Market Signal Briefing

Solana is pressing against a key resistance zone again, while a rising trendline keeps the short term structure alive. Together, the two chart setups show a market close to a decision, with one path pointing to breakout continuation and the other to another sharp rejection.

Solana tests $92 level as failed breakout risk returnsSolana is again approaching a key decision area, with chart structure suggesting another failed breakout may be forming unless price reclaims the $92 zone.

Analysis shared by CryptoCurb shows SOL trading near a resistance band that previously rejected price and led to further downside. The latest setup now looks similar, as Solana pushed into that range but has not yet secured a clear break above it. As a result, the $92 level has become the main line separating short term strength from renewed weakness.

Solana Failed Breakout Resistance Chart: Source. TradingView / X

The chart highlights two comparable structures. In the earlier case, Solana moved above resistance briefly, then lost momentum and turned lower. The current setup appears to be repeating that pattern, with price once again stalling near the same kind of breakout area. Therefore, failure to reclaim resistance could confirm another bearish rejection.

For now, the market remains at a pivot point. A move back above $92 would support continuation higher and weaken the failed breakout view. However, if SOL stays below that level, the chart suggests bearish pressure remains in control and downside risk stays intact.

Solana consolidation tightens as trendline support faces resistance pressureSolana is trading within a tightening structure, with repeated rejections at resistance while an ascending trendline continues to hold from below, according to analysis shared by CryptOpus.

The chart shows SOL consolidating under a resistance zone marked by multiple failed attempts to break higher. Each rejection at that level has pushed price back into the range, which confirms that sellers remain active above. At the same time, higher lows continue to form along an upward trendline, which keeps short term structure intact.

Solana Trendline Consolidation Resistance Chart. Source: TradingView / X

This combination creates a compression pattern, where price moves between rising support and horizontal resistance. As a result, the market is building toward a breakout decision. If the trendline continues to hold, the structure supports a potential move higher, with the next resistance area positioned above the current range.

However, if price breaks below the ascending trendline, the structure weakens. In that case, the chart suggests a move toward a lower demand zone, where previous buying interest appeared. Therefore, the trendline now acts as the key level that separates continuation from a shift back to downside pressure.

For now, Solana remains inside this consolidation range, with direction depending on whether support holds or resistance continues to cap upside.

Regardless of the revived enthusiasm, the price of DOGE remains unreacted and is still flat in the following hours. A user posted on X that, “Posts like this used to give us money a few years ago.” Some of the market observers have predicted that Dogecoin (DOGE) could be prepared for a mega price expansion. And, at the same time, Elon Musk has renewed his popular meme after a long time, which has revived enthusiasm among crypto community members. 

Investors were in a state of confusion from long ago about whether Elon Musk had abandoned Dogecoin. Musk kept the memecoin in front and centre of the crypto conversation after renewing his famous “Dogefather” meme.

On March 19, the CEO of Tesla shared an AI-generated video on X in which he recreated a prominent scene from “The Godfather”. The video was made using Grok Imagine and shows Musk in a black tuxedo as Vito Corleone, the iconic character played by Marlon Brando in the Francis Ford Coppola film. 

The Uneffected Market After the post surfaced, the community members revived their enthusiasm, and various interpreted it as a new sign to back DOGE. Musk has often been seen advocating for the oldest memecoin on his social media, mostly calling himself the “Dogefather”.

His doge-inspired posts have so far caused prominent fluctuations in the price of cryptocurrency; however, their frequency has slipped over time. It is noteworthy that he ignited a massive rally in 2021 when he promoted his Saturday Night Live appearance using the “Dogefather” meme.

Regardless of the revived enthusiasm, the price of DOGE remains unreacted and is still flat in the following hours along with the rest of the crypto market. A user posted on X that, “Posts like this used to give us money a few years ago.”

He simply meant that, whenever Elon Musk posted anything like this, the excited community members would push the price to skyrocket. However, the memecoin slipped from the recently reclaimed $0.10 level, slipping to a $0.0918 one-week low on March 19 afternoon. 

Highlighted Crypto News Today: 

Ripple Survey Finds 72% of Finance Leaders See Digital Assets as Key to Competitiveness

A passionate journalist with a strong foundation in content writing and an experience in the crypto industry. With a commitment to self-growth, Sharmistha aims to make a meaningful impact in the media and communications landscape.

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is back at $70,000 on weakening bullish momentum, setting up a key test for its next move.

Bitcoin’s Key Levels In FocusProminent analyst Trader Mayne on Friday said rising geopolitical tensions and the aftermath of recent Federal Reserve policy decisions are driving volatility across crypto markets.

He noted that macro conditions remain critical.

Higher energy prices can tighten financial conditions, while central bank policy continues to influence liquidity, both key drivers of capital flows into Bitcoin.

From a technical perspective, Bitcoin is at a pivotal point. After a failed breakout attempt, the return to its previous range suggests fading bullish strength.

Mayne identified $71,500 as the key level to watch.

A strong reclaim could restore bullish structure and open the path toward $80,000. Failure to hold support, however, may confirm a bearish swing failure pattern and increase the risk of a deeper correction.

Even in a bullish scenario, he warned that any near-term rally could form a lower high, signaling the market may still need another leg down before a sustained uptrend.

Selective Opportunities RemainDespite uncertainty, Mayne said tactical opportunities still exist for traders willing to be selective.

He noted that many altcoins from previous cycles are unlikely to revisit their all-time highs, as capital tends to rotate toward stronger narratives and newer assets.

Rather than chasing lagging coins, he advised focusing on assets already showing strength and relative momentum.

He also stressed the importance of cross-market analysis. Evaluating altcoins solely against the U.S. dollar can be misleading, performance should also be measured against Bitcoin and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH).

"If an altcoin rises in USD but falls against BTC or ETH, it's underperforming," he said, adding that holding stronger assets may offer better returns in such cases.

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Ahmed Balaha is a journalist and copywriter based in Georgia with a growing focus on blockchain technology, DeFi, AI, privacy, digital assets, and fintech innovation.

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9 minutes ago

Bitcoin price is breaking one of its most reliable rules.

Global M2 has climbed roughly 12% since mid-2025. Bitcoin has dropped around 35% over the same period. That is not a small divergence. That is a fracture in the liquidity-drives-crypto thesis that defined the last cycle.

Two forces are driving the decoupling. Restrictive interest rates are draining risk appetite. Surging energy costs are squeezing miner margins. Both are hitting at the same time.

Key Takeaways:

Liquidity Gap: Bitcoin is trading nearly 50% below the “fair value” implied by current global money supply levels. Rate Drag: Federal Reserve balance sheet reduction is absorbing liquidity that historically flowed into risk assets. Miner Squeeze: Rising energy input costs are forcing miners to liquidate inventory, adding structural sell pressure. The $66,000 Disconnect: Why Is Bitcoin Price Trailing M2 Growth?The liquidity is there. Bitcoin is not catching it.

CF Benchmarks puts the implied fair value at $136,000 based on historical M2 correlations. Bitcoin is trading near $70,000. That is a $66,000 gap. One of the largest dislocations ever recorded between the asset and its monetary fuel.

Source: NewhedgeGabe Selby, Head of Research at CF Benchmarks, says these gaps close eventually. This one is not closing. M2 keeps expanding. Bitcoin keeps sitting. Every month that passes, it gets cheaper in real terms.

The problem is not liquidity. It is transmission.

The Fed has cut its balance sheet from nearly $9 trillion to $6.7 trillion. High rates are offering investors a guaranteed return. That kills the case for holding a non-yielding asset like Bitcoin. Capital does not need to chase risk when bonds are paying. So it does not.

Global money supply means nothing if the pipeline is blocked at the source. The liquidity exists. It just never reaches crypto.

A Fed pivot unplugs that. Until then, Bitcoin is a real rates trade, not a money supply trade.

Miner Capitulation and Energy CostsMiners are bleeding.

Energy costs are surging and miners are the most exposed. Higher fuel bills mean higher production costs, which means compressed margins, which means one thing: forced selling. Miners cannot afford to hold. They dump BTC to cover operational expenses and that selling never stops.

It creates a constant drip of supply into the order book. The market is absorbing it, but it caps every rally before it can breathe. Bitcoin is caught in a double bind. No aggressive inflows because rates kill risk appetite. Consistent outflows because mining costs never sleep.

The ETF data tells the same story. US spot ETFs pulled in $1.16 billion over 7 sessions. Then Wednesday hit. $129 million in outflows in a single day. Price dropped 4% immediately.

The market is fragile right now.

Traders are watching $69,000 to $70,000 as the immediate floor. Lose that level and the mid-$60ks open up. Reclaim $72,000 and it signals the M2 lag is finally starting to resolve.

The liquidity data says a rally is overdue. The tape disagrees. Until the Fed pivots or energy costs ease, every bounce has a ceiling and the bulls have to prove it wrong.

Discover: The best new crypto in the world

The World Trade Center in São Paulo hosted today (18) the first day of MERGE São Paulo 2026 open to the public, an event that brought together leaders from the financial and crypto-asset sectors to discuss the future of digital assets.

The dominant theme of the day was unequivocal: stablecoins have ceased to be a topic restricted to cryptocurrency enthusiasts and have become a central piece of the new global financial infrastructure, with Brazil at the center of attention.

Brazil is Highlighted for RippleThe country has been repeatedly cited as one of the fastest-growing markets for stablecoin-based products. Monica Long, President of Ripple, stated that Brazil is the company’s fastest-growing market in this segment, citing collaboration between the private sector and the Central Bank as a key factor.

“Regulatory clarity is really everything,” she said, emphasizing that the willingness of institutions like Itaú and BTG to adopt new technologies also drives this leadership. Ripple is in the process of obtaining the VASP license in the country to operate in a regulated manner.

Jonathan Levin, from Chainalysis, reinforced this assessment: Brazil was one of the first countries to register organic adoption of stablecoins for import and export operations, with significant volumes visible in blockchain transaction data. He also highlighted the unique coexistence between Pix and the crypto ecosystem, as well as the security challenges that this combination brings.

“Defenders need the same level of technology that attackers have,” Jonathan warned.

Praising the coalition formed by fintechs, banks, prosecutors, and the Brazilian Central Bank to combat fraud.

Brazilian regulation, even more recent than the European MiCA framework, which has been in effect for over a year, was seen as a potential advantage.

“Once the new regulation is in effect, Brazil will likely have an advantage over Europe,” assessed one of the panelists.

From Payments to Capital MarketsWhile stablecoins were previously discussed primarily as payment tools and stores of value, the MERGE panels indicated a significant expansion of use cases toward the institutional market.

André Portilho, from BTG Pactual, described the potential for transformation in the wholesale market: the integration of stablecoins and tokenized funds into repurchase agreements (repos) and collateral management could lead the market, currently operated mostly on an overnight basis, to intraday transactions.

“We are talking about trillions of dollars being moved daily. This completely changes how we interpret these markets,” said Portilho.

Ripple is already conducting pilot projects in this direction, working with Singapore’s DBS bank and Franklin Templeton asset manager on the use of a tokenized money market fund, Benji, as collateral in repo operations.

Aviva Investors, from the UK, is also part of this ecosystem. In the corporate treasury segment, the company highlighted the use of its products by companies such as Core Pay, based in Canada, for the efficient movement of funds between entities worldwide.

Big Players Enter the FieldAdoption by traditional companies was another prominent theme at MERGE São Paulo. A representative from BTC2, a global market maker, cited concrete initiatives:

Stripe invested heavily in stablecoins as its own payment rail Western Union launched its own stablecoin to compete with Tether among its 150 million monthly users; and Fidelity also announced its entry into the segment. Antônia Souza, Director of Blockchain and Crypto for Latin America at Visa, described the company’s strategy as connecting the dots between stablecoins, tokenized assets, and CBDCs, while maintaining a familiar experience for the end user.

“Our goal is that the user doesn’t need to understand what blockchain or stablecoin is. They just need to understand that it’s a solution that solves their problems,” stated Antônia Souza.

Visa already allows issuers and acquirers to settle transactions directly with stablecoins. USDC, USDG, and ROC are already integrated into its global infrastructure, and a stablecoin-backed credit card product is under development.

Ripple Launches Ripple Dollars and Targets Institutional InvestorsRipple, with 13 years in the market and over 75 licenses worldwide, has reinforced its position as a player with regulatory compliance.

Its stablecoin, launched in 2024 and nicknamed “Ripple Dollars” during the panel discussion (alluding to the difficulty of pronouncing the official name RLUSD in Portuguese), is already among the top five dollar-backed stablecoins, distributed on exchanges such as Binance, Kraken, Bitso, and Mercado Bitcoin.

The asset is regulated by the DFS of New York and has approval from the OCC National Trust Charter, with monthly audits by Deloitte.

“We are the only player that can offer the entire end-to-end digital asset lifecycle under one roof,” said Monica Long.

Tokenization and the Future of Financial InfrastructureThe debate surrounding DeFi and tokenization has brought a provocative perspective. André Portilho, from BTG Pactual, questioned the logic of classifying blockchain infrastructures as “risky assets” while governments and the World Bank issue AAA-rated bonds on networks like Ethereum.

“This is an incongruity. Over time, managers will realize that these tracks are, in fact, less risky,” he argued.

Predictions for the coming months include increased participation from the world’s largest banks in the custody of digital assets, significant growth in stablecoins backed by currencies other than the dollar—75% of conversations with Bullish clients already revolve around this topic—and the emergence of tokenized currency markets as a new frontier of innovation.

The Agenda Continues Tomorrow at the WTCMERGE São Paulo 2026 continues tomorrow, Thursday (19), at the World Trade Center, with more panels on DeFi, institutional adoption, regulation and startups.

Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Crypto analyst and trader Ali Martinez has published a post to point out a “strong buying opportunity” presented by XRP to the community at the moment.

This analysis came out after U.S. regulators, the SEC and CFTC, acknowledged XRP and other cryptocurrencies as nonsecurity assets.

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"Strong buying opportunity for XRP"Martinez shared a multiyear XRP chart, showing that Ripple-affiliated cryptocurrency XRP has been gradually ascending from lows hit in 2021. This is clearly visible on the chart. The asset has been following a trendline, showing the current XRP/USD exchange rate near the $1.46 level as potential support.

“This trendline could offer a strong buying opportunity for XRP,” he argues.

SEC acknowledges XRP as digital commodityAs reported by U.Today, two days ago, the SEC, in collaboration with the CFTC, issued a press release announcing a crucial turning point in its policies regarding digital currencies. Unlike the previous SEC administration run by Gary Gensler, the regulator headed by Paul Atkins has now announced that certain cryptocurrencies are no longer considered digital securities.

Aside from Bitcoin and Ethereum, which were named commodities for over a decade now, XRP is now on the list of nonsecurity assets as well. Such popular cryptos as BCH, LTC, XLM, ADA, SOL, HYPE and even meme coins, DOGE and SHIB, are also on that list. The Ripple chief legal officer, Stuart Alderoty, commented on that announcement, saying that the Ripple team has never had a single doubt about XRP not being a security.

The news coincided with XRP growing already at the start of the week, and it peaked on Wednesday at the $1.60 level, which comprised growth of roughly 14%. However, after that, the price reversed, slumping by 11.27%. Over the past 24 hours, XRP slightly pared its losses and is changing hands at $1.45 at the time of this writing.

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Crypto investors are flocking to cloud mining platforms like NOW DeFi as Bitcoin’s wild price swings push them away from traditional trading strategies. The shift comes after Bitcoin hit $80,000 last October before diving into months of unpredictable moves that left many traders burned.

Bitcoin’s October surge to record highs got everyone excited, but the aftermath wasn’t pretty. Since that peak, the cryptocurrency has bounced around like a pinball, making it tough for regular investors to time their moves right. Many folks who bought near the top are still underwater, and that’s driving interest in alternatives that don’t depend on guessing where prices go next. Cloud mining offers something different – a way to earn crypto without betting on market direction.

NOW DeFi stepped up big time.

The platform lets users buy into shared mining operations, earning steady payouts regardless of whether Bitcoin goes up or down. It’s pretty much like owning a piece of a mining farm without dealing with electricity bills or noisy equipment. Users get their share of whatever coins the operation mines, creating a passive income stream that many find appealing in today’s volatile environment.

Platform Sees Major Growth NOW DeFi reported a 30% jump in new users over the past quarter, and those numbers keep climbing. The company’s model resonates with investors who got tired of watching their portfolios swing wildly based on Elon Musk tweets or regulatory rumors. CEO Lisa Chen said the platform now has over 200,000 active participants as of March 2026, up from roughly 150,000 just months earlier.

But it’s not just retail investors paying attention. JP Morgan’s March 2026 report highlighted the trend toward DeFi platforms as institutional players explore partnerships with cloud mining operations. The traditional finance world seems to be warming up to the idea that passive crypto income might be more reliable than trying to time the market.

Alex Thompson, a New York-based crypto enthusiast, called NOW DeFi’s approach a “game-changer” for his investment strategy. He posted on several forums about how the consistent returns beat the stress of watching price charts all day. Thompson didn’t specify exact numbers, but he’s clearly happy with the results.

Regulatory Clouds Loom Regulators aren’t ignoring the DeFi boom. Several countries are taking a hard look at cloud mining platforms, focusing on investor protection and compliance issues. Some jurisdictions already imposed restrictions, while others are drafting new rules that could impact how these platforms operate. Industry observers have noted parallels with Bitcoin Traders Demand Cost Transparency as in recent weeks.

NOW DeFi hasn’t commented publicly on specific regulatory pressures, but the company did implement regular audits and compliance measures. The platform says it’s committed to following local financial regulations wherever it operates. Still, any major regulatory changes could shake up the entire industry.

The broader crypto market keeps reinforcing why investors want stability. Ethereum bounced between $1,500 and $2,000 over recent months, creating the same kind of uncertainty that drove people away from direct trading in the first place.

Venture capital firms are betting on the trend too. Sequoia Capital dropped $10 million into NOW DeFi on March 15, 2026, citing the platform’s innovative approach to passive income generation. That investment signals serious confidence from traditional finance in DeFi’s potential.

A recent Crypto Insights survey found 78% of NOW DeFi users reported satisfaction with their returns, which is pretty solid feedback for any investment platform. The survey didn’t break down exact return percentages, but the satisfaction numbers suggest the model works for most participants.

NOW DeFi launched monthly educational webinars in March 2026 to help users understand cloud mining mechanics better. Chen emphasized that informed investors make better decisions, especially in the complex crypto market. The sessions cover everything from basic mining concepts to advanced DeFi strategies.

The platform’s user-friendly interface and transparent operations helped fuel its growth, according to industry analysts. Unlike some DeFi platforms that require technical expertise, NOW DeFi made cloud mining accessible to regular investors who just want steady returns without the complexity. This development aligns with CoinEx Launches Dual Investment Product as, highlighting broader market trends.

Market volatility shows no signs of stopping, which probably means more investors will keep looking for alternatives to direct trading. Cloud mining platforms like NOW DeFi are positioned to benefit from that trend, assuming they can navigate the regulatory landscape and maintain user trust. The company’s focus on education and transparency might be key factors in staying ahead of competitors in the evolving DeFi space.

Several major cloud mining competitors are scrambling to match NOW DeFi’s growth trajectory. Genesis Mining and Hashflare both launched enhanced user interfaces in early 2026, while NiceHash expanded its DeFi integration features. The competition heated up when Bitcoin’s hash rate jumped 15% in February, making mining operations more profitable across the board.

Institutional adoption accelerated beyond JP Morgan’s initial interest. Goldman Sachs quietly allocated $25 million to cloud mining partnerships in March 2026, according to regulatory filings. Fidelity’s crypto division also started offering cloud mining exposure through select wealth management accounts, signaling mainstream acceptance of the passive income model.

Frequently Asked QuestionsHow does NOW DeFi’s cloud mining work?Users invest in shared mining power and receive portions of mined cryptocurrencies as passive income, regardless of market price movements.

What returns can investors expect from cloud mining?NOW DeFi hasn’t disclosed specific return rates, but 78% of users reported satisfaction with their earnings in a recent survey.

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Stablecoins Move From Payment Rail to Treasury Tool as Finance Leaders Embrace Digital AssetsAt the start of 2026, Ripple surveyed over 1,000 finance leaders worldwide across banks, asset managers, fintechs, and corporates, revealing a clear shift in how institutions view digital assets, especially stablecoins, as they move from experimentation toward practical adoption.

Among all use cases, stablecoins, such as Tether (USDT), Circle (USDC) and Ripple’s RLUSD stand out as the clear leader.

Finance leaders are no longer focused solely on faster settlement, they’re looking at what that speed actually delivers. 

In the survey, 74% of respondents said stablecoins can improve cash-flow efficiency and unlock trapped working capital. The value proposition has expanded beyond payments, now centered on better liquidity management, smarter treasury operations, and overall operational efficiency.

This shift is unfolding alongside increasing regulatory clarity. Last month, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency moved toward formally recognizing stablecoins as a legitimate payment instrument, while its proposed framework, aligned with the GENIUS Act, points to a broader push for structured federal oversight. 

For institutions that have been waiting on the sidelines, this clarity is reducing uncertainty and helping unlock faster, more confident adoption.

Stablecoins Gain Steam as Institutions Embrace Blockchain for Treasury, Liquidity, and Global PaymentsNotably, the implications are clear. Stablecoins are no longer seen solely as an alternative payment rail, but as a practical instrument for balance sheet and treasury management. 

Finance teams are increasingly evaluating blockchain-based settlement to reduce friction, accelerate liquidity cycles, and improve the predictability of cross-border cash flows. The consistency of responses points to a broader shift, this is quickly moving from a niche idea to mainstream thinking among decision-makers.

On the other hand, broader ecosystem developments are adding momentum. Moves like the Florida Senate passing a stablecoin licensing bill show how jurisdictions are beginning to formalize rules around digital payments, while networks such as Solana and Ethereum continue competing for a larger share of stablecoin activity as adoption grows.

Survey insights reinforce the shift. Around 72% of financial leaders now view digital assets as essential to staying competitive, reflecting a move from experimentation to practical implementation. 

Custody remains a key priority, with 89% highlighting secure asset storage as critical, signaling that institutions are not just adopting digital assets, but also building the infrastructure needed to manage them safely.

Taken together, these signals point to a maturing market, where stablecoins are steadily evolving from a niche innovation into a core element of modern financial strategy.

ConclusionThe survey findings and recent regulatory developments signal a clear turning point. Stablecoins such as USDT, USDC, and RLUSD are increasingly viewed not as experimental instruments, but as practical infrastructure for modern finance, supporting payments, liquidity management, and treasury operations. 

As institutions focus on efficiency, secure custody, and competitive advantage, adoption is moving from exploration to execution. 

TLDR Table of Contents

TLDREvernorth and Its $1B XRP Treasury StructureCapital Contributions, Pricing Gaps, and Governance ModelOperational Framework and XRP Deployment StrategyGet 3 Free Stock Ebooks Evernorth filed a Form S-4 registration statement with the U.S. SEC to advance its $1B XRP treasury initiative. The company plans to merge with Armada Acquisition Corp. II and trade publicly under the XRPN ticker. Evernorth raised over $1 billion from Ripple, SBI Holdings, Arrington Capital, Pantera Capital, and Kraken. Arrington Capital acquired shares at $0.33, while SBI Holdings invested at $10 per share. The governance model caps voting power for early low-cost investors but allows broader influence for higher-cost participants. Evernorth Holdings has filed a Form S-4 registration statement with the U.S. SEC to advance its XRP treasury plan. The company outlined a strategy to operate as a regulated public entity focused on institutional XRP exposure. The filing details capital commitments, governance terms, and an active deployment model for digital asset holdings.

Evernorth and Its $1B XRP Treasury Structure Evernorth plans to merge with Armada Acquisition Corp. II and list publicly under the XRPN ticker. The company raised over $1 billion from Ripple, SBI Holdings, Arrington Capital, Pantera Capital, and Kraken. It intends to build what it describes as the largest XRP treasury in the market. It will hold and manage these assets within a structured financial framework.

XRPL dUNL validator Vet described the initiative as an institutional gateway into the XRP ecosystem. He said the structure positions Evernorth as “a massive XRP powerhouse” that converts holdings into working capital. He added that the company will not hold XRP passively but will deploy it across decentralized finance strategies. The SEC has not yet declared the registration statement effective.

Capital Contributions, Pricing Gaps, and Governance Model Vet highlighted disparities in investor entry pricing within the structure. Arrington Capital acquired shares at $0.33 per share as the sponsor. In contrast, SBI Holdings invested at $10 per share. Vet said this pricing gap likely explains the voting caps applied to early, low-cost investors.

He stated that Evernorth limits voting power for sponsors like Arrington Capital. However, it allows unrestricted influence for higher-cost participants such as SBI Holdings. Vet said the governance framework appears designed to reward deeper institutional commitments. The structure reflects varied capital contributions and entry terms.

Ripple committed 126 million XRP to the initiative under the filing. Chris Larsen deployed 211 million XRP through RippleWorks into Arrington-managed funds. He also contributed 50 million XRP through the Larsen Lam Children’s Remainder Trust. These allocations support the overall XRP treasury base.

Operational Framework and XRP Deployment Strategy Pathfinder Digital Assets LLC holds 473 million XRP on behalf of Evernorth. The subsidiary plans to use the XRPL native pathfinding mechanism to manage liquidity. Vet said the firm will optimize capital deployment across network pathways. The structure aims to improve liquidity management within the XRP treasury.

Vet stated that Evernorth will pursue a full XRP DeFi strategy by year-end. He said the company plans to grow the value backing each share through yield-generating activities. The model seeks to transform XRP into productive capital within a regulated framework. Evernorth will move forward once the SEC declares the filing effective.

In a tweet, Ripple Senior Executive Officer/Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Reece Merrick outlines four insights from Ripple's 2026 survey of global finance leaders.

Bitcoin [BTC] declined towards $70,000 at press time, losing 20.2%, yet large holder behavior shifted upward, forming a clear divergence. As price prints lower highs through January and February, ≥100 BTC wallets rise to 20,087–20,102, adding 753 addresses.

This steady expansion during weakness shows strategic accumulation, as strong hands absorb supply released by weaker participants. As selling pressure slows, price begins stabilizing, while wallet growth remains elevated, reinforcing underlying demand.

Source: Santiment At press time, the 100–1,000 cohort reached 18,073 wallets holding 5.193 million BTC, while addresses holding over 1,000 BTC controlled 7.14 million. As older supply stays inactive and new entities enter, liquid supply tightens, reducing downside volatility while increasing the probability of a supply squeeze that can drive a sharp upward repricing once demand returns.

Bitcoin supply tightens as ETF and whale demand align As Bitcoin’s supply tightens under whale accumulation, ETF flows began reinforcing the same structural shift rather than offsetting it. Cumulative inflows surpassed $56.64 billion, or 713,880 BTC, while AUM nears $96.76 billion, reflecting sustained institutional entry.

Although short-term flows fluctuate, including a -$90.20 million session, creations remain, indicating fresh demand rather than internal rotation. As this demand builds, Exchange Balances held near 2.47 million BTC, at press time but trended lower by about 5,500 BTC over 30 days, showing coins steadily leaving liquid venues.

Source: CoinGlass As buy-side pressure persists through positive spot CVD, both ETF flows and whale behavior align, absorbing available supply. This alignment reduces market slack, limits sell-side depth, and increases the likelihood of a demand-driven breakout as liquidity conditions tighten further.

Cover image via depositphotos.com Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

The number of daily payment transactions on the XRP Ledger has recently surpassed 1.5 million, indicating a clear expansion of activity. This milestone supports the idea that XRPL is becoming popular outside of retail speculation, especially in institutional and enterprise-driven use cases. It also shows a consistent rise in network usage.

XRP's network stabilizesThe increase in payments coincides with a comparatively steady increase in active users, suggesting that growth is caused by wider network participation rather than isolated spikes. Recent months’ transaction data indicates a steady upward trend, with sporadic spikes indicating spikes in demand rather than transient anomalies. 

XRP/USDT Chart by TradingViewGenerally speaking, this kind of activity profile is linked to increasing real-world usage, as opposed to purely speculative cycles.

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It seems that institutional adoption is a major factor in this growth. The recent increase in transaction volume indicates that XRP Ledger’s long-standing positioning as an infrastructure layer for cross-border payments and liquidity solutions is gaining traction. 

Increased payment counts are frequently associated with remittance flows, enterprise-level settlement activity and backend integrations, all of which support ongoing network demand.

XRP's ecosystem growsEmerging technologies are also starting to be incorporated into the XRPL ecosystem, especially in the field of autonomous systems. Additionally, AI agents can now use the x402 standard to transact directly on the XRP Ledger. Agents can now execute payments in XRP and RLUSD natively, thanks to this facilitator, adding a new level of automated economic activity.

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This transition to transactions powered by machines is an example of a structural evolution. XRPL is positioning itself as a platform, where programmable agents can communicate, settle payments and function continuously, rather than depending exclusively on human-initiated transfers. 

In the short term, XRP’s price structure is still under pressure, reflecting broader market conditions, even though on-chain metrics are improving. The difference between network activity and price action is noteworthy, though. Even though short-term technicals are still unpredictable, sustained growth in payments and adoption may offer a more robust long-term valuation.

16h05 ▪ 4 min read ▪ by Evans S.

Summarize this article with:

The current signal on bitcoin is quite clear: long-term holders are selling less, and this reduces some of the pressure that weighed on the market. VanEck talks about a “potentially constructive” bias, which does not mean immediate euphoria, but rather ground that stops slipping away under buyers’ feet.

In brief Long-term holders are reducing their positions less. Miners remain under pressure, without selling aggressively for now. The bias becomes more constructive, but macro still holds sway. Old bitcoins move less This change happens in a still nervous market. Bitcoin trades around 71,000 dollars on March 20, 2026, while the macro environment remains tense after the Fed’s decision to keep rates steady and the rise of geopolitical uncertainties. In other words, the foundation improves a bit, but the ceiling has not disappeared.

The central point of VanEck’s report is simple: older wallets are spending less of their bitcoin. The transfer volume dropped month-on-month in all coin age groups, suggesting that the most experienced players are distributing their holdings less than before.

In the same movement, the active supply held by long-term investors went from 31% to 30%. It is not a collapse. It is rather a discreet, almost silent slide, indicating that a slightly smaller share of the old stock circulates in the short term.

This kind of signal matters because the bitcoin market often reverses through wear, not spectacle. When the oldest hands sell less, distribution pressure falls. This does not guarantee an immediate rise, but it removes a real weight on the supply side.

Miners are not panicking yet The other important lesson concerns Bitcoin miners. Their economic situation worsened over the past month: total revenue fell by 11% and sector stocks lost about 7%. However, their outflows to exchanges increased by only 1% in BTC.

This detail deserves close attention. Miners are not in massive capitulation mode. They remain under pressure, but they have not yet turned this pressure into waves of brutal sales. This is one less potential brake for the short-term market.

The nuance, however, is harsher. VanEck estimates that miners hold about 684,000 BTC excluding Bitcoin wallets attributed to Satoshi, down about 0.5% year-on-year, while about 164,000 new BTC were mined in the same period. In plain terms, the sector has almost covered its costs by selling most of the new issuance. And if the price drops sustainably, this restraint may not last.

A calmer blockchain in a more mature market The report also shows a marked slowdown in on-chain activity. Transfer volume fell by 31%, daily fees by 27%, active addresses by 5%, and average fees by 40% over 30 days. Only the total number of transactions slightly increased.

Taken alone, this picture might seem bearish. But VanEck offers a more subtle reading: a growing share of activity is migrating off-chain, towards listed products, derivatives, and other financial channels that do not necessarily create direct settlements on the Bitcoin blockchain. The market is becoming more institutional, thus sometimes less visible through the network’s historical indicators alone.

But to turn this support into a clear recovery, macroeconomics must stop sending contradictory signals. Because nothing is decided yet: Polymarket and Kalshi still see bitcoin below 55,000 dollars by December.

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Fascinated by Bitcoin since 2017, Evariste has continuously researched the subject. While his initial interest was in trading, he now actively seeks to understand all advances centered on cryptocurrencies. As an editor, he strives to consistently deliver high-quality work that reflects the state of the sector as a whole.

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The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.

The FBI just issued a warning about a new crypto scam hitting Tron wallets.

Fake tokens impersonating the bureau are being airdropped directly into user wallets. The tokens mimic official seizure notices, telling holders their assets are frozen over money laundering violations. The goal is simple: panic the user into interacting with the token and hand over their credentials.

This is not a generic phishing attempt. It is a targeted social engineering campaign aimed at high-net-worth wallets, some holding 7-figure USDT balances. The FBI’s New York office issued the warning explicitly, telling users to ignore any token claiming to be from the agency.

The scam tokens were created 8 days before the warning dropped. By the time the alert went out, at least 728 wallets were already holding them.

Key Takeaways

Impersonation Tactic: Scammers are deploying TRC-20 tokens branded as “FBI” assets to intimidate users into disclosing private keys under threat of AML investigation. Wallet Exposure: The campaign specifically targets active Tron wallets, with initial data showing multiple targeted addresses holding over $1 million in USDT. Market Impact: This tactic contributes to a 45% year-over-year increase in crypto fraud losses, signaling a shift from simple smart contract exploits to psychological coercion. The Anatomy of the ‘FBI Token’ ScamThe attack is low cost and high volume. Tron’s cheap fee structure makes it easy to carpet-bomb wallets with fake TRC-20 tokens. One identified address executed roughly 920 transactions for just $40 in TRX fees.

The mechanic runs on fear. Tokens land in wallets with memos claiming assets are frozen over regulatory violations. From there, users are pushed toward phishing sites demanding personal details.

Others fall for address poisoning, where attackers generate addresses matching the first and last characters of legitimate contacts, banking on panic-induced copy-paste errors.

The numbers behind this kind of fraud are not small. The FBI confirmed crypto fraud losses reached billions in 2024, up 45% compared to 2022. The shift is clear. Hackers are targeting the user, not the code.

FBI New York encourages users of the Tron blockchain network to exercise caution if they encounter a token purported to be from the FBI. If you receive a token from an account with the details below, do not provide any identifying information to any website associated with such… pic.twitter.com/VF03sjM4VW

— FBI New York (@NewYorkFBI) March 19, 2026 For exchanges handling TRX transactions, this federal advisory creates a direct compliance problem. A documented warning linking the network to law enforcement impersonation is not something compliance officers can ignore.

With the stablecoin bill in its final stages and pressure mounting on platforms to prove anti-fraud controls, Tron’s dominance in USDT transfers cuts both ways. It is critical infrastructure and the preferred rail for this exact type of scam.

That said, If an unverified token appears in your wallet, do not touch it.

Discover: The best new crypto in the world

Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

The Shiba Inu (SHIB) meme coin has climbed past a key resistance level amid a more than 370% surge in burn rate. At the moment, SHIB is trading at $0.000006, demonstrating a moderate rally on the daily charts after breaking the current resistance zone.

370% spike in Shiba Inu burn rateAs revealed by Shibburn data, the Shiba Inu burn rate surged more than 370% over the past 24 hours. Within this period, 4,274,728 SHIB were permanently destroyed from circulation.

The surge includes notable individual burns, such as 1,000,000 and 2,000,000 SHIB in a single transaction within the past few hours. Meanwhile, smaller burns were in the hundreds to thousands of SHIB.

So far, the total tokens burned is approximately 410,754,572,158,100 SHIB, or roughly 999,982,335,599,865 SHIB, from the initial supply.

Shiba Inu Burn Chart | Source: ShibburnFor context, the Shiba Inu burning is a deflationary mechanism, where SHIB tokens are permanently removed from circulation by sending them to dead wallets. This reduces the massive total supply, theoretically increasing scarcity and supporting long-term price potential if demand rises.

Note that larger jumps in the Shiba Inu burn rate are frequent in the SHIB ecosystem. Sometimes, it is tied to community efforts, large whale transactions or Shibarium activity that burns fees.

These burns are often viewed as bullish signals. This is because they counteract the SHIB hyper-inflated supply and can build momentum.

SHIB breaks key resistanceUnsurprisingly, the 370% burn rate surge coincided with the SHIB price breaking a key resistance level. In the meme coin space, price breakouts often happen alongside heightened community activity, like burns.

According to data from CoinMarketCap, SHIB is currently trading around $0.0000059. In the past 24 hours, the SHIB price surged 3.04%. However, the trading volume dropped 3.4% to $156.5 million.

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Nonetheless, Shiba Inu broke $0.000006 in the short term. Based on technical analysis, the price is building higher lows while pressing into a descending trendline, showing steady accumulation.

In a bullish case, the price may break higher if the resistance is flipped into support. The next key level to watch is resistance near 0.0000065 and support around 0.0000058.

On the flipside, the breakout record could fail, and another pullback might follow if the price gets rejected again from this trendline.

In the past few weeks, the SHIB price has struggled to regain balance after massive liquidity. In one instance, 15.99 billion SHIB long positions were liquidated, while short liquidations only amounted to $11,380.

Bitcoin Cash (BCH), up 2.5% from Thursday, joined Aptos (APT) as a top performer.

On March 17, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) jointly released a regulatory framework that officially classifies XRP as a “digital commodity.” This designation, arguably the most significant regulatory pivot in the asset’s history, places XRP on the same legal footing as Bitcoin and Ethereum, effectively ending the securities debate that has shadowed Ripple Labs since 2020. With the “security” label removed, oversight of XRP spot markets now falls primarily under the CFTC’s jurisdiction, clearing the path for standardized institutional products and potential ETF approvals later this month.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins noted that the framework ends the uncertainty that has plagued the sector for a decade. By formally recognizing that the token’s value is derived from network utility and supply-demand mechanics rather than managerial profit expectations, the agency has effectively validated Ripple’s long-standing defense.

EXPLORE: XRP Price Forms Triple Bottom Structure as XRP Ledger Hits 1B Tokenization

The SEC’s Classification Framework: Where XRP Stands The new 68-page joint guidance moves beyond the piecemeal clarity provided by federal courts over the last three years. While U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres ruled in July 2023 that secondary sales of XRP were not securities, the operational friction of “investment contract” ambiguity remained for institutions. The new framework definitively lists XRP alongside 15 other assets as commodities, signaling that the network has sufficiently decentralized.

This alignment marks a stark departure from the SEC’s previous “regulation by enforcement” strategy. By ceding jurisdiction over the token’s asset status, regulators have removed the specter of future disgorgement penalties similar to those sought in the original 2020 complaint. For Ripple, this is not merely a moral victory but a structural release valve.

Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty welcomed the clarity, crediting the SEC’s Crypto Task Force for finally aligning policy with market reality. The classification dismantles the legal basis for the restricted exchange environments that have handicapped XRP’s liquidity in US markets compared to its global footprint. We suspect that after five years of litigation, the shift to commodity status feels less like a triumph and more like an overdue correction.

Exchange Listings and Institutional Access: What’s at Stake The immediate downstream effect of commodity status is the derisking of custodial services and exchange listings. Pre-2026, compliance departments at major financial institutions treated XRP as radioactive due to the lingering threat of aiding unregistered securities sales. With primary oversight shifting to the CFTC, the compliance burden shifts from securities registration to commodities reporting—a standard far easier for legacy finance to navigate.

The market is now pricing in a rapid acceleration of institutional product launches. Spot XRP ETFs, which have already seen $1.44 billion in cumulative inflows, are facing a final approval deadline on March 27 for the latest batch of applications. With the commodity designation secured, the SEC has little statutory ground to deny these filings, following the precedent set by Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

Furthermore, this clarity reopens the conversation around a potential Ripple IPO. Without the overhang of securities litigation, Ripple’s path to public markets looks significantly clearer, a move that would likely act as a secondary catalyst for the token’s valuation. Large asset managers are no longer forced to rely on complex trust structures to gain exposure.

EXPLORE: BlackRock, Mastercard Explore XRP Ledger Integration

XRP Price Dynamics: How Classification Risk Is Priced In Historically, XRP price action has been a proxy for regulatory sentiment, often decoupling from broader market trends during key court dates. Analysts are now projecting a move toward the $2.50-$4.00 range as the “regulatory discount” evaporates. However, traders should curb immediate enthusiasm; the broader macro environment remains hostile, with oil prices breaching $110 and geopolitical tensions dampening risk asset appetite.

While the “XRP Army” anticipates a vertical repricing, institutional accumulation is likely to be more measured. The market structure suggests a rotation of capital rather than an immediate fresh liquidity injection, particularly as high interest rates persist. Current support levels are being tested against macro headwinds, meaning the “commodity premium” may take quarters, not days, to fully materialize on the chart.

Derivatives markets are already signaling a shift in sentiment. We are seeing a restructuring of open interest as traders position for the March 27 ETF deadline. The removal of the securities label lowers the tail risk for market makers, likely tightening spreads and deepening liquidity across US books.

EXPLORE: XRP Options Battleground: Bulls and Bears Sway Trading

Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.

Altcoin News, XRP News

Daniel Frances is a technical writer and Web3 educator specializing in macroeconomics and DeFi mechanics. A crypto native since 2017, Daniel leverages his background in on-chain analytics to author evidence-based reports and deep-dive guides. He holds certifications from The Blockchain Council, and is dedicated to providing "information gain" that cuts through market hype to find real-world blockchain utility.

The move builds on earlier reports that Ledger is exploring a New York IPO that could value it at more than $4 billion.

TradFi is taking another step into fully embracing bitcoin as an asset. Morgan Stanley is creating its own Bitcoin investment fund that will trade on the stock market like a regular exchange‑traded fund (ETF) share. To get it started, the lender is putting in about $1 million of its own money as seed capital.

A TradFi Bitcoin Trust Morgan Stanley has filed another amended S‑1/A for the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT), confirming ticker MSBT on NYSE Arca. The bank outlined the ticker symbol in a new submission to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, revising the Bitcoin fund proposal it first filed in January.

The Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust would be the first spot Bitcoin ETF not just distribute but directly issued by a major U.S. bank. It would also mark the first time that the seed basket cash will be used to acquire spot BTC before trading begins. We are talking about a 50,000‑share seed basket and roughly $1 million in initial capital.

The trust is set to hold bitcoin via custodians (Coinbase Custody and BNY Mellon under the broader ETF plan), with assets stored primarily in cold storage, and shares reflecting the underlying BTC held. Once it launches, regular investors (especially Morgan Stanley clients) will be able to buy and sell MSBT through their normal brokerage accounts, getting regulated, brokerage‑account exposure to bitcoin’s price without touching self‑custody or spot exchanges directly. The trust will also to support both cash and in‑kind creations/redemptions, giving authorized participants (APs) flexibility, just like the main spot Bitcoin ETFs that launched in 2024

Trading And Risk Assessment However, it is worth noting custodians are not FDIC‑insured. This means that if something goes wrong (hack, theft, failure), you don’t have the government safety net that protects U.S. bank deposits up to a certain amount. Besides that, insurance is through private policies, and the ETF still faces market, regulatory and operational risk, especially in a crowded field dominated by BlackRock’s IBIT and other early movers.

Morgan Stanley already holds hundreds of millions in existing BTC ETFs and is building a broader crypto stack (Ethereum and Solana filings, trust‑bank application for custody, advisor access to BTC products). A bank‑issued MSBT product could normalize bitcoin exposure for traditional wealth‑management clients, strengthen the “Bitcoin as strategic asset” narrative, and extend the institutional ETF cycle.

MSBT’s launch timeline, fee level and early inflows will be key sentiment catalysts. Strong demand could reinforce BTC’s ETF‑driven structural bid, while a lukewarm debut would signal saturation in the U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF trade.

At the moment of writing, BTC trades on the highs $70k. Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview Cover image from Perplexity, BTCUSD chart from Tradingview

Ahmed Balaha

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Ahmed Balaha is a journalist and copywriter based in Georgia with a growing focus on blockchain technology, DeFi, AI, privacy, digital assets, and fintech innovation.

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Morgan Stanley wants to be the first major U.S. bank to launch a spot Bitcoin ETF.

The investment giant just filed an amended S-1 with the SEC. Ticker is locked in: MSBT. Listing target is NYSE Arca. This is not a exploratory move. This is a bank actively pushing toward approval.

What makes this different from BlackRock and the rest? Morgan Stanley has a massive advisory network and plans to use it for direct distribution. That is a serious edge if this gets the green light.

The filing includes seed capital and custody details. That is usually the last step before a launch decision gets made.

The window is closing fast.

Key Takeaways

Ticker & Listing: The Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust will trade under MSBT on the NYSE Arca with an initial seed basket of 50,000 shares. Infrastructure: BNY Mellon will handle cash custody and administration while Coinbase serves as the prime broker for Bitcoin holdings. Market Position: This marks the first major U.S. bank to attempt direct issuance of a spot Bitcoin ETF rather than merely distributing third-party products. The Mechanics of the Morgan Stanley S-1 Amendment Filing ExplainedAn amended S-1 is not just paperwork. It means the SEC is asking questions and Morgan Stanley is answering them. That is an active conversation, not a waiting game.

The latest filing gets specific. Basket size is set at 10,000 shares. Seed basket is 50,000 shares, expected to raise around $1 million.

They even bought 2 shares on March 9 just for auditing. Small moves, but these are exactly what happens right before a listing.

Custody is sorted too. BNY Mellon handles cash and transfers. Coinbase holds the Bitcoin. That split model is becoming the industry standard and the SEC likes it.

Here is the bigger picture though. BlackRock and Fidelity own the asset management lane. Morgan Stanley owns wealth management. Over $1.8 trillion in assets and a direct line to advisor-managed portfolios. By issuing its own ETF, it keeps the management fee instead of handing it to someone else.

The bank is not just selling other people’s products anymore. It is building its own. The ticker is claimed, the infrastructure is ready, and the distribution network is just waiting to be switched on.

Discover: The best new crypto in the world

Ahmed Balaha

Ahmed Balaha is a journalist and copywriter based in Georgia with a growing focus on blockchain technology, DeFi, AI, privacy, digital assets, and fintech innovation.

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Ripple’s survey of more than 1,000 finance leaders found that most believe adopting digital asset solutions is key to staying competitive. Around 74% of the participants say stablecoins improve cash-flow efficiency and unlock working capital. Ripple, the company behind the XRP coin, has conducted a survey of more than 1,000 global finance leaders across banks, asset managers, fintechs, and corporates, in that 72% of them believe that digital asset solutions remain competitive. Their answers showed consensus on stablecoins, tokenization, and partner considerations.  

According to the Ripple survey report published on March 19, among the use cases of all digital assets, financial leaders are most confident in stablecoins because they see them as more than just a quicker way to make payments. 

Rising Momentum in Stablecoins and Tokenization Financial leaders are the most bullish on stablecoins, and 74% of them see it as a tool to increase cash-flow efficiency and facilitate faster settlements. They are increasingly being seen as strategic instruments for treasury management, which shows how blockchain technology may improve value transfer and management more securely in a cautious financial environment.

The report noted, “Between offering crypto wallets to customers and using stablecoins for treasury management in the next one to two years, fintechs are setting the pace for adoption of real-world digital asset use cases,” which showed that among the organizations surveyed, fintechs constantly show leadership in digital assets.

Further, the survey showed that an increased interest has been observed in tokenization, which makes banks and asset managers seek strategic partners for execution. Among them, 89% focus on crypto custody, 82% focus on lifecycle management, and 80% insist on primary distribution. 

Furthermore, 85% of banks value pre-issuance advising services, compared to 76% of asset managers. In stablecoin adoption, 57% favor partners who provide integrated custody and compliance. According to the survey, the majority of institutions prefer to use a single infrastructure supplier for all of their digital asset requirements, which means a one-stop shop for slightly more than half of fintechs and financial institutions.

The Ripple’s report overall findings indicate that institutions are shifting more toward digital asset solutions and seeking reliable partners to back their efforts in crucial areas like tokenization, payments, and treasury.

Highlighted Crypto News:

‌Canada Cracks Down on Crypto Firms Over Non-Compliance

Writer with roots in journalism and international relations, actively exploring blockchain and crypto, with curiosity for the field and a passion for simplifying complex ideas.

XRP’s Quiet Power Play: Whales Load Up as $1.40 Support Holds FirmXRP is quietly staging a calculated comeback, driven not by hype, but by data. Beneath the surface, large holders are accumulating, and market structure is steadily tilting in their favor.

On-chain data shows whale wallets quietly accumulating over 200 million XRP in just two weeks, not through sudden spikes, but via steady, deliberate buying. 

Therefore, the absence of hype-driven moves suggests calculated positioning, signaling confidence in longer-term upside rather than short-term speculation.

XRP is trading at $1.46, per CoinCodex data, with price action pointing to quiet stabilization. 

Source: CoinCodexIt may look flat on the surface, but this kind of tight consolidation often signals a stronger foundation forming, where weaker hands rotate out and larger players gradually take control.

XRP Holds the Line at $1.40 as Quiet Accumulation Builds Toward a BreakoutThe derivatives market is reinforcing confidence in XRP’s foundation. Nearly 25% of open options are concentrated around the $1.40 mark, cementing it as a critical support level. This heavy positioning effectively draws a clear line in the sand, holding above it keeps the broader structure intact and signals underlying strength.

Meanwhile, trading volume is rising across major exchanges like Binance and Upbit, pointing to renewed participation. 

What stands out is the lack of a sharp price surge alongside this volume. That kind of quiet liquidity build is often a sign of accumulation, capital flowing in steadily, without the noise, as stronger hands position for the next move.

XRP has quietly overtaken BNB to reclaim the fourth spot by market capitalization, a move that signals more than just price stability. It points to rising conviction and a strengthening market position.

What’s more telling is the lack of a breakout. This kind of muted price action often accompanies institutional-style accumulation, where larger players build positions before momentum becomes visible not after.

Key levels are now clearly defined. The $1.40 zone remains the foundation; a breakdown here would weaken the structure and likely shift sentiment. 

On the upside, a decisive push above $1.60 would confirm that accumulation has translated into strength, potentially setting the stage for a broader rally.

For now, XRP may appear calm, but beneath the surface, the setup suggests something bigger is quietly brewing.

ConclusionXRP’s current setup isn’t about quick price swings, it’s about positioning. Quiet whale accumulation, firm derivatives support around $1.40, and rising exchange volume all signal a market laying the groundwork for its next move. 

If this base holds, a push above $1.60 could flip sentiment fast and confirm a strengthening bullish structure. For now, XRP sits in a pivotal phase, stable on the surface, but steadily building pressure underneath.

Zcash price fell over 18% from its weekly high to $232, a level that aligns with a key trendline support that could determine whether the current pullback stabilizes or extends further.

Summary

Zcash pulled back over 18% from a recent high to $232, now testing key trendline support after a broader market-driven selloff. Technical indicators, including a green Supertrend and bullish RSI divergence, suggest weakening selling pressure and potential for a rebound toward $265 and $300. Rising shielded pool usage and upcoming network upgrades provide fundamental support, though a break below $230 could expose downside toward $200. According to data from crypto.news, Zcash (ZEC) price shot up to a monthly high of $284 on Tuesday before falling back to $232 at the time of writing.

Zcash price dipped along with the entire crypto market amid a confluence of geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty arising from the U.S.-Iran war and the Federal Reserve’s hawkish tone for interest rate cuts for this year, as it points to persistent inflation as a major concern.

Following the recent drop, the second-largest privacy coin by market cap has consolidated near a descending trendline that it had turned into support following its breakout above it this week. If the token manages to hold the line, it could bounce back to test earlier highs. However, failure to hold above the dynamic support could lead to a deeper correction.

Zcash price is testing a descending trendline support on the daily chart — March 20 | Source: crypto.news Looking at additional technical indicators gives a more grounded view of the possible outlook for the privacy-focused asset. The Supertrend indicator, which helps traders identify prevailing trend directions, has flipped green since Tuesday, a sign that the underlying momentum is shifting in favor of the bulls.

On top of this, the RSI line has formed a bullish divergence with Zcash price since early January this year. A bullish divergence occurs when the price makes lower lows while the indicator makes higher lows. It means that the downward selling pressure is losing its grip despite the falling prices.

Hence, Zcash will likely bounce from the $230 support to $265, the current position of the super trendline, and then to the psychological resistance at $300 if bullish momentum remains strong.

However, if the bearish sentiment prevailing in the broader market latches on to the token’s price action and it loses the $230 support, a drop to $200 becomes a very real possibility.

Bullish catalysts for Zcash price Zcash price has a few fundamental catalysts lined up that could support the technical recovery.

First, the total amount of Zcash held in shielded pools currently accounts for over 30% of the total circulating supply. A surge in this metric means that a greater number of traders are now engaging with the core functionality of the network. This could attract more institutional interest as privacy becomes a more sought-after feature in the digital asset space.

Additionally, the 2026 roadmap for Zcash includes the Crosslink project, which is a move towards a hybrid Proof of Stake model. This transition is expected to lower sell-side pressure from miners and align the network with institutional ESG standards, potentially opening the door for new capital inflows.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

A global Asian food platform and digital asset firm’s holdings are worth more than twice what the entire company trades for on the stock market — a gap that has quietly widened as the firm keeps buying week after week.

Reports show DDC Enterprise Limited‘s 2,383 BTC stash is valued at roughly $165 million. Its stock market cap sits at just $66 million. That spread is not a typo. The Bitcoin in DDC’s treasury is worth more than two and a half times the company’s publicly traded value.

A Steady Drip Of Weekly Purchases DDC did not get here overnight. Since January 2026, the Hong Kong-based firm has added around 1,200 BTC to its holdings — more than doubling what it owned at the start of the year.

Early in January, it was buying about 200 BTC per week. That pace slowed to roughly 100 BTC weekly through February. The latest purchase, announced March 19, adds another 200 BTC at an average price of $79,969 per coin.

🟠 Scoreboard Update

NEW: 200 BTC
TOTAL: 2383 BTC #Bitcoin #BTC #BTCTreasuries #DAT $DDC pic.twitter.com/WVclStdKMW

— ddcbtc (@ddcbtc_) March 19, 2026

The company’s year-to-date BTC yield — a metric measuring Bitcoin growth per share — stands at close to 50%. It now ranks 32nd among publicly traded companies holding Bitcoin worldwide.

CEO and founder Norma Chu has been direct about the strategy. “Every additional Bitcoin we add is a statement about where we think long-term value is heading,” she said in the announcement.

Original Target Still Out Of Reach DDC set an ambitious goal of holding 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025. It didn’t come close. The company closed out last year with 1,183 BTC — well short of the mark.

BTCUSD currently trading at $70,550. Chart: TradingView To fund purchases, DDC has relied on stock sales and equity raises rather than cash from its food operations. In mid-2025, it filed with the SEC to raise $528 million, most of it earmarked for Bitcoin buying.

Bitcoin itself has had a rough stretch recently. The token dropped briefly to $68,800 during early trading Thursday before recovering to around $70,244 — a far cry from its all-time high of $126,000 reached in October 2025. DDC has continued buying through the slide.

Company Eyes Long-Term Hold Through Market Swings Chu has described Bitcoin as one of the most valuable assets of the coming decades, one that complements rather than competes with the company’s food business. DDC operates as a global Asian food platform alongside its growing digital asset arm.

The purchases are being watched. Corporate Bitcoin accumulation has picked up among smaller listed companies following the playbook made famous by larger holders.

DDC is not in that league yet, but at its current rate, the gap between its crypto holdings and its stock price is becoming the more defining number.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Bitcoin investors are buying protection around $50,000 even as the flagship digital asset holds near $70,000 and has recently outperformed gold, the S&P 500, and the US dollar during the ongoing Iran war.

According to CryptoSlate’s data, Bitcoin was trading at about $70,688 at press time, which means hedging around the $50,000 level means investors are guarding against a roughly $20,000 drawdown, even as the spot price remains firm.

The contrast has become one of the clearest signals in the market. Spot Bitcoin has shown resilience through the first phase of the conflict, but the derivatives market still shows traders paying for downside insurance.

On Deribit, the latest public options-flow note showed buying in the $50,000 to $60,000 put zone, along with March put spreads and fresh downside structures after attacks on Middle East energy infrastructure and a hot US producer-price print.

That split suggests investors are no longer treating Bitcoin as a one-directional war trade. Instead, they are weighing two outcomes at once.

One is that Bitcoin continues to absorb geopolitical stress better than many expected. The other is that the oil shock spills into inflation, pushes rate-cut expectations further out, and drags risk assets lower, forcing BTC back toward the low-$50,000s.

Middle East crude is rising faster than BrentOil helps explain why that hedge has stayed in place. Reuters reported Brent settled at $108.65 a barrel on March 19 after reaching an intraday high of $119.13, while West Texas Intermediate touched $100.02 before ending at $96.14. Brent later traded at $107.29 after hitting $119 the previous day.

The Kobeissi Letter, a macro analysis platform, noted that the more severe move has been in the Middle East itself.

Oil Price Across the US, Europe, and the Middle East (Source: The Kobeissi Letter)According to the firm, Dubai crude, a regional benchmark tied more closely to Gulf exports, hit $166.80 on March 19, while physical cargo prices for crude and fuel also set records as the conflict around Iran disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Oman’s oil price rose to $167 a barrel, while Brent remained near $113 and WTI traded around $97, leaving the gap between regional and global benchmarks at one of its widest levels in years.

That divergence has changed the market’s reading of the oil shock. Brent remains the headline benchmark, but the bigger stress is showing up in Gulf-linked cargoes, where traders are pricing the direct effect of disrupted shipping, lower exports, and supply fears around the Strait of Hormuz.

The Kobeissi Letter explained:

“When the war first began, US oil prices surged in the wake of uncertainty. However, as the Strait of Hormuz closed, markets began reassessing risks. While the Strait of Hormuz is closed, ~18% of global crude oil supply is offline.”

So, once that war premium moved from futures into physical barrels, the macro risk became harder for Bitcoin traders to ignore.

That would essentially shift the question for crypto investors from whether oil is rising to whether the rise remains contained in global benchmarks or continues feeding through Middle East cargo markets, keeping inflation pressure elevated for longer.

Why traders are still buying downside protectionThat backdrop is showing up clearly in Bitcoin derivatives.

Deribit’s March 19 note described buying $50,000 to $60,000 puts and said downside protection was provided through April and December risk-reversal structures as the energy shock and inflation data hit the tape.

The current market structure of the flow also adds nuance, with some of the recent downside positions expressed through put spreads and risk reversals rather than outright crash bets.

This suggests a market that manages costs and defines risk rather than simply positioning for panic. Investors are still paying for defense, but they are doing so with targeted structures around a specific lower range.

Meanwhile, broader derivatives data point in the same direction. K33 Research said CME Bitcoin futures open interest had climbed back above 110,000 BTC, while perpetual open interest held between 260,000 and 270,000 BTC.

It also said the seven-day average funding rate was -2.2% and the 30-day average had been negative for 18 consecutive trading days, the longest streak since December 2022.

In practical terms, the futures and perpetuals markets are still leaning defensive, even as Bitcoin trades near the top of its recent range.

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Deribit’s weekly report with Block Scholes showed the same caution in options. BTC at-the-money implied volatility was around 50%, seven-day implied volatility stood at 52%, and the futures-implied yield curve remained flat at 2% to 3% across tenors.

Put-call skew had recovered from the late-February low, but the surface had still not rotated toward calls. So, traders were no longer chasing downside hedges at the same pace as earlier in the month, yet they were still willing to pay for protection.

Glassnode’s positioning data reinforces that picture, showing that perpetual funding remained firmly negative, while directional premium remained bearish, and directional perp premium turned negative for the first time since 2022.

Bitcoin Perpetual Funding Rates (Source: Glassnode)This means that traders were still leaning short even after BTC's recovery from recent lows.

What comes next for BitcoinThe upside case is that this hedge-heavy positioning becomes fuel for a squeeze. Glassnode said the combination of crowded shorts, negative funding, and easing options stress leaves Bitcoin vulnerable to further squeeze-driven upside if spot demand continues to recover.

In that setup, the same defensive posture that now reflects caution could turn into forced buying if traders have to cover shorts into strength.

Meanwhile, CryptoQuant’s more constructive scenario points the same way.

The crypto analytics firm said daily demand from accumulator addresses remained high at 224,700 BTC, above the monthly average, while exchange outflows reached 11,300 BTC in three days. At the same time, the Coinbase Premium remained positive, suggesting US buyers were still active.

Under that view, institutions are absorbing liquidity while retail sells into war headlines, creating the conditions for a bear trap rather than a breakdown.

However, the downside case remains tied to a wider conflict and a more persistent inflation shock. CryptoQuant said that if the US sends more troops to Iran and the conflict escalates further, restrictive Fed policy could remain in place for longer.

In that scenario, BTC's probability of a revisit to the February bottom near $60,000 rises, with the final liquidation zone around $54,800.

For traders trying to time the next entry, the more useful signal may be less about headlines and more about positioning.

Bitcoin Price Momentum (Source: CryptoQuant)CryptoQuant’s framework argues that price could continue to fluctuate between $69,000 and $65,000 amid heavy military tension, with a clearer entry only once the Bitcoin Price Momentum indicator returns toward its balance point near 50 and begins to show a reversal in the support region.

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