribution frontier.

In the letter, Larry Fink writes that “today, there's very little access to traditional investment products in digital wallets” and that BlackRock plans to “lead the charge” in changing that.

Numbers back the statement: BlackRock says it already has nearly $150 billion in AUM linked to digital assets, including $65 billion in stablecoin reserves and nearly $80 billion in digital asset ETPs.

Fink describes wallets as an underbuilt distribution channel for mainstream investing, one where BlackRock sees a structural gap and plans to move.

His vision is that a single regulated digital wallet could hold ETFs, digital euros, tokenized bonds, and fractional interests in assets like infrastructure and private credit.

From rhetoric to infrastructure

What gives this credibility is that BlackRock already operates across meaningful pieces of the stack.

The firm's Circle Reserve Fund, which holds the majority of USDC's reserve assets, stood at $68.167 billion as of Mar. 20, already above the $65 billion figure in the letter.

BlackRock's BUIDL tokenized Treasury fund sat at over $2 billion as of Mar. 23, deployed across eight blockchain networks. Both are live, scaling positions with real AUM behind them.

Related Reading

How BlackRock lost control of the $10B tokenized Treasury market to Circle for one simple, mechanical reason

USYC hit $1.69B AUM on Jan. 22, narrowly topping BUIDL’s $1.684B. The real advantage is buried in collateral rails.

Jan 25, 2026 · Gino Matos

In February, Uniswap Labs and Securitize announced that BUIDL would be tradable through UniswapX, with Securitize managing allowlisted investor access and compliance.

BlackRock's head of digital assets, Robert Mitchnick, described it as a major step toward interoperability between tokenized dollar-yield funds and stablecoins.

The architecture is a BlackRock product exposure moving along crypto-native rails, cleared through a regulated compliance layer.

Fink connects the wallet argument to a broader distribution thesis developed elsewhere in the letter. He points to India, where JioBlackRock brought in more than a million investors in under a year, as a model for smartphone-native access to capital markets.

He writes that half the world already carries a digital wallet on their phone. The wallet passage reads as an extension of that logic, since the phone is already in the user's hand, and the next step is to make financial products accessible through it.

Related Reading

BlackRock’s $2.2 billion BUIDL fund is coming to DeFi, but the trade access comes with a catch

BUIDL holders can swap into USDC through UniswapX RFQs, but only via whitelisted market makers and gated participation.

Feb 12, 2026 · Gino Matos

RWA.xyz shows the tokenized US Treasury market at roughly $12 billion as of Mar. 23, with total stablecoin value at approximately $317 billion.

The on-chain cash layer and the tokenized asset layer are now large enough to function together as a distribution system.

Fink frames tokenization as an update to market plumbing, a way to make investments easier to issue, trade, and access across traditional and digital markets operating side by side.

That framing positions BlackRock's wallet ambition inside a mainstream modernization story, and the firm's own AUM figures back it up.

What the wallet thesis actually means

The most direct read of what wallet-native BlackRock products look like in practice starts with tokenized cash and Treasury exposure.

That is where the firm already has live scale and where the market already has traction.

Franklin Templeton's Benji platform offers a concrete precedent. They offer a mobile application through which investors can buy, sell, and view tokenized fund positions, with yield distributed directly to their wallets and tokens transferable peer-to-peer.

The next layer is wallet-accessible ETF or fund share wrappers. Fink names ETFs explicitly as something a regulated digital wallet could carry.

BlackRock manages almost $80 billion in digital asset ETPs, giving it both the product infrastructure and the regulatory experience to extend that surface area toward wallet delivery.

Related Reading

BlackRock's new product just made Ethereum income impossible to ignore

BlackRock may have just reopened the case for earning yield in crypto, reframing ETH as yield plus price exposure.

Mar 13, 2026 · Gino Matos

Beyond that, the longer-dated path Fink sketches is fractional access to private markets, distributed through wallet interfaces to investors who currently reach those products only through advisers and high minimums.

The bull case rests on the distribution scale, as BlackRock is already present at three points in the digital financial stack: backing the largest dollar stablecoin's reserve, inside the largest tokenized Treasury fund, and managing the largest pool of digital asset ETPs.

If the firm uses that infrastructure as a foundation to push wallet-accessible products into wealth and, eventually, retail channels, it could accelerate the timeline for mainstream wallet-native investing.

Fink's language around ETFs, private credit, and broader investor access points directly points down that path.

The bear case centers on infrastructure staying invisible to end users. BlackRock expands tokenization, settlement infrastructure, and stablecoin interoperability, but everyday investors continue to experience those improvements through brokers, advisers, and traditional account interfaces.

The current BUIDL structure points in that direction: US-qualified purchasers only, $5 million minimum, allowlisted access.

Related Reading

SEC makes huge U-turn, declares crypto tokens are ‘digital commodities' after years of legal battles

A token can exit securities status when issuer promises end, but only if the original sale was registered or exempt.

Mar 18, 2026 · Gino Matos

That is institutional plumbing running on on-chain architecture, still well upstream of a consumer distribution product.

The letter emphasizes modernization and coexistence with traditional markets. The language is consistent with gradual infrastructure improvement.

What the letter does not resolve

The chairman's letter leaves the most operationally specific questions open.

There is no launch date, no named wallet product, no specified blockchain rail, and no clear statement on whether BlackRock's wallet ambition targets institutional counterparties, wealth channel clients, or mass retail.

“Lead the charge” signals a strategic direction while the product details remain unannounced.

What the letter establishes is that BlackRock has moved from observing tokenization to operating within it at scale, and that Fink now sees the distribution gap in digital wallets as the firm's next addressable problem.

Whether the product that closes that gap looks like a regulated tokenized Treasury wrapper accessible through a fintech partner or something closer to a self-custody investment account remains open.

The answer to this will likely define the next phase of BlackRock's digital asset story.

If BlackRock succeeds in making wallets a distribution rail for traditional investment products, the competitive advantage of crypto-native infrastructure shifts toward settlement finality, programmable compliance, and 24/7 market access. These properties make wallet delivery of regulated products feasible in the first place.

The post BlackRock CEO wants to move stocks and ETFs into crypto wallets after $150B success appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Bitcoin continued its upward momentum above $71,000 on Tuesday as investors continued to weigh the market impact of President Donald Trump’s decision to pause planned US attacks on Iranian power and energy infrastructure for five days.

Data from CryptoSlate showed that the top cryptocurrency was trading at around $71,185 as of press time, rising 4% during the session.

The price broke through a level that traders have been watching as a test of whether institutional demand can continue to absorb pressure from war risk, rising energy prices, and a Federal Reserve that has signaled a slower path toward easier monetary policy.

The latest turn in the conflict first hit crude, then spread across currencies, stocks, and digital assets.

Related Reading

Market swings by $3 trillion as Bitcoin price explodes upward in 5 minutes

Bitcoin cleared $70k because a Trump Iran headline broke a wider market panic, not because crypto suddenly turned bullish.

Mar 23, 2026 · Liam 'Akiba' Wright

Brent crude fell more than 13% after Trump announced the pause, briefly dropping toward $96 a barrel before rebounding above $102 as traders reassessed the prospect of wider disruption and Iran pushed back on the idea of direct talks.

However, Bitcoin’s response drew attention because the digital asset avoided a deeper break lower during a week in which oil, war, and rate expectations were all moving at once.

The price action reinforced a market view that BTC has become more closely tied to broader liquidity conditions and institutional positioning than it was during earlier cycles dominated by retail flows.

Oil remains the key market channel

The central link between the conflict and global markets runs through the Strait of Hormuz.

The International Energy Agency says about 25% of global seaborne oil trade and nearly 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade moved through Hormuz in 2025. The US Energy Information Administration has also identified the route as one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, with nearly one-fifth of global oil supply moving through it.

That leaves traders treating any shift in the US-Iran conflict primarily as an oil market event. A sustained rise in crude can lift inflation expectations, delay central-bank easing, and tighten broader financial conditions.

For Bitcoin, that sequence has become increasingly important as exchange-traded products, large allocators, and macro funds take a larger share of trading activity.

Related Reading

Bitcoin traders focus on $61k as oil surges past $115 and weak jobs data rattle markets

Data shows traders hedging amid Bitcoin price decline, fueled by global market uncertainties.

Mar 9, 2026 · Oluwapelumi Adejumo

The Fed reinforced that backdrop on March 18, when it left its benchmark rate unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75%. Policymakers projected 2026 headline and core personal consumption expenditures inflation at 2.7%, and the median estimate for the year-end 2026 federal funds rate remained at 3.4%.

Those projections signaled that officials still expect inflation to cool gradually, with little room for a rapid easing cycle if energy prices continue to pressure the outlook.

For Bitcoin, that means geopolitical stress is only one part of the equation. A rally can extend more easily when crude retreats, inflation expectations ease, and rate-cut expectations strengthen. When oil remains elevated, crypto has to contend with a tighter macro backdrop even if military headlines do not worsen.

That dynamic helps explain the market’s response over the past several sessions. The pause in planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure prompted relief across global markets, yet the bounce in crude above $100 a barrel showed how quickly sentiment can reverse when traders focus again on Hormuz and the risk of disruption to supply flows.

Related Reading

Fed rate cut chance hits zero, threatening stagflation where Bitcoin thrives as a hedge against long term inflation

After the Fed held rates steady this week, markets abruptly swung from expecting cuts to entertaining hikes later in 2026, a shift that could weigh on Bitcoin and other risk trades.

Mar 21, 2026 · Gino Matos

Fund flows point to demand, with the Fed still steering short-term swings

Investment-product data suggest capital has continued to move into Bitcoin even as the macro backdrop has become less supportive.

Over the past two weeks, asset management firm CoinShares reported inflows of over $1.2 billion into digital-asset investment products, with Bitcoin accounting for around $900 million of that total.

The firm also said assets under management in digital-asset products had risen by nearly 10% to over $140 billion since the Iran crisis began.

The details of those reports offered a clearer read on what has been driving price swings. Last week, CoinShares said digital-asset products took in $635 million during the first two days of the week, then swung to $405 million of outflows after the March 18 Fed decision.

That sequence suggests Bitcoin has held up through geopolitical stress while remaining highly sensitive to the path of monetary policy. Investors continued to add exposure, yet they also responded quickly when the Fed signaled that rates may stay restrictive for longer.

The pattern aligns with a broader market view that Bitcoin entered the latest period of stress from a cleaner starting point than earlier in the quarter.

CoinShares argued in its Iran-conflict analysis that whale distribution had already been heavy, valuations had already compressed, and leverage had already moved closer to long-run norms before the latest military escalation.

With much of that reset already in place, the next shock encountered a market carrying less excess positioning.

Related Reading

Bitcoin beating gold and stocks right now is making “smart money” worried

With oil shocks looming, traders hedge Bitcoin bets despite its strength against inflationary pressures.

Mar 20, 2026 · Oluwapelumi Adejumo

On-chain and derivatives data define the next range

Market-structure data show improvement, though the breakout case still depends on whether Bitcoin can hold above recent recovery levels.

Glassnode said Bitcoin has moved through a dense supply zone between $59,000 and $72,000 and entered a thinner trading band between $72,000 and $82,000, where historical turnover is lighter.

The firm said about 60% of the circulating supply was in profit, below the 75% level that has, in past cycles, aligned with a more established early-bull phase.

That leaves Bitcoin in a zone where the market has repaired some of the earlier panic damage, though it has not yet shown that profit-taking can be absorbed consistently at higher prices. A stable hold above $70,000 would strengthen the case for challenging the upper end of that thinner range. A

However, a drop back into the old $59,000 to $72,000 cluster would place the market back in heavier traffic, where supply has previously capped advances.

Options positioning points to the same conclusion.

Coinbase-owned Deribit said downside hedging has been concentrated between $61,000 and $64,000, while open interest has also built up at higher strikes, including $75,000 and $125,000. In a recent note, the exchange said a break above $75,000 could trigger dealer hedging flows that add momentum to the upside.

That leaves traders with a relatively clear map. The low-$60,000 area is where protection has been concentrated.

The $75,000 level is where upside positioning could begin to influence market mechanics more forcefully. Between those points, Bitcoin remains in a range shaped by both macro pressure and steady product demand.

Citi added another reference point earlier this month when it published a 12-month base target of $112,000 for Bitcoin, alongside a bull-case target of $165,000 and a recession-case target of $58,000.

Those figures provide a broader context for the market’s current position. A recovery through $75,000 and then $82,000 would place the price path closer to the higher end of that outlook. Still, renewed pressure from oil and policy expectations would pull attention back toward the lower scenarios.

Cross-asset flows show a selective repositioning

Broader asset-allocation data suggest investors are responding to the conflict with a mix of caution and selective risk-taking rather than a simple flight into traditional havens.

Reuters, citing BofA Global Research and EPFR data, reported that investors in a recent week put $62.2 billion into stocks, $10.2 billion into bonds, $1 billion into crypto, and $23.5 billion into cash, while pulling $4.5 billion from gold.

That mix points to selective dip-buying alongside a sizable move into cash. It also shows that Bitcoin has remained part of the investable risk complex even during a period of military escalation and sharp energy moves. The token has drawn continued inflows, though within a market still focused on oil, inflation, and the Fed.

For Bitcoin, the next phase is likely to depend heavily on the direction of crude.

A retreat in Brent, combined with continued inflows into exchange-traded and other investment products, would improve the case for a move through $75,000 and into the $72,000 to $82,000 air gap identified by Glassnode.

However, a sustained move higher in oil would keep inflation pressure alive and preserve a tighter policy backdrop, conditions that could shift attention back toward $64,000 and then $58,000.

The post Bitcoin eyes bullish move to $75,000 where the real fight for recovery is decided beyond Iran pause appeared first on CryptoSlate.

This month, Kentucky lawmakers advanced another bill that critics say could make self-custody impossible for hardware wallet manufacturers to deliver without building a backdoor into their products. It comes after passing a bill last year protecting residents' right to use crypto wallets.

The vehicle is HB 380, a consumer-protection measure aimed at cryptocurrency kiosks. Its core provisions are substantive: a $2,000 daily transaction cap, a $10,500 limit on new-user accounts, a 72-hour cancellation window, fee caps, mandatory scam warnings, and defined refund rights for fraud victims.

The FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Complaint Center report documented 10,956 complaints tied to crypto kiosks, resulting in $246.7 million in losses, a 31% rise from 2023. Victims over 60 accounted for roughly $107.2 million of that total.

However, what lawmakers inserted was House Floor Amendment 3, filed Mar. 12, one day before the House passed HB 380 85-0.

Section 33 of that amendment requires any “hardware wallet provider” to supply live customer service and “provide a mechanism for, and assistance with, resetting any password, PIN, seed phrase, or other similar information” needed to access the wallet.

Violations of the Kentucky consumer protection law carry consequences for unfair and deceptive trade practices.

Related Reading

Bitcoin gains state-level traction in Arizona, Kentucky, and Oklahoma

Republican leadership strengthens crypto-friendly initiatives across these key US states.

Mar 25, 2025 · Oluwapelumi Adejumo

The contradiction in the face of state law

HB 701, signed in March 2025, defined a hardware wallet as a device that stores private keys offline and allows the owner to retain independent control.

The bill also defined a self-hosted wallet in identical terms, such as ownership, independence, and private keys, while explicitly stating that an individual shall not be prohibited from using a wallet.

Kentucky's legislature wrote those definitions to protect the very architecture that Section 33 now asks hardware wallet providers to circumvent.

A seed phrase functions as the master cryptographic credential from which every private key in a non-custodial wallet derives. Anyone who holds it holds the assets. That is precisely why standard non-custodial design gives the seed phrase to the user at setup and then destroys any manufacturer copy.

Trezor states plainly that without a wallet backup, users cannot recover their wallet, and that if the backup is lost, the wallet becomes inaccessible. That deliberate design choice means recovery is entirely the user's responsibility.

Ledger offers an optional paid recovery service, Ledger Recover, that allows subscribers to reconstruct a seed phrase using identity-verified fragments stored with third parties.

The firm maintains that non-subscribers continue to manage the seed phrase themselves, and that the recovery flow requires a subscription, on-device physical consent, and identity verification.

Section 33 treats voluntary opt-in recovery and mandatory manufacturer assistance as equivalent obligations. As written, it would require every hardware wallet provider operating in Kentucky to make that recovery mechanism available to every user, regardless of whether the user wants it.

The Bitcoin Policy Institute said exactly that in a Mar. 20 letter to the Senate. Complying with Section 33 would mean either storing seed phrases on the server side or implementing a remote reconstruction path, which would result in a “cryptographic backdoor.” The letter then urged the Senate to remove the provision before any floor action.

What happens if the Senate acts on the bill as written

HB 380 cleared the House and arrived in the Senate on Mar. 16. As of Mar. 23, the chamber had adjourned until Mar. 24, with HB 380 not listed among posted orders for passage.

The Kentucky session runs legislative days through Mar. 27, with a concurrence window Mar. 31 through Apr. 1 before the veto period closes and the legislature adjourns sine die on Apr. 15. The Senate has a narrowing window.

If the chamber passes HB 380 with Section 33 intact, the immediate effect falls on manufacturers.

Pure non-custodial vendors, whose products are designed so that only the user ever holds the seed phrase, face exposure to deceptive trade practices that they cannot cure without redesigning their products.

Potential outcomes include some absorbing that exposure, while others will decide Kentucky is not worth the compliance cost and pull back from the market or restrict sales to residents.

Either outcome degrades the self-custody options available to Kentuckians, exactly counter to what HB 701 was written to protect.

Section 33 distributes compliance burden unevenly across hardware wallet makers.

Vendors that already offer optional recovery products, such as Ledger, are closer to compliance than vendors that have never stored a seed phrase or built a recovery path.

A state mandate that rewards recoverable architecture and penalizes pure self-custody architecture is, in effect, a regulatory thumb on the product market.

What a Senate correction would preserve

The more direct resolution is a targeted amendment.

If the Senate strips Section 33 entirely, or narrows the language to exclude self-hosted and non-custodial devices as defined in HB 701, Kentucky will keep its anti-fraud kiosk framework without reversing its own two-year-old policy on wallet sovereignty.

The consumer-protection core of daily caps, refund windows, scam warnings, and fee limits survives intact under either approach.

That path also aligns Kentucky with the direction the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency sketched in its Mar. 2 stablecoin custody proposal, which explicitly excluded from custody requirements any entity that merely provides hardware or software facilitating a person's self-custody of private keys or payment stablecoins.

Related Reading

Stablecoins just lost key battle as insurance protection to be reserved only for bank-issued tokens

Not all digital dollars are equal anymore as FDIC signals only banks will get insurance protection.

Mar 19, 2026 · Gino Matos

Meanwhile, Washington is carving space for self-custody tools, and Tennessee moved in a harder direction on kiosks, enacting a 2026 bill that would make operating a virtual currency kiosk a Class A misdemeanor.

Both data points frame Kentucky as a live test case, without resolving which direction it will take.

Kentucky's kiosk problem is real, the legislative response largely proportionate, and the consumer-protection instinct behind HB 380 defensible on the merits. Section 33 operates at a different layer, as it imposes an affirmative design duty on a class of products defined in Kentucky's own prior law by the absence of exactly that duty.

The Senate can resolve that contradiction cleanly before the session closes.

Leave Section 33 intact, and the state's 2025 commitment to wallet sovereignty and its 2026 deceptive-trade-practice expansion pull in opposite directions, leaving manufacturers to decide which law to navigate around.

The post Crypto wallets to offer a backdoor recovery if buried amendment to state bill passes Senate appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) widened its at-the-market fundraising capacity on March 23, filing new programs for common stock and two preferred securities, bringing the company's total active issuance capacity to over $60 billion.

The 8-K filing, which added fresh ATM lines while terminating one older program, signals a reconfiguration of the capital stack behind the firm's Bitcoin treasury strategy.

Under the new program structure, Strategy can sell up to $21 billion of Class A common MSTR stock, up to $21 billion of STRC preferred stock, and up to $2.1 billion of STRK preferred stock through a broadened syndicate of sales agents.

Related Reading

Strategy is using a high-yield funding engine to buy billions in Bitcoin and chase 1 million BTC

Strategy’s path to 1 million Bitcoin hinges on a high-yield engine that could either supercharge growth or break it.

Mar 17, 2026 · Oluwapelumi Adejumo

The company added Moelis, A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, and StoneX to the existing sales group under its omnibus sales agreement, according to the filing.

Meanwhile, Strategy intends to continue using its prior common-stock prospectus, which covered about $15.85 billion, and its prior STRC prospectus, which covered $4.2 billion, until those shares are sold. The prior STRK offering, which had covered about $20.34 billion, was terminated effective March 22.

Cumulatively, that leaves Strategy with about $64.15 billion of active issuance capacity across still-live common-stock and STRC programs, along with the new STRK line.

Notably, the company did not say it had raised that amount, and the 8-K repeatedly frames the securities as stock it “may issue and sell” over time.

Even so, the document is likely to be read as a financing map for the next phase of Strategy’s Bitcoin treasury plan.

The company has repeatedly used public market activity to expand its Bitcoin holdings, and changes to its capital stack are closely watched for what they signal about future buying capacity, dividend obligations, and dilution risk.

Strategy is the largest public holder of Bitcoin, holding 762,099 Bitcoin. Based on the company’s aggregate purchase cost of about $57.7 billion, the average acquisition price stands near $75,700 per Bitcoin.

Data from SaylorTracker showed the position is sitting on an unrealized loss of more than $3 billion.

Related Reading

Strategy aims for $21 billion in new perpetual STRK offering to boost Bitcoin holdings

With STRK's 8% annual dividend, Strategy aims to secure $21 billion for Bitcoin investments.

Mar 10, 2025 · Oluwapelumi Adejumo

STRC takes center stage as Strategy reshapes preferred stock mix

The clearest signal in the filing is the expanding role of STRC, the company's Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Stretch preferred stock.

Strategy filed a certificate to increase the authorized STRC preferred shares from 70,435,353 to 282,556,565, an increase of 212,121,212 shares.

The treatment of STRK, by contrast, moved in the opposite direction. Strategy filed a certificate of decrease to reduce the authorized STRK preferred shares from 269,800,000 to 40,270,744, a reduction of 229,529,256 shares.

The divergence is notable because the two instruments occupy different positions in Strategy's capital structure.

The March 23 filing identifies STRK as the company's 8.00% Series A Perpetual Strike preferred stock, a convertible security with an initial conversion rate of 0.1000 shares of Class A common stock per STRK share, equivalent to an initial conversion price of $1,000 per MSTR share, subject to adjustment.

That embedded call option is unique among the company's preferred share offerings of STRD, STRK, STRE, and STRC.

Interestingly, STRK had previously attracted investor attention because of that conversion feature. In July 2025, STRK briefly rallied above $129 per share, 29% above its $100 liquidation preference, on which the company pays an 8% dividend. It has since declined to $77 as of press time.

By cutting both the authorized share count and the size of the active STRK issuance line, Strategy reduced the scale of that channel relative to its pre-filing level.

STRC, meanwhile, has rapidly become the most liquid preferred stock on the market since its 2025 launch, with an average daily trading volume of approximately $295.9 million, according to data shared by chairman Michael Saylor.

That liquidity now exceeds the combined average daily trading volume of the seven closest competing preferred issues, including preferred shares from Boeing, KKR & Co., and Four Corners Property Trust.

The STRC product offers investors a variable dividend yield of 11.5%, and the instrument has already attracted institutional holders, including BlackRock's iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF, Anchorage, and asset management firm Strive.

Data from STRC.live indicates the program has financed the acquisition of over 50,000 BTC since inception.

Bitcoin analyst Adam Livingston argued the expanded STRC program carries more buying power than its headline figure suggests.

He explained that every $1 of STRC issuance, at current balance-sheet settings, requires roughly $1.94 of MSTR issuance to keep the company's amplification ratio flat.

According to him, if STRC issuance runs at its recent pace of about $2 billion per month, the corresponding common-stock issuance needed to maintain that ratio would push Strategy's combined BTC acquisition rate to nearly $5.9 billion per month.

Under that math, full deployment of the newly announced $21 billion STRC and $21 billion MSTR envelopes could finance the purchase of more than 450,000 BTC within roughly five to seven months, though the MSTR leg would likely act as a bottleneck on the pace of execution.

STRC dividend burden and the long-term capital question

However, the flexibility embedded in the expanded ATM programs carries a growing cost.

If the $21 billion STRC program were fully utilized, it would add roughly $2.4 billion in annual dividend obligations, according to The Block analyst Ivan Wu.

The company has set aside approximately $2.25 billion in USD reserves to fund these obligations, providing a buffer amid rising capital costs.

However, traditional credit analysts remain skeptical of the underlying mechanics.

Jeff Dorman, the chief investment officer of Arca, argued that while Strategy's balance sheet appears safe when viewing assets against liabilities, it fails the most critical credit metric of interest coverage.

According to him, Strategy generates essentially zero earnings before interest and taxes, indicating it has no interest coverage.

Dorman wrote that if the company never sells Bitcoin, then the debt and preferred shares will eventually default.

On the other hand, if the company continues to sell more shares to fund the interest and dividends, then the common shares will be diluted. If the company sells the Bitcoin to fund its capital structure, the underlying asset will suffer.

He concluded:

“You can’t pay the bills (interest/dividend payments) without cash flow, and that cash flow has to come from somewhere.”

The post Strategy’s expanded $64B Bitcoin buying plan leans on high-yield funding but could push BTC higher appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Circle Internet Group (NYSE: CRCL) saw its stock price tumble by approximately 17%. This sudden downturn comes after a period of significant growth for the stablecoin issuer, which went public in mid-2025. While the stock market reaction has been aggressive, the company’s core product, USD Coin ($USDC), continues to maintain its strict 1:1 peg to the US Dollar, showing no signs of the volatility affecting its parent company's shares.

Why is Circle (CRCL) Stock Crashing Today?

The primary catalyst for today's sell-off appears to be emerging details regarding a legislative compromise in Washington D.C. related to stablecoin regulation. According to reports from Investing.com and internal stakeholder leaks, the proposed "GENIUS Act" or similar stablecoin frameworks might include strict prohibitions on platforms offering yield or interest on stablecoins.

"The proposal would prohibit platforms from offering yield 'directly or indirectly' for holding a stablecoin or in a manner resembling a bank deposit." — Crypto in America Report

Investors are concerned that if USDC cannot be used as a yield-bearing asset by third-party exchanges and brokers, its utility and total circulating supply could stall. This would directly impact Circle's bottom line, as the company generates the majority of its revenue from interest earned on the massive cash and Treasury reserves backing USDC.

USDC Peg Remains Stable Amid Equity Volatility

Despite the "blood in the streets" for CRCL shareholders, the USDC peg remains rock solid at $1.00. Unlike the depegging event in 2023 during the Silicon Valley Bank crisis, Circle’s reserves are currently managed with higher transparency and a focus on short-duration US Treasuries.

Current market data shows:

• USDC Price: $1.00 (±0.0001)
• Market Cap: ~$79 Billion
• CRCL Price: ~$126.55 (Down 16.85%)

The distinction between the company's valuation and the stablecoin's collateral is vital for traders. While investors are re-pricing Circle's future earnings potential based on new laws, the actual assets backing every USDC in circulation remain fully liquid and accounted for.

Broader Market Impact: Coinbase and Others Slide

Circle isn't the only one feeling the heat. Coinbase (COIN) also dropped over 8% in tandem, as the exchange is a key partner in the Centre Consortium and shares in the revenue generated by USDC. The market is currently in a "risk-off" mode, exacerbated by hawkish Federal Reserve commentary and geopolitical tensions pushing oil prices higher.

What’s Next for CRCL?

The long-term outlook for Circle (CRCL) depends on how the final version of the stablecoin bill is drafted. If Circle can pivot its Circle Payment Network (CPN) to focus on transaction fees rather than just interest-rate spreads, it may recover. However, in the short term, technical indicators suggest the stock may test support levels near $110 if the legislative news continues to lean bearish.

As tensions in the Middle East reached a boiling point, risk assets—including $Bitcoin and major altcoins—faced a sharp "risk-off" liquidation. However, as diplomatic channels begin to signal a potential de-escalation, savvy investors are looking at the "blood in the streets" as a generational entry point.

Historically, markets overreact to geopolitical shocks. If a resolution is reached in early April, the pent-up liquidity currently sitting in stablecoins is expected to flood back into high-conviction projects that were unfairly hammered during the panic.

Is April a Good Time to Buy Crypto?

Potentially, as April 2026 is shaping up to be a prime recovery month. With many tokens trading at 20-30% discounts from their Q1 highs, the current "oversold" conditions on the RSI (Relative Strength Index) suggest a relief rally is imminent.

1. Ethereum (ETH): The Race Back to $3,000

$Ethereum remains the backbone of the decentralized economy. During the recent March turbulence, ETH slipped below its psychological support, but the fundamentals remain unshaken.

• Recovery Catalyst: The successful implementation of the "Prague" upgrade earlier this year has further reduced Layer-2 costs.
• Price Target: Analysts expect a swift recovery to the $3,000 mark as institutional ETH ETFs see renewed inflows once the global macro outlook stabilizes.

Investors should monitor the ETH price closely, as its recovery usually leads the broader altcoin market.

2. PEPE: The Volatility King

For those with a higher risk appetite, $PEPE remains the go-to memecoin for catching rapid bounces. Memecoins often act as high-beta plays on market sentiment; when the market turns green, PEPE tends to move twice as fast as the majors.

• Current State: PEPE lost significant ground in March but has maintained a strong community floor.
• Why Buy: Its extreme volatility makes it an ideal candidate for a "relief rally" play. As retail investors return to the market in April, the low-unit bias of PEPE often attracts massive speculative volume.

3. XRP: Regulatory Clarity Meets Institutional Adoption

$XRP has faced a double-whammy of geopolitical pressure and a temporary "capital flight" toward safer havens. However, its role in cross-border payments, especially in the Middle East, makes it a unique asset to watch as regional stability returns.

• Market Position: Having secured full regulatory clarity in late 2025, XRP is no longer a "gamble" but a utility-driven asset.
• Outlook: It has lost nearly 15% in the last month, making the XRP price highly attractive for those betting on the continued expansion of RippleNet.

4. Cardano (ADA): The "Deep Value" Opportunity

$Cardano is currently one of the most oversold "blue-chip" altcoins. While critics point to its slower price action, the network's resilience and growing DeFi TVL (Total Value Locked) suggest it is undervalued.

• The Dip: ADA has hit multi-month lows, hovering near critical demand zones.
• The Play: Historically, ADA performs well in the second stage of a market recovery.

5. Solana (SOL): The Ecosystem Powerhouse

No "Top 5" list for 2026 is complete without $Solana. Despite the market-wide dip, Solana continues to lead in retail transaction volume and NFT activity.

• Technical Outlook: SOL has shown incredible strength in bouncing off the $80-$100 support range.
• Why April: With the Firedancer upgrade nearing full optimization, Solana's throughput is unmatched. Any return of "risk-on" sentiment will likely see SOL outperform Bitcoin in percentage gains. You can compare Solana's performance against other majors on our exchange comparison page.

Top 5 Cryptos to Buy in April 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a strategic five-day pause on planned military strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure, citing "productive" conversations with Tehran. However, the optimism was short-lived as Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed the reports as "fake news" designed to manipulate oil prices and financial indices.

Did the Market React to Rumors?

Yes, despite the immediate denial from Tehran, the crypto market moved preemptively. Investors, desperate for a de-escalation signal in the Middle East, poured capital into risk-on assets. This resulted in a massive "short squeeze" that caught many bearish traders off-guard, especially as the narrative shifted from imminent war to potential diplomacy within hours.

The "Peace Premium" and Market Manipulation

In financial terms, a "peace premium" occurs when asset prices rise (and commodities like oil fall) based on the expectation of stability. Some accusations on X (formerly Twitter) suggest that these rumors were a coordinated effort to stabilize the S&P 500 and crash Crude Oil (WTI), which had been trading at extreme highs. They claimed the news was a tactical move to "escape the quagmire" the U.S. and Israel currently face.

Bitcoin Price Analysis: The "Green Arrow" Breakout

The most significant move occurred in the digital asset space. The provided technical data shows a clear vertical move in the Bitcoin price that many are calling the "Trump Pump."

• The Technical Surge: $Bitcoin broke out of its $67,000 consolidation zone with high volume. On the 1-hour chart, a massive "green arrow" indicates a move that peaked near $71,800.
• Support/Resistance Flip: By reclaiming the $70,000 psychological barrier, Bitcoin flipped a major resistance level into a temporary support zone.
• Liquidation Data: According to Coinglass, over $800 million in short positions were liquidated globally as the "peace talk" headlines hit the Bloomberg terminals.

Altcoin Uplift: A Market-Wide Recovery

The Bitcoin surge acted as a primary catalyst for the broader crypto ecosystem. When $BTC moves with such high conviction, it creates a "rising tide" effect that uplifts altcoins:

• Ethereum (ETH): Followed Bitcoin's lead, surging toward $3,650 as traders bet on reduced geopolitical risk for global DeFi networks.
• High-Beta Assets: Solana (SOL) and Layer-1 protocols saw gains of 7% to 10%, outperforming Bitcoin in percentage terms as "risk-on" sentiment returned.
• Capital Rotation: We observed a clear rotation out of "war hedges" like Gold and into high-growth tech and crypto assets.

Geopolitical Uncertainty: A Double-Edged Sword

While the crypto market enjoyed a green day, the "fake news" allegations from Iran introduce a high level of risk for the coming days. If the five-day pause expires without a verified diplomatic breakthrough, the market could face a "gap down" as the war premium returns to oil and volatility returns to crypto.

Why is XLM Up?

The primary driver behind the XLM price increase is the news that US President Donald Trump has officially extended the 48-hour deadline previously given to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Instead of immediate military action, the administration has granted an additional five-day window for negotiations, citing "productive conversations" with regional leaders. Investors have interpreted this as a cooling of the "war premium," rotating capital back into high-utility assets like Stellar.

What is Stellar Crypto?

Stellar is a decentralized, open-source network designed to facilitate fast, low-cost cross-border payments. Its native token, $XLM (Lumens), acts as a bridge currency to swap different fiat and digital assets. In times of geopolitical uncertainty involving trade routes (like the Strait of Hormuz), payment networks that offer "borderless" efficiency often see increased speculative interest and utility-driven demand.

XLM Price Analysis After the War News: Chart Breakdown

The XLM/USD chart highlights a sharp vertical move following the news. After languishing near the $0.155 support level during the height of the crisis, XLM has successfully breached its immediate resistance.

Key Technical Observations:

• Bullish Impulse: The 7% surge pushed the price toward the $0.168 mark, effectively reclaiming the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA).
• Volume Profile: Trading volume spiked significantly during the announcement, confirming that institutional and retail buyers are stepping in on the "peace talk" narrative.

Target Levels: If the diplomatic momentum continues, the next major hurdle for the XLM price sits at $0.182. Conversely, if talks break down, a retest of the $0.145 zone is highly probable.

Geopolitics and the "Risk-On" Shift

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. The threat of its closure last weekend sent energy prices skyrocketing and forced a crypto market sell-off. Trump’s decision to extend the deadline to March 28, 2026, has allowed markets to breathe.

According to reports from The Guardian, the shift toward "escorted tankers" and political risk insurance has mitigated the immediate fear of a global energy shock. For XLM, which thrives in a stable global trade environment, this reprieve is a major fundamental tailwind.

What Should Investors Do?

While the 7% jump is encouraging, the situation remains fluid. The "five-day extension" is a temporary bridge, not a permanent resolution. Traders should monitor:

• Official White House Statements: Any pivot back to "maximum pressure" could erase these gains instantly.
• Oil Price Correlation: A continued drop in crude oil prices typically correlates with a stronger "risk-on" sentiment for altcoins.
• Security of Assets: During periods of high volatility, ensuring your tokens are off-exchange is critical. You can view our hardware wallet comparison to find the best security options.

Markets Explode on Trump’s Iran Statement

Global markets surged in a matter of minutes after President Trump announced a 5-day pause on military strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure, claiming “productive talks” had taken place.

The reaction was immediate and aggressive:

• Over $900 billion added to the US stock market at the open
• Nasdaq futures +4%
• S&P 500 futures +3.9%
• Bitcoin (BTC) +5% within hours
• Oil prices dropped sharply, signaling easing geopolitical risk

In total, some estimates suggest over $2.5 trillion was added across global markets in less than 20 minutes.

A Perfect “Risk-On” Reaction

The move followed a classic macro playbook:

• Stocks rallied on reduced war risk
• Oil crashed as supply fears eased
• Bitcoin surged, benefiting from liquidity and momentum

Even traditional safe havens reacted violently, with gold and silver experiencing one of their most volatile sessions in years, initially dropping before sharply rebounding.

This was a textbook shift into risk-on sentiment.

But There’s One Problem…

Shortly after the rally, Iran officially denied any direct or indirect talks with the United States.

Statements from Iran’s Foreign Ministry and state-linked media contradicted Trump’s claims, rejecting the idea that negotiations had taken place.

This creates a critical disconnect:

👉 Markets are rallying on a de-escalation narrative that may not exist.

Markets Are Pricing Hope — Not Reality

Right now, the market appears to be pricing in:

• A temporary ceasefire
• Potential diplomatic progress
• Reduced geopolitical risk

But if those assumptions are incorrect, the implications are serious.

This isn’t the first time markets have reacted to headlines over confirmed developments, but the scale of this move is unusual.

👉 A single statement triggered nearly $1 trillion in equity inflows.

Why Bitcoin Is Benefiting

Bitcoin’s reaction is particularly interesting.

Unlike gold, which showed mixed signals, Bitcoin moved decisively higher—suggesting:

• Strong liquidity-driven momentum
• Growing perception as a macro asset
• Increased participation from risk-on traders

BTC is no longer just reacting to crypto-native news—it is now deeply integrated into global macro flows.

What Happens Next?

Everything now depends on one key factor:

👉 Is there actually a deal?

If talks are confirmed:

• Markets could continue higher
• Bitcoin may push toward new local highs
• Risk assets remain supported

If tensions escalate again:

• A sharp reversal is likely
• Oil could spike
• Stocks and crypto may retrace quickly

The Bottom Line

Markets just added $900 billion in value based on a narrative that is already being challenged.

That raises a critical question:

👉 Is this rally built on real progress—or on hope?

For now, markets are choosing optimism.

But if that optimism proves wrong, volatility could return just as fast as it disappeared.

The CFTC launched a new task force designed to create a clear framework of rules for technologies like AI, crypto, and prediction markets.

BMO joins CME Group and Google Cloud to enable 24/7 tokenized cash settlement for institutional clients.

The analysts highlighted Bitcoin giant Strategy's flagship preferred share as an alternative source of funding amid tepid market conditions.

The first independent audit of Tether’s claimed $192 billion stablecoin reserves could pave the way to USDT’s approval under the GENIUS Act.

Securitize was selected by the New York Stock Exchange as a "digital transfer agent" for a platform dedicated to tokenized securities.

The JPMorgan boss is heavily bullish on institutional blockchain utility, but he remains deeply skeptical of cryptocurrency speculation.

XRP is down 23% to start 2026, but history tells a different story. Compare the current Q2 setup to the legendary 2017 bull run and see if a repeat performance is on the horizon.

SEC chair to speak at crypto gathering after notable guidance release.

Ripple Labs burns more RLUSD stablecoins in what suggests a negative demand shift.

Shiba Inu (SHIB) may be set for a bullish extension for Q2, 2026, with 37% upside potential clear on the daily time frame of the popular meme cryptocurrency.

TLDR

• Ledger completed a $50 million secondary share sale in the fourth quarter of last year.
• An existing investor sold shares, and the company did not raise new capital from the transaction.
• CEO Pascal Gauthier led the deal and said Ledger is preparing for all eventualities.
• Gauthier stated that the company could remain private or pursue a public offering based on market conditions.
• Earlier reports indicated that Ledger explored a potential U.S. IPO at a valuation above $4 billion.

Ledger disclosed a $50 million secondary share sale completed in the fourth quarter of last year. The company confirmed that an existing investor sold shares to provide liquidity. However, CEO Pascal Gauthier said Ledger will keep its public listing options open.

The company structured the deal as a secondary transaction rather than a primary capital raise. As a result, Ledger did not issue new shares or raise fresh funds. Instead, an early investor sold their stake, according to a Bloomberg report. A company spokesperson confirmed the details to The Block.

Gauthier led the transaction and coordinated with the selling shareholder. He told Bloomberg, “My job is to prepare the company for all eventualities.” He added that Ledger could remain private or pursue a public offering depending on market conditions.

Ledger completes $50 million secondary sale in Q4

Ledger executed the $50 million secondary sale during the fourth quarter. The transaction allowed one early investor to exit without affecting the company’s capital structure. The company confirmed that it did not receive proceeds from the share sale.

Bloomberg reported that Gauthier led the deal with the existing shareholder. A Ledger spokesperson later confirmed the transaction details publicly. However, the company did not disclose the identity of the selling investor.

Earlier reports stated that Ledger explored a potential U.S. IPO. Those reports suggested a valuation above $4 billion if the company proceeds. Still, Ledger has not finalized any listing plans.

Ledger last raised primary capital in 2023. That funding round valued the company at about $1.5 billion. The company has not announced a new primary funding round since then.

Ledger expands U.S. presence and product suite

Ledger has increased its focus on the United States in recent months. The company opened a new office in New York to support institutional outreach. It also appointed former Circle executive John Andrews as chief financial officer.

The company stated that the New York office will strengthen ties with banks and asset managers. It also aims to build relationships with other institutional clients. The CFO appointment supports this expansion strategy.

Over the past six months, Ledger has expanded beyond its hardware base. The company launched a next-generation Nano device for retail users. It also rebranded Ledger Live as the Ledger Wallet app.

The updated Ledger Wallet now includes in-app trading features. It also offers portfolio analytics and a redesigned “Earn” section. The company said the Earn section surfaces yield opportunities within the app.

Ledger continues to develop enterprise-focused security tools. These products target institutional clients seeking custody and infrastructure services. The company confirmed these initiatives as part of its broader expansion strategy.

The post Ledger Discloses $50M Sale as IPO Path Stays Flexible appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

• Microsoft shares fell about 2.5% and traded near $373 during Tuesday’s session.
• Major U.S. indices moved lower as renewed geopolitical tensions pressured technology stocks.
• Reports said Iran started charging transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, raising trade concerns.
• The Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.4, beating expectations of 51.5 and signaling expansion.
• Despite strong economic data, broader market weakness kept MSFT stock under pressure.

MSFT stock declined on Tuesday as broader markets retreated and geopolitical risks resurfaced. The stock fell about 2.5% to nearly $373 during the session. Traders reacted to renewed tension in the Middle East and weakness across major technology names.

MSFT Stock Drops as Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Tech

MSFT stock moved lower as major U.S. indices reversed earlier gains. The Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq each closed in negative territory. Reports tied the selloff to rising tensions linked to Iran. News from the Strait of Hormuz added pressure on global trade routes.

Microsoft Corporation, MSFT

Authorities reported that Iran began charging transit fees for vessels in the region. That development raised concerns about shipping costs and energy prices. Consequently, large-cap technology stocks faced renewed selling pressure. Companies within the “Magnificent Seven” group traded lower during the session.

Nvidia, Apple, and Amazon have already posted declines between 12% and 13% this year. Those losses have trailed the broader S&P 500 index performance. Market participants often move these stocks together during uncertain periods. As risk appetite weakens, traders reduce exposure to high-growth sectors.

Microsoft traded in line with its mega-cap peers during the pullback. The company did not release new corporate updates on Tuesday. However, broader macro headlines influenced price action. As a result, the stock reflected general market direction rather than company-specific developments.

Strong PMI Data Fails to Lift MSFT Stock

The latest Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index showed continued expansion. The PMI reading came in at 52.4 for the month. Economists had expected a reading of 51.5. The previous figure stood at 51.6.

A PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion in manufacturing activity. The latest data suggested stable demand and steady production levels. Despite the stronger reading, equities did not rally. Instead, geopolitical headlines dominated trading decisions.

Market analysts pointed to a shifting focus during the session. “Geopolitical risks are driving short-term sentiment,” one market strategist said. Economic data often supports long-term growth projections. However, traders prioritized global developments during Tuesday’s session.

Microsoft continues to expand its Azure cloud platform. The company also integrates automation tools across enterprise products. These initiatives support revenue growth targets. Still, Tuesday’s price movement reflected broader market conditions.

MSFT stock closed near $373 after the 2.5% decline. Trading volume remained consistent with recent sessions. The PMI report remains the latest major economic release influencing markets.

The post MSFT Stock Slides 2.5% as Markets Fall Despite PMI Beat appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft has secured a lease for a 700-megawatt data center facility in Abilene, Texas, initially planned for Oracle and OpenAI
• The facility is located adjacent to the Stargate campus, Oracle and OpenAI’s premier AI infrastructure project
• The agreement was finalized with developer Crusoe following Oracle and OpenAI’s decision to abandon their plans for the location
• A Reuters source confirmed that OpenAI’s current agreements with Oracle remain unchanged
• Oracle previously disputed media reports suggesting capacity delays at the Abilene location, labeling them as false

Microsoft has secured access to a substantial Texas data center facility that was originally intended for Oracle and OpenAI, based on a Bloomberg News report released Tuesday.

The facility, located in Abilene, Texas, boasts approximately 700 megawatts of power capacity. Its location is particularly notable — positioned immediately adjacent to the Stargate campus, which represents Oracle and OpenAI’s primary artificial intelligence infrastructure initiative.

The lease arrangement was negotiated with Crusoe, the development company responsible for the Abilene facility. Both Oracle and OpenAI had previously abandoned discussions to utilize the location before Microsoft entered negotiations.

Microsoft Corporation, MSFT

When contacted by Reuters, a Microsoft representative stated the company had no information to share. Neither Oracle nor Crusoe provided responses to comment requests.

Earlier in the month, Bloomberg reported that Oracle and OpenAI had cancelled expansion plans at the Abilene location. The negotiations allegedly stalled because of financial challenges and evolving requirements from OpenAI.

Oracle rejected that narrative, asserting that reports about delayed capacity at Abilene were not accurate.

Oracle Partnership with OpenAI Remains Intact

A source with direct knowledge of the matter informed Reuters that OpenAI’s current contractual arrangements with Oracle are still active — indicating this transaction doesn’t dissolve their overarching collaboration.

This is a nuanced yet significant point. Microsoft’s acquisition of the Abilene facility doesn’t automatically indicate deterioration in the Oracle-OpenAI relationship, at least based on this information.

MSFT shares declined 2.69% during trading. Oracle (ORCL) dropped 4.42%.

The Competition for AI Infrastructure Space

Technology corporations have been rapidly expanding data center infrastructure to accommodate artificial intelligence applications. Microsoft’s Copilot platform and OpenAI’s ChatGPT both require massive computational power.

A 700-megawatt installation represents a significant capacity addition. For context, this level of power can support dozens of thousands of AI processors operating at maximum capacity.

Microsoft has emerged as one of the most aggressive investors in AI infrastructure development, having invested billions in OpenAI alongside its own internal expansion efforts.

Acquiring a location that was initially developed for rival organizations is uncommon, though understandable considering the current scarcity of available data center capacity.

Crusoe, the development firm, focuses on environmentally sustainable computing infrastructure. The company did not provide a response to Reuters’ inquiry.

The Abilene transaction has not received official confirmation from any involved parties. All information stems from Bloomberg’s reporting, which cited anonymous sources.

Oracle’s Stargate campus continues to operate next to the location Microsoft is preparing to occupy — establishing Abilene as a significant hub of AI infrastructure in West Texas.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Microsoft, Oracle, and OpenAI had all declined to release official statements regarding the development.

The post Microsoft (MSFT) Secures Massive Texas Data Center After Oracle and OpenAI Exit appeared first on Blockonomi.

Quick Overview

• AeroVironment introduced the Locust X3 directed-energy laser platform for countering unmanned aerial threats
• Shares declined 2.3% during midday trading session following the announcement
• The weapon system delivers 20kW to over 35kW of laser power and features multi-platform deployment capability
• Operating costs are significantly reduced compared to conventional interceptors due to elimination of ammunition requirements
• Company financials reveal robust 17.3% three-year revenue expansion but challenged profitability margins

AeroVironment (AVAV) revealed its newest anti-drone technology Tuesday, though investors responded with lukewarm enthusiasm.

The defense contractor introduced the Locust X3, a directed-energy weapon platform engineered to identify, track, and neutralize small-to-medium unmanned aircraft systems and select ground-level targets. Share prices retreated 2.3% by midday in New York trading, even as the S&P 500 remained relatively unchanged.

AeroVironment, Inc., AVAV

The Locust X3 employs laser technology delivering between approximately 20 kilowatts and exceeding 35 kilowatts of power. Integrated software handles autonomous detection, tracking, and engagement operations.

Deployment flexibility spans ground-based vehicles, stationary installations, and naval vessels, providing versatility across diverse operational theaters. AeroVironment emphasizes the platform’s modular architecture, enabling future upgrades and seamless integration with current defense infrastructure.

Economics represent a crucial advantage. Traditional interceptor systems demand physical ammunition replenishment, while this laser platform enables unlimited engagements without reload constraints. This capability becomes particularly valuable when confronting large formations of inexpensive hostile drones.

Foundation in Military Collaboration

AeroVironment indicated the Locust X3 leverages experience from previous U.S. Army program deployments. The architecture also supports Department of Defense objectives for unified cross-platform compatibility.

Shares traded at a price-to-book multiple of 2.3, approaching the lower boundary of its five-year range. Wall Street analysts maintain a consensus price target of $315.62. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) registered 39.89, approaching oversold conditions.

Profitability Challenges Despite Revenue Growth

The company has achieved 17.3% compound annual revenue growth across the trailing three-year period, demonstrating strong top-line momentum. Profitability metrics present a contrasting narrative—operating margin stands at -5.9% with net margin at -13.93%.

Balance sheet strength appears solid, featuring a current ratio of 5.51 and minimal leverage with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. Return on equity, however, reflects negative performance at -7.55%.

Institutional investors control 65.49% of outstanding shares, indicating substantial confidence from large asset managers. Insider ownership measures 2.47%.

Volatility considerations include a beta coefficient of 2.03, categorizing the stock as high-volatility. The Piotroski F-Score of 3 suggests potential operational challenges.

Insider activity showed 10 selling transactions during the previous three-month period, a metric warranting attention.

The Beneish M-Score of -0.83 indicates some financial reporting concerns. Meanwhile, the Altman Z-Score of 5.61 signals strong balance sheet stability and low bankruptcy risk.

The Locust X3 represents [[LINK_START_3]]AeroVironment[[LINK_END_3]]’s continued expansion into counter-unmanned systems and directed-energy capabilities, market segments experiencing heightened defense spending interest.

AeroVironment maintains a market capitalization near $9.96 billion.

The post AeroVironment (AVAV) Stock Drops Despite Unveiling Locust X3 Laser Defense System appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways

• Micron shares declined approximately 15% across four consecutive trading sessions following exceptional Q2 fiscal 2026 results
• Quarterly revenue reached $23.86 billion, representing nearly a 200% surge from the prior year’s $8.05 billion
• According to CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, current production capacity meets only 50% to 66% of major customer demand
• Competitor SK Hynix announced plans for an $8 billion EUV equipment investment and potential $10 billion U.S. stock listing — intensifying competitive dynamics
• Leading Wall Street firms including Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan elevated their price projections following the earnings announcement

Micron delivered exceptional quarterly results last week. Wall Street’s reaction? A double-digit decline.

Micron Technology, Inc., MU

Following the release of Q2 fiscal 2026 earnings on Wednesday, Micron shares have experienced consecutive daily losses spanning four trading sessions. The negative price action has left many observers perplexed, particularly considering the impressive financial metrics.

Quarterly revenue totaled $23.86 billion — representing approximately a threefold increase from the $8.05 billion Micron generated during the comparable quarter last year. Management also projected gross margin percentages hovering around 80% for the upcoming quarter.

Despite the recent downturn, Micron shares have surged more than 300% over the trailing twelve months. The memory chip manufacturer stands as the sole technology company among America’s top 10 market leaders posting year-to-date gains, while Oracle and Microsoft have both retreated over 20%.

Citi’s semiconductor analyst Atif Malik attributed the selloff primarily to investor profit-taking. “Higher FY27 capex and peak gross margin concerns (81% > Nvidia’s 75%) likely induced some profit taking after a strong stock run into the print,” he noted.

Production Capacity Lags Behind Customer Requirements

CEO Sanjay Mehrotra spoke openly about current supply constraints during an interview with CNBC’s Squawk on the Street on Thursday.

“Memory today is very tight supply and supply cannot be brought up that easily,” he explained. Major clients are presently obtaining only “50% to two-thirds of their requirements.”

This supply squeeze stems directly from artificial intelligence demand. Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung collectively dominate the high-bandwidth memory segment that powers AI processors from manufacturers such as Nvidia and AMD.

The explosion in AI infrastructure investments has elevated memory pricing while keeping availability constrained. Mehrotra indicated the company’s robust financial performance directly mirrors these market dynamics.

Major financial institutions including Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan raised their valuation targets for Micron following the quarterly disclosure, suggesting analysts remain optimistic about longer-term prospects despite near-term share price weakness.

South Korean Rival Escalates Competition

Compounding investor concerns this week, SK Hynix unveiled two significant strategic initiatives that unsettled Micron shareholders.

The Seoul-based chipmaker submitted regulatory documentation on Tuesday revealing intentions to acquire approximately $8 billion worth of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems from ASML through the end of 2027 — representing a substantial commitment to advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Simultaneously, Korea Economic Daily published reports indicating SK Hynix is evaluating a potential U.S. stock exchange listing that could generate up to $10 billion in capital. U.S. investors presently face restricted access to SK Hynix equity, with most exposure limited to over-the-counter trading or exchange-traded funds such as the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF.

A domestic U.S. listing could fundamentally alter investment flows within the memory semiconductor sector. SK Hynix currently commands a forward price-to-earnings multiple of approximately 4.8 times, compared to Micron’s 5.3 times valuation, based on FactSet data.

During Tuesday’s midday trading session, Micron shares declined an additional 2.4%, prolonging the post-earnings retreat to four consecutive sessions.

The post Micron (MU) Stock Plummets 15% Despite Record-Breaking Quarterly Performance appeared first on Blockonomi.

Large Bitcoin transfers to exchanges intensified in March as inflows were increasingly dominated by transactions in the 100-1,000 BTC range.

This points to a growing concentration of sell-side supply from large holders at a time when the market remains structurally sensitive.

Concentration of Large Inflows

On-chain data shared by analyst Axel Adler Jr. revealed that the Bitcoin Exchange Whale Ratio, which measures the share of the largest inflows relative to total exchange deposits, has risen sharply above both its 30-day and 365-day moving averages after a long period of relatively moderate readings.

This new trend indicates that a larger portion of BTC moving onto exchanges is now being driven by high-value transfers, which suggests a renewed presence of whales in shaping exchange supply. The rise in Whale Ratio not only suggests an increase in inflows but also a change in their composition, where large transactions are playing a more dominant role than background activity.

While such spikes do not confirm an immediate price decline, they historically increase the market’s sensitivity to selling pressure from large participants, particularly during periods of fragile balance. As long as the metric remains high above its smoothed averages, the structure means that exchange flows are being influenced by concentrated supply rather than dispersed participation.

Large Transfers Drive Exchange Activity

At the same time, the Bitcoin Exchange Inflow Spent Output Value Bands metric revealed that the share of inflows in the 100-1,000 BTC range surged to 80% in March. This means that the majority of coins entering exchanges at certain points originated from this specific cohort of large holders.

The dominance of this transfer range indicates that current pressure is not coming from retail flows or minor movements, but from sizable transactions that can materially influence short-term supply conditions. Interestingly, this concentration does not rely on the very largest entities alone, but rather on a broader segment of large holders whose combined activity is sufficient to shape market dynamics.

These factors, together, present a consistent signal of increasing large-holder influence over exchange supply. Adler said that this alone does not confirm a downside reversal, but it notably increases the risk that any rally will be met with more aggressive selling.

The post Are Whales Tightening Their Grip on Bitcoin Exchange Supply? appeared first on CryptoPotato.

The world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange is set to delist certain trading pairs this week.

Some of the digital assets that will be affected by the initiative include Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Avalanche (AVAX).

The Upcoming Amendment

Binance will remove the following cross-margin pairs: XRP/BNB, AXS/BTC, ETC/BTC, ATOM/BTC, DASH/BTC, BCH/USD1, PUNDIX/USDC, AVAX/USD1, and F/USDC, along with the isolated-margin pairs: AVAX/ETH, AXS/BTC, ETC/BTC, ATOM/BTC, DASH/BTC, and F/USDC on March 27.

“Exclusive immediately, users will no longer be able to transfer any amount of assets of the aforementioned pair(s) via manual transfers and Auto-Transfer Mode into their Isolated Margin accounts. If users hold outstanding liabilities of said tokens, these users may only manually transfer up to the amount of liabilities of that token into their Isolated Margin accounts, less any collateral already available,” the announcement reads.

The exchange also warned clients that they may not be able to update their positions during the delisting process, which could take approximately three hours.

Withdrawing support from Binance typically has a negative impact on the prices of affected cryptocurrencies, especially when it terminates all services for certain assets.

Ripple’s XRP has dropped 3% over the past 24 hours, BCH is down 2%, and AVAX (along with several other impacted coins) is also trading lower. However, their decline is more likely due to the renewed red wave sweeping through the entire crypto sector.

The Previous Updates

The company conducted additional delistings earlier this month, which triggered far steeper price drops. Initially, Binance Alpha removed 21 lesser-known altcoins, such as WorldShards (SHARD), Alliance Games (COA), BNB Card (BNB Card), MilkyWay (MILK), and Hyperbot (BOT), causing some of them to nosedive by 70-80%.

Several days later, Binance said goodbye to Arena-Z (A2Z), Ampleforth Governance Token (FORTH), Hooked Protocol (HOOK), Loopring (LRC), IDEX (IDEX), Neutron (NTRN), Solar (SXP), and Radiant Capital (RDNT). IDEX took the biggest hit, plunging by 33% after the disclosure.

It’s a completely different story when the exchange decides to show support for a particular cryptocurrency. In mid-March, for instance, it listed the CFG/USDT, CFG/USDC, and CFG/TRY trading pairs, while Centrifuge (CFG) surged more than 60% on the news. The reason is simple: backing from such an industry giant increases liquidity, expands availability, and gives the asset a significant reputational lift.

The post Important Binance Update Concerning Ripple (XRP) and Other Altcoin Traders: Details appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Traditional blockchain systems were not designed for real-time interaction, and that has become apparent in recent years. Networks like the first iterations of Ethereum, for example, prioritized security and decentralization, often at the cost of speed. This resulted in noticeable latency, and anyone who was here back in DeFi summer 2020 can confirm the bottlenecks it created.

As blockchain-based technologies evolve, though, a new category of applications emerges that requires near-instant responsiveness. On-chain gaming, interactive financial products, prediction markets, and more depend on fast execution, little friction, and predictable costs.

PlayNance aims to fill this need. It represents an attempt to design robust infrastructure built specifically for real-time, high-throughput applications. And this is particularly evident in gaming contexts, where responsiveness and user experience are critical.

What is PlayNance? A System-Level Overview

PlayNance is a blockchain-based ecosystem designed to support real-time applications through a combination of token mechanics, user-facing platforms, and infrastructure. Instead of focusing just on a single protocol layer, it presents a vertically integrated system.

At the forefront are three components. PlayBlock is designed to work as the execution layer. It handles transaction processing, with a focus on speed and high throughput. G Coin, on the other hand, is the native token (which just went live on the market), and it facilitates transactions and economic activity within the ecosystem. It also serves as the project’s utility token. On top of these sits an application layer.

Together, these three layers are designed to provide a robust system where interactions occur quickly and with minimal friction while still being recorded on-chain.

PlayBlock: The Execution Layer

The core infrastructure layer of PlayNance is called PlayBlock. It’s designed to support real-time and high-frequency transactions. It’s optimized for applications that require very quick state updates and continuous user input, unlike general-purpose networks.

A key focus of PlayBlock is its high throughput. It enables a large number of transactions to be handled within very short intervals. The latency on the transaction handling is also low, aiming for near-instant finality. User actions are confirmed quickly as a result.

Compared to conventional layer-one or layer-two systems, which often have to balance between decentralization and execution speeds, PlayBlock is designed to prioritize performance and responsiveness, making for a design that reflects the requirements of gaming and similar applications.

Execution Model and Throughput

PlayBlock’s execution model is designed to handle continuous, high-frequency interactions in a manner that’s predictable. Instead of relying only on probabilistic finality – where transactions are considered secure after multiple confirmations – it emphasizes more immediate and deterministic processing.

Transactions – such as every single in-game action – are processed in a streamlined pipeline that reduces the bottlenecks we typically observe in traditional blockchain systems.

This, in turn, allows the system to support environments where users can generate very large volumes of rapid interactions, such as placing many actions within seconds.

In terms of throughput, the architecture is designed to scale according to the demand, maintaining performance even as the activity increases. However, this particular focus on speed and efficiency may also involve some trade-offs, such as a more controlled execution environment compared to open and permissionless networks.

On-Chain Metrics and Transparency

One of the most important components of the entire Playnance system is its focus on on-chain activity. By recording interactions directly on the blockchain layer, the protocol is capable of enabling users and operators to verify outcomes independently rather than having to rely on opaque backend systems.

The ecosystem also includes a token explorer and an analytics layer that provides visibility into very important metrics. These include transaction data, which allows users to track activity across the network, game-level interactions such as participation and outcomes, token flows, and more.

This level of transparency is relevant a lot more so in gaming environments, where fairness and trust are often a topic of concern. By exposing verifiable data, Playnance attempts to reduce information asymmetry between participants and platform providers.

GCOIN: The Native Utility Token

GCOIN is designed to function as the primary unit of value within the ecosystem and its utility token. It is used to facilitate transactions across applications. Its role can be understood across several functions. As a settlement layer, it enables transactions between different participants, which include users, the broader platform, and application operators. As a medium of exchange, it can be used by players to participate in games or in different activities. As an incentive mechanism, it can be further distributed as rewards based on outcomes or engagement.

The token flows are structured exactly around these interactions, circulating between applications, infrastructure providers, and players.

G Coin is designed with clear utility within the ecosystem, but it also exists within the broader crypto context, and it can be traded externally. To that point, the presale took place in the middle of March and saw significant interest, making GCOIN a fully tradable cryptocurrency.

GCOIN’s Token Mechanics and Economic Design

The circulation of GCOIN within the Playnance ecosystem is tied to user activity across the apps running on it. Tokens move between players, platforms, and operators as part of gameplay interactions. This, in turn, forms a continuous loop of usage and redistribution. This flow is designed to keep the token actively engaged within the protocol’s system rather than remaining idle.

Speaking in practical terms, the cryptocurrency is introduced within the ecosystem through defined mechanisms and is then used repeatedly across a range of different applications. Gameplay, of course, acts as a primary driver for the demand. This is because the users require the token to participate in activities. At the same time, rewards and payouts redistribute tokens back to users, reinforcing their ongoing engagement.

This creates a set of economic feedback loops. For example, increased activity can easily lead to higher token usage. This can sustain demand across applications. It’s worth noting, of course, that such systems depend on maintaining a balance between issuance, usage, and retention.

Applications Built on PlayNance

The application layer for the protocol provides practical examples of how its infrastructure and token model are already being used in real-world scenarios. These products illustrate how the system handles user interaction, real-time execution, and transaction flows.

PlayW3

This one functions as a general-purpose platform that’s designed to host interactive experiences. It serves as an entry point for users, abstracting a lot of the complexities that come with blockchain experiences. By simplifying interaction and onboarding, it acts as a bridging app between traditional web solutions and on-chain environments.

PlayQuack

PlayQuack is the perfect example of a game that’s built directly on the Playnance stack. It can demonstrate exactly how quick, continuous user inputs can be processed almost in real time. The game is designed to highlight the importance of low latency and predictable execution because outcomes depend on immediate responsiveness rather than delayed confirmations.

Sharker

Sharker is another app within the ecosystem, which offers a different gameplay structure. Variations in mechanics across all of these applications show how the same infrastructure can effectively handle multiple interaction models while also maintaining consistency when it comes to handling transactions.

Conclusion: PlayNance in the Current Web3 Landscape

PlayNance brings forward an interesting design approach, which is clearly centered around performance and usability within blockchain-based applications. Its architecture emphasizes fast execution through PlayBlock, a token-driven economy through GCOIN, and adoption through application-layer products.

The post Playnance Explained: Architecture, Token Design, and the Emergence of Real-Time On-Chain Gaming appeared first on CryptoPotato.

The New York Stock Exchange, part of Intercontinental Exchange, and Securitize announced a collaboration to advance tokenized securities markets.

Securitize was named as the first digital transfer agent eligible to mint blockchain-native securities for corporate and ETF issuers on an upcoming NYSE-affiliated Digital Trading Platform.

NYSE-Securitize Deal

The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, will see NYSE work with Securitize as a design partner to build a digital transfer agent program. The main objective is to enable on-chain settlement of tokenized securities transactions.

According to the official press release, both entities will jointly develop standards for digital transfer agents and tokenization agents, focusing on regulatory, operational, and technical requirements necessary for institutional-grade infrastructure.

Commenting on the latest development, NYSE Group President Lynn Martin stated,

“The NYSE continues to lead the industry in responsible innovation. As we explore how tokenization can enhance capital markets, it is critical that new infrastructure is developed in a way that preserves the trust, transparency, and protections investors expect. Securitize brings deep experience in digital asset infrastructure and transfer agency, making them a strong partner in helping design this next generation of market structure.”

The initiative will leverage Securitize’s position as an SEC-registered transfer agent and its experience in tokenizing real-world assets to help define how transfer agents maintain ownership records, manage corporate actions, and ensure compliance with traditional market standards in a blockchain-based environment. Subject to meeting applicable requirements, this work is expected to support Securitize’s designation as an approved digital transfer agent on the platform.

Additionally, Securitize Markets is expected to participate as a broker-dealer on the Digital Trading Platform. The collaboration is intended to establish foundational frameworks for integrating tokenized securities into regulated financial markets.

This development comes after the NYSE’s January announcement, outlining plans to create a platform supporting both trading and blockchain-based settlement of tokenized securities, potentially allowing 24/7 trading of US equities and exchange-traded funds.

Tokenization Trend Gains Momentum

The collaboration coincides with a wider industry trend toward scaling tokenization across traditional financial products.

A recent report by Presto Research projected that tokenized assets could approach $490 billion by the end of 2026, driven by expansion in real-world assets and stablecoins. The firm’s outlook pointed to steady demand for tokenized US Treasury bills and credit products on blockchain networks, alongside growing stablecoin use in global payments.

The post New York Stock Exchange Taps Securitize to Power Tokenized Securities Push appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Bitcoin has staged another unsuccessful breakout attempt after yesterday’s impressive surge, as this time it was stopped at $71,000 and slipped by a grand following new reports on the war in the Middle East.

According to a report from the New York Times cited by The Kobeissi Letter, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been “pushing” Trump to continue the war against Iran.

The paper reads that this military campaign presents a “historic opportunity” to remake the region as Iran poses a long-term threat to the Gulf that can only be eliminated by getting rid of the current regime.

The report further stated that Prince bin Salman has urged Trump to send troops to Iran to seize energy infrastructure and force the government out of power.

BREAKING: Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been “pushing” President Trump to continue the war against Iran, per NYT.

Saudi’s Mohammed bin Salman says:

1. The US-Israeli military campaign presents a “historic opportunity” to remake the Middle East

2. Iran poses a… pic.twitter.com/DEUmb40G4K

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) March 24, 2026

The timing of this report is quite intriguing, as just yesterday, President Trump said his country reached some sort of a deal with the Iranian authorities to halt any military action against the latter’s power plants for a five-day period.

Although Iran’s officials denied Trump’s claims, more reports emerged in the following hours indicating that both parties have indeed been in talks, perhaps through middlemen.

Separately, another report from earlier today suggested that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are “inching toward” joining the war against Iran as they have been targeted multiple times by their Middle Eastern enemy.

Bitcoin reacted immediately yesterday with a push from $68,000 to almost $72,000 after Trump’s de-escalation message, but dipped below $70,000 minutes ago after the news about Prince bin Salman went live.

The post Bitcoin Dips Below $70K as Reports Suggest Saudi Arabia Is Pushing to Continue Iran War appeared first on CryptoPotato.