CryptoPress

The Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand increased 0.7% in February, significantly outstripping the 0.3% consensus forecast.

On an annual basis, headline wholesale inflation rose to 3.4%, the highest level recorded since February 2025.

Bitcoin and major altcoins saw immediate selling pressure, with BTC dipping below $72,000 as traders recalibrated expectations for 2026 interest rate cuts.

Wholesale prices in the United States rose sharply in February, providing a clear signal that inflationary pressures are persisting across the economy even as the Federal Reserve prepares to conclude its latest policy meeting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Wednesday that the Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand jumped 0.7% for the month, more than double the 0.3% increase expected by economists.

The data revealed that the annual headline inflation rate reached 3.4%, up from 2.9% in January. The surge was driven by broad-based gains in both goods and services. Goods prices led the monthly increase with a 1.1% jump, fueled by a 2.4% rise in food costs and a 2.3% spike in energy. Notably, fresh and dry vegetable prices skyrocketed 48.9%, accounting for a significant portion of the goods advance.

Core PPI, which strips out volatile food, energy, and trade services, also reflected a stubborn trend, rising 0.5% in February. This brought the year-over-year core reading to 3.9%, exceeding the 3.7% estimate. The persistent strength in these figures suggests that upstream costs could continue to filter through to consumer-facing metrics like the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the coming months.

The report’s timing is particularly sensitive as the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is scheduled to announce its interest rate decision later today. While the central bank is widely expected to maintain the federal funds rate in the 3.5% to 3.75% range, the hotter-than-expected data has prompted markets to reconsider the path of future cuts. CME FedWatch data now suggests a tightening window for policy easing, with some analysts pushing the first potential cut to September at the earliest.

“This isn’t the kind of PPI report the Fed wants to see,” said Oren Klachkin, economist at Nationwide Financial Markets. “This report suggests inflation was going to accelerate even before the Iranian conflict hit.”

The cryptocurrency market reacted swiftly to the news. Bitcoin (BTC), which had been trading near $73,000, dropped roughly 2.5% to reach lows around $71,305. Ethereum (ETH) and other major tokens followed suit, as the prospect of “higher-for-longer” interest rates typically weighs on risk assets. Market participants are now focused on Chair Jerome Powell’s afternoon press conference for clues on how the central bank will balance these rising costs against the economic uncertainty stemming from recent geopolitical shifts.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post US Wholesale Inflation Surges as PPI Hits 3.4% Annual High Ahead of Fed Decision appeared first on Cryptopress.

In A Landmark Move That Reshapes The Digital Asset Landscape, The U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) And The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Have Jointly Released A Sweeping 68-Page Guidance Document That Explicitly States Most Digital Assets Are Not Securities. The Guidance, Titled “Application Of The Federal Securities Laws To Certain Types Of Crypto Assets And Certain Transactions Involving Crypto Assets,” Is Being Hailed As The Most Consequential Regulatory Development For Crypto In At Least A Decade.

For Years, The Industry Has Operated In A Fog Of Legal Uncertainty, With Courtroom Precedents Offering Only Fragmented Clarity. Now, Federal Regulators Have Stepped Forward With A Unified Framework That Provides Clear, Consistent Positions Across The Digital Asset Spectrum. The Practical Implications Are Sweeping, As The Guidance Establishes A Definitive Line Between Securities And Non-Securities In The Crypto Realm.

Among The Key Highlights, Bitcoin Mining Rewards Are Not Securities. Staking Assets Are Not Securities. Airdrops Are Not Securities. These Explicit Classifications Remove Longstanding Ambiguities That Have Plagued Innovators And Investors Alike.

The SEC Has Created Five Distinct Buckets To Categorize Digital Assets. Only One Of These Buckets Falls Under SEC Jurisdiction As Securities: “Digital Securities.” The Remaining Four Categories Are Clearly Defined As Non-Securities. They Include Digital Commodities (Examples: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP), Digital Collectibles (Memecoins And NFTs), Digital Tools (Such As Ethereum Name Service), And Stablecoins.

Stablecoins Receive Special Attention In The Guidance. Broadly Speaking, Any Payment Stablecoin Issued By A Permitted Issuer Under The GENIUS Act Is Explicitly Classified As A Non-Security. However, The SEC Notes That Other Stablecoins May Still Be Considered Securities Depending On Their Structure And Use Case. Yield-Bearing Or Algorithmic Stablecoins, For Example, Could Fall Into Potential Gray Zones.

The Joint Guidance Is Designed To Provide Market Participants With A Reliable Roadmap For Compliance And Innovation. By Establishing Clear Definitions And Jurisdictional Boundaries, Regulators Aim To Reduce Litigation And Encourage Responsible Growth In The Digital Asset Sector.

Industry Observers Are Already Calling The Guidance A Watershed Moment. For Developers, Exchanges, And Institutional Investors, The Document Offers A Level Of Regulatory Certainty That Has Been Absent Since The Dawn Of Crypto. For Policymakers, It Represents A Unified Approach To Balancing Investor Protection With Market Innovation.

The SEC And CFTC’s Collaboration Also Signals A Shift Toward Greater Regulatory Cohesion. Historically, The Two Agencies Have Maintained Separate And Sometimes Conflicting Positions On Digital Assets. This Joint Effort Suggests A Recognition That The Complexity Of Crypto Requires Coordinated Oversight.

Market Reaction Has Been Swift. Analysts Note That The Explicit Classification Of Bitcoin, Ethereum, And Other Major Tokens As Digital Commodities Reinforces Their Status As Cornerstones Of The Crypto Economy. Meanwhile, The Clarification On Stablecoins Could Spur New Issuance From Permitted Entities While Forcing Algorithmic Models To Reassess Their Compliance Strategies.

The Guidance Is Not Without Its Caveats. Regulators Emphasize That Facts And Circumstances Still Matter, Particularly For Hybrid Or Novel Asset Structures. Nonetheless, The Overarching Message Is Clear: Most Digital Assets Are Not Securities, And The Path Forward Is Now Defined.

As The Crypto Industry Digests This Seminal Guidance, One Thing Is Certain: The Era Of Regulatory Ambiguity Is Ending. With Clear Rules In Place, The Sector Can Move Beyond Legal Battles And Focus On Building The Next Generation Of Digital Innovation.

The post Regulators Unveil Seminal Crypto Guidance appeared first on Cryptopress.

Bitcoin has decoupled from gold, gaining approximately 7% to 9% since the start of the Iran conflict on Feb. 28, while gold fell nearly 3.7%.

The Federal Reserve’s hawkish hold on March 18, which kept rates at 3.50%–3.75%, pressured traditional risk assets and bullion.

Analysts cite spot demand from U.S. ETFs and 24/7 liquidity as structural reasons for Bitcoin’s relative strength during the energy shock.

Bitcoin has displayed a rare period of outperformance against gold and traditional equities, maintaining its footing even as the Federal Reserve adopted a more aggressive stance and geopolitical tensions sent energy prices soaring. While the broader market retreated following the Fed’s March policy decision, the premier digital asset has increasingly been viewed by institutional players as a partial geopolitical hedge, similar to the role historically reserved for precious metals.

On March 18, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) kept interest rates unchanged at 3.50%–3.75%, but the accompanying “dot plot” signaled a more restrictive future than many anticipated. The central bank raised its 2026 PCE inflation outlook to 2.7%, citing risks from the Brent crude oil spike—which hit $117 per barrel this week—caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While this hawkishness boosted the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) and sent gold tumbling 4% toward the $4,800 level, Bitcoin remained relatively buoyant, consolidating near $73,000 before facing minor volatility.

The divergence between the two assets marks a significant shift in market behavior during global crises. Historically, gold is the primary beneficiary of “risk-off” sentiment. However, the current energy shock has introduced a complex inflationary pressure that has turned gold into a proxy for interest rate sensitivity rather than a pure safety play. In contrast, Bitcoin’s recent resilience is being attributed to a deleveraged market structure and persistent spot demand from Bitcoin ETFs, which recorded over $1.1 billion in inflows during the height of the crisis.

“Bitcoin is absorbing geopolitical shocks faster than any other risk asset — and recovering to higher lows each time. That’s not meme coin behavior. That’s a maturing asset class developing crisis resilience,” noted Arthur Hayes, CIO of Maelstrom, in a recent market update.

As of March 19, market participants are closely monitoring the $70,000 support level. While the Fed’s projection of only one rate cut for the remainder of 2026 serves as a headwind for high-growth assets, Bitcoin’s ability to outperform the S&P 500 and Nasdaq by over 8 percentage points since the conflict began suggests that the “digital gold” narrative is undergoing its most rigorous real-world stress test to date.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Bitcoin Outperforms Gold and Stocks as Geopolitical Stress Tests ‘Safe-Haven’ Narratives appeared first on Cryptopress.

The SEC approved Nasdaq’s rule change to enable tokenized versions of certain securities to trade on its exchange.

Applies to Russell 1000 stocks and ETFs tracking S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 indices.

Tokenized shares trade on the same order book with identical prices, tickers, CUSIP numbers and investor rights.

Settlement occurs through the Depository Trust Company’s (DTC) tokenization pilot for eligible participants only.

Approval follows Nasdaq’s September 2025 filing and builds on its Kraken partnership for tokenized issuance.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has approved Nasdaq’s proposal to allow trading of securities in tokenized form, a significant step toward embedding blockchain technology within traditional U.S. equity markets.

The approval was granted on March 18, 2026, for the rule change filed under File No. SR-NASDAQ-2025-072, enabling DTC-eligible participants to opt for blockchain-based tokenized settlement during the DTC Pilot.

In the official SEC order, tokenized securities will operate alongside conventional book-entry shares on the same venue, maintaining full market surveillance, data reporting and settlement timelines.

Eligible securities include those in the Russell 1000 Index and exchange-traded products tracking major indices, ensuring tokenized versions carry the same economic rights and identifiers as their traditional counterparts.

The framework addresses prior regulatory concerns around surveillance and pricing divergence through amendments, while keeping all activity within existing market infrastructure.

This development follows Nasdaq’s earlier collaboration with Kraken to support tokenized stock distribution and issuance, as reported in industry coverage.

By preserving investor protections and traditional rails, the pilot positions Nasdaq to test more efficient settlement processes without disrupting current operations.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post SEC Approves Nasdaq’s Tokenized Securities Trading Pilot appeared first on Cryptopress.

Senator Tim Scott anticipates receiving a first draft proposal on stablecoin yield language this week.The Senate’s crypto market structure bill has gained momentum after stalling since January over yield payments and other provisions.Negotiations also address DeFi rules, ethics, AML regulations, and quorum issues.Progress follows the House passage of the CLARITY Act and Senate Agriculture Committee markup sent to the floor in January.
U.S. Senator Tim Scott, chair of the Senate Banking Committee, indicated that lawmakers could see a new draft addressing the most contentious element of the stalled crypto market structure bill as soon as this week.
In remarks at the Digital Chamber’s DC Blockchain Summit, Scott expressed confidence in ongoing bipartisan negotiations. The stablecoin yield provision — which would ban issuers and third parties such as exchanges from offering yield payments — has been the primary sticking point, with banking groups warning of potential deposit flight and crypto advocates arguing it limits competition.
“I believe that this week we will have the first proposal in my hands to take a look at,” Scott said, according to CoinDesk reporting. He added that if the draft materializes, “we’re going to be in much better shape,” crediting efforts by Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Thom Tillis, as well as White House official Patrick Witt.
The Senate version of the legislation, which outlines regulatory roles for the SEC and CFTC, has been delayed since a January markup postponement. Other issues under discussion include decentralized finance (DeFi) rules, anti-money laundering (AML) provisions, ethics concerns, and quorum requirements, as noted in Cointelegraph.
Scott described recent progress as building daily momentum: “We have made a lot of progress over the last probably 30 days or so […] every single day it feels like the big momentum is finally on our side.” The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced its portion of the bill to the floor in January, while the Banking Committee oversees SEC-related elements.
While the potential proposal could clarify rules for stablecoins and broader crypto activities, industry participants continue to monitor developments closely. Banking interests have lobbied against perceived loopholes, whereas crypto stakeholders emphasize the need for innovation-friendly frameworks.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.
The post Tim Scott Signals Potential Breakthrough for Stalled US Crypto Market Structure Bill appeared first on Cryptopress.

The SEC and CFTC issued a 68-page joint interpretation on March 17, 2026, clarifying that most crypto assets are not securities.

The guidance establishes five categories: digital commodities, digital collectibles, digital tools, stablecoins, and digital securities.

The interpretation explicitly clarifies that protocol mining, staking, and airdrops generally do not fall under federal securities laws.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have issued a landmark joint interpretation clarifying the application of federal securities laws to the digital asset market. Released on March 17, 2026, the guidance marks a significant pivot from previous regulatory stances by formally asserting that the vast majority of crypto assets do not qualify as securities on their own.

Under the leadership of SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, the commission introduced a new token taxonomy designed to provide long-awaited regulatory certainty. The framework identifies four categories of assets—digital commodities, digital collectibles, digital tools, and payment stablecoins—that are generally excluded from the definition of a security. Only “digital securities,” defined as traditional financial instruments issued via blockchain technology, remain under the SEC’s primary jurisdiction. Assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana were explicitly highlighted as digital commodities rather than securities.

The 68-page document also addresses specific industry practices that have long occupied a legal gray area. The agencies clarified that protocol mining, staking, and airdrops do not typically constitute investment contracts. However, the SEC noted that a “non-security crypto asset” could still become subject to securities laws if it is offered as part of an investment contract—specifically when an issuer induces investment by promising essential managerial efforts intended to generate profit for the purchaser.

“After more than a decade of uncertainty, this interpretation will provide market participants with a clear understanding of how the Commission treats crypto assets under federal securities laws. This is what regulatory agencies are supposed to do: draw clear lines in clear terms,” said SEC Chairman Paul Atkins.

The interpretation also acknowledges the “transitory” nature of investment contracts, stating that an asset initially sold as a security can cease to be one as a network becomes sufficiently functional or decentralized. This alignment between the SEC and CFTC is intended to serve as a bridge while Congress works to pass comprehensive market structure legislation, such as the CLARITY Act, which is expected to reach the President’s desk later this year.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post SEC and CFTC release landmark guidance declaring most crypto assets are not securities appeared first on Cryptopress.

Siren (SIREN) achieved a newall-time high of $0.7877 on March 17, 2026, marking a 400% increaseover the last 30 days.The project, which integrates AI agents withautomated trading, is currently ranked #96 by market capitalization atapproximately $560 million.

Reports of heavyholder concentration and BNB Chain Foundationsupport have surfaced, raising questions about market manipulation andecosystem backing.

The Siren(SIREN) ecosystem, a hybrid protocol combining memecoin elementswith AI-powered trading agents, reached a significantmilestone today as its native token hit a record high of$0.7877. The rally, which saw the asset climb over 400% in a single month, allowed Siren to secure a spot in the top 100cryptocurrencies by market cap, briefly surpassing the ArtificialSuperintelligence Alliance (FET).

Operating on the BNB SmartChain, the token’s ascent has been supported by strategicecosystem movements. Recent on-chain data indicates that a walletassociated with the BNB Chain Foundation provided buying support, possibly as part of the chain’s broader $100 million incentiveprogram for promising projects. This institutional-adjacent interest hasbolstered the “AI agent” narrative that is currently dominating the mid-capmarket on the BNB network.However, the meteoric rise has not been withoutcontroversy. Analysts on Binance Square have pointed to extreme tokenconcentration, with some reports suggesting that the top 10 holders controlmore than 70% of the circulating supply. This centralized structure has ledto warnings of a “heavy-handed operator” capable of dictating price action.Furthermore, emerging reports have scrutinized the project’s “burn”mechanism, with some community members alleging that a supposed dead walletremains active for internal developer transactions.In terms of utility, the Siren roadmap promises an AI Smart Investment Assistant and a full-chaintrading agent. While these features are currently labeled as “coming soon,”the speculative demand for AI-meme hybrids has outpaced product delivery.Technical indicators suggest the rally may be reaching exhaustion;following the peak, SIREN shed approximately 4% of its value, sliding backtoward the $0.75 level as early investors began to realizeprofits.

The market sentiment remains divided between those chasingthe high-beta AI narrative and skeptics wary of the high volatility andpotential for on-chain manipulation. As the token facesresistance at its new peak, the sustainability of its top-100 position willlikely depend on the actual deployment of its automated trading tools andthe transparency of its supply management.

Disclaimer: Thisarticle is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making anydecisions.

The post Siren Hits New Record High Before Facing Whale-Driven Resistance appeared first on Cryptopress.

PayPal has expanded its dollar-backed stablecoin, PYUSD, to 70 markets globally, a major jump from its previous availability in just the U.S. and U.K.

Users in newly supported regions, including Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America, can now buy, hold, and send the stablecoin directly via their PayPal accounts.

The rollout includes a yield-bearing feature, allowing eligible international users to earn approximately 4% rewards on their holdings.

PayPal announced Tuesday the significant expansion of its PYUSD stablecoin to 70 markets worldwide, aiming to streamline cross-border transactions and reduce the friction associated with traditional wire transfers. The expansion marks the fintech giant’s most aggressive push into international digital asset utility since the token’s launch in August 2023.

The newly supported regions include Singapore, Colombia, Peru, and Uganda, among others across Latin America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. While the stablecoin was previously restricted to U.S. and U.K. users, the broader rollout allows millions of additional customers to buy, hold, send, and receive the asset. In Singapore, however, access is currently limited to business account holders.

By leveraging blockchain rails—specifically Ethereum, Solana, and Stellar—PayPal aims to offer near-instant settlement. Traditional international transfers often incur high fees and take days to clear; PYUSD enables users to move value 24/7 at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, eligible users in many of these new markets can now earn 4% annual rewards on their PYUSD balances, positioning the stablecoin as a savings tool in regions with limited access to U.S. dollar-denominated instruments.

“Enabling PYUSD in users’ accounts across 70 markets gives people faster access to their funds, lower-cost ways to send money across borders, and a more direct path to participating in the global economy,” said May Zabaneh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Crypto at PayPal. “The current system still charges too much, takes too long, and settles on timelines that were designed for a different era.”

The market capitalization of PYUSD has seen significant growth over the last year, recently surpassing the $4 billion mark. This momentum is supported by PayPal’s integration of the token into various business verticals, such as enabling YouTube creators to receive payouts via Hyperwallet and pilot programs for on-chain settlement in the trucking and insurance industries.

Issued by Paxos Trust Co. and regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), PYUSD is fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits, short-term U.S. Treasuries, and cash equivalents. The company noted that while the expansion is live, some users in the remaining global markets will see the feature phased in over the coming weeks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post PayPal Expands PYUSD Stablecoin Access to 70 Markets Worldwide appeared first on Cryptopress.

Bitcoin briefly surpassed $76,000 before a sharp retracement.Buyer activity is rebounding after heavy February selling per on-chain metrics.The asset pushed above $75,000 earlier in the session.
Bitcoin’s price action dominated headlines across leading crypto outlets on March 17, 2026, as the asset briefly shattered the $76,000 resistance level before a sharp pullback to $74,000 support. The move underscores the persistent volatility in the world’s largest cryptocurrency even as broader market sentiment shows signs of recovery.
Key levels tested: Bitcoin.com News reported that Bitcoin shattered the $76,000 resistance before the retracement to $74,000 support, highlighting a rapid shift in momentum during the session. Earlier, CoinDesk noted on X that Bitcoin had pushed above $75,000, reflecting initial bullish pressure.
JUST IN: Bitcoin has pushed above $75,000 pic.twitter.com/eQ1xtWQEoz
— CoinDesk (@CoinDesk) March 17, 2026
Decrypt added context by noting that Bitcoin continues to push higher even as macroeconomic tests loom, pointing to potential headwinds from global economic indicators that could influence future price direction. The reporting aligns with observations of renewed buying interest following a period of heavy selling in February.
On-chain data signals shift: In a post on X, Cointelegraph highlighted that buyer activity is returning to Bitcoin after heavy February selling, citing data from CryptoQuant. This rebound in on-chain metrics could indicate strengthening underlying demand, though analysts caution that sustained momentum will depend on external factors.
INSIGHT: Buyer activity is returning to Bitcoin after heavy February selling, per CryptoQuant. pic.twitter.com/WCf9QdUXBn
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) March 17, 2026
The developments come amid a broader crypto market that has seen parallel gains in other assets. For instance, XRP recently surged to $1.52, flipping BNB to claim the No. 4 spot by market capitalization at approximately $92.7 billion, according to CoinDesk reporting. Such movements illustrate how sentiment shifts can ripple across the sector.
While the price action offers opportunities for traders monitoring support and resistance levels, risks remain elevated due to ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties and potential regulatory developments. Investors are advised to track volume trends and key on-chain indicators closely, as short-term volatility continues to characterize the market.
Overall, the session’s price swings reinforce Bitcoin’s role as a benchmark for crypto sentiment, with renewed buyer participation providing a counterbalance to recent selling pressure. Further clarity on macro conditions will likely shape the asset’s near-term trajectory.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.
The post Bitcoin Shatters $76K Resistance Before Retracing to $74K as Buyer Activity Rebounds appeared first on Cryptopress.

The Coinbase Premium Gap has moved into positive territory after 10 consecutive weeks of negative readings.

Analysts view the shift as a bullish signal indicating that U.S.-based institutional and retail demand is finally outpacing global selling pressure.

The recovery in the premium coincides with Bitcoin reclaiming the $73,000 level and a streak of seven consecutive green daily candles.

The Coinbase Premium Index, a critical metric for gauging institutional appetite in the United States, has finally turned green after a prolonged period of dormancy. For the first time in roughly 10 weeks, the price of Bitcoin on Coinbase has begun trading at a premium relative to offshore exchanges like Binance, marking a potential shift in market structure as American buyers resume accumulation.

Data from the past 24 hours shows the premium gap reaching levels around +35 points, a stark contrast to the deep discounts seen throughout February when the indicator plunged as low as -175. This reversal suggests that U.S. institutional demand is waking up, providing a tailwind for Bitcoin’s recent price action, which saw the asset reclaim the $72,700 mark and eye resistance near $74,000.

The premium is particularly significant because Coinbase is the primary platform for U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs and large-scale corporate buyers. When the premium is positive, it indicates that buying pressure on the San Francisco-based exchange is higher than on international platforms, often serving as a precursor to sustained price rallies.

“Several data points show aggressive institutional demand driving the breakout,” noted one CryptoQuant community analyst, highlighting that the Coinbase Premium Gap spike typically signals the entry of serious capital. The move comes alongside a reported $2.1 billion inflow into Bitcoin ETFs over a three-week streak, the strongest such performance in 2026 so far.

Despite the optimism, some market watchers urge caution, noting that while the flip to positive is a necessary first step, its sustainability is key. The current market environment remains sensitive to macroeconomic data, with upcoming CPI reports expected to influence whether this institutional bid can maintain its momentum and push Bitcoin toward the psychological $80,000 barrier.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Coinbase Premium Gap Flips Positive for First Time in 10 Weeks as U.S. Institutions Return appeared first on Cryptopress.

The Pi Network, a mobile-first cryptocurrency often dismissed as experimental, has stunned the market with a 6% surge around Pi Day (March 14), defying broader declines across digital assets. Trading between $0.25 and $0.29, Pi’s rally was fueled by community enthusiasm, large wallet accumulation, and speculation about a potential major exchange listing.

Pi’s uniqueness lies in accessibility. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, Pi can be mined via smartphones, making it a grassroots project with millions of users worldwide. Critics argue its tokenomics remain untested, but supporters see it as a democratized entry point into crypto. The Pi Day rally highlighted this dynamic: while institutional coins struggled, Pi thrived on community-driven momentum.

The surge also reflects growing demand ahead of possible exchange listings. Rumors suggest that Pi could soon secure a spot on a top-tier platform, a move that would dramatically increase liquidity and visibility. For now, Pi remains largely confined to its ecosystem, but the rally shows that speculative energy is alive and well.

Skeptics caution that Pi’s fundamentals are thin, and its valuation could collapse without sustained adoption. Yet, the project’s ability to mobilize millions of users cannot be ignored. In a market dominated by institutional narratives, Pi offers a reminder that crypto’s grassroots origins still matter.

For investors, Pi is both opportunity and risk. Its rally underscores the unpredictability of digital assets, where community enthusiasm can rival institutional flows. Whether Pi becomes a lasting player or fades as hype, its Pi Day surge is a story of crypto’s enduring capacity to surprise.

The post Pi Network Defies Market Trends With Pi Day Rally appeared first on Cryptopress.

BlackRock’s iShares Staked Ethereum Trust (ETHB) recorded $15.5 million in first-day trading volume.

The ETF attracted $43.48 million in net inflows on its debut.

Approximately 80% of assets are staked via Coinbase Prime, with monthly rewards distributed to investors.

BlackRock has launched its first staking-enabled Ethereum ETF, the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust (ETHB), which has posted a robust opening that underscores growing institutional appetite for yield-bearing crypto exposure.

The product, listed on Nasdaq, blends spot Ether holdings with on-chain staking rewards — a new feature for BlackRock’s crypto ETF suite following the success of its spot ETHA fund.

First-day trading volume reached $15.5 million, with 592,804 shares changing hands, according to CoinMarketCap data. Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart described the debut as “very, very solid for a day 1 ETF launch” on X.

The Defiant reported $43.48 million in net inflows and $16.54 million in trading volume on launch day. The fund opened with roughly $107 million in assets, of which about 80% is currently staked.

Custody is handled by Coinbase Prime, with staking performed by validators operated by Figment, Galaxy Digital, and Bitwise-owned Attestant. Rewards are distributed monthly to shareholders. The expense ratio is 0.25%, temporarily reduced to 0.12% on the first $2.5 billion in AUM for the initial year.

This development positions BlackRock to capture demand for total returns from Ethereum while competing with Grayscale’s staking ETFs. Market participants note typical risks, including Ether price volatility and evolving regulatory views on staking within registered products.

The launch aligns with broader tokenization trends reshaping institutional portfolios.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post BlackRock’s Staked Ethereum ETF Records Solid Debut as Institutional Demand Surges appeared first on Cryptopress.

Ultra-short-term contracts on Bitcoin price movement have reached daily trading volumes of $60 million on Polymarket.

The five-minute markets now account for more than half of all cryptocurrency trading on the platform, surpassing traditional daily and weekly predictions.

Sophisticated traders and automated bots are dominating the space, leveraging millisecond advantages to exploit price discrepancies between platforms.

Short-dated cryptocurrency prediction markets are experiencing a massive surge in activity as traders shift toward hyper-liquid, real-time speculative instruments. On the decentralized platform Polymarket, contracts that resolve in just five or 15 minutes have quickly become the site’s most popular offering, generating up to $60 million in daily turnover within just one month of their launch.

Data from Dune Analytics indicates that these ultra-fast markets are significantly outperforming longer-dated crypto predictions. While markets tracking whether Bitcoin will hit a specific price by the end of a day often struggle to break $1 million in volume, the five-minute “Up-Down” bets have captured the attention of a growing demographic of high-frequency traders and retail speculators seeking immediate results.

The rapid growth of these markets has introduced a new level of technological competition. Both retail users and professional firms are increasingly deploying automated trading bots to react to price fluctuations in real-time. This “latency arbitrage” extemdash exploiting the tiny time gaps between price signals from major exchanges like Binance and the prediction platform extemdash has forced Polymarket to experiment with various trading delays and fee structures to maintain market integrity.

“The speed of these trades is addictive,” noted Jon Lourie, founder of prediction markets research firm Polyfactual. “It’s like people just want to get to the resolution time faster and faster. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see one-minute markets in the near future.”

Despite their popularity, the rise of these contracts has drawn scrutiny from regulators and market analysts who argue the products lean closer to gambling than traditional financial hedging. Critics suggest that compressing the time horizon to five minutes strips away the forecasting utility typically associated with prediction markets, turning them into high-stakes digital casinos. Nevertheless, the trend shows no signs of slowing, with competitors like Kalshi also reporting that short-term crypto forwards now represent approximately 50% of their total crypto flow.

The shift highlights a broader transformation in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, where the demand for granular, time-boxed speculation is driving platforms to prioritize execution speed and liquidity over long-term sentiment analysis.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Polymarket’s Five-Minute Bitcoin Bets Hit $60 Million in Daily Volume appeared first on Cryptopress.

Crypto markets closed the week strong on March 16, 2026, with Bitcoin trading near $73,900 after a steady climb and altcoins posting sharp gains. Total market cap topped $2.5 trillion as risk appetite returned, fueled by institutional inflows and memecoin momentum.

Bitcoin rallied sharply this week, climbing from $68,402 on March 9 to $73,945 today and nearing a decisive $74,000 breakout. A push above this level could target $80,000 (former November support), while rejection risks a pullback to the $62,000–$72,000 range. The move coincides with $1.06 billion in weekly inflows into crypto investment products—led by U.S. funds—the third consecutive week of gains, signaling sustained institutional demand despite Middle East uncertainty. Futures open interest jumped 8% to $112 billion with positive funding rates, reinforcing bullish momentum.

Other newsPositive

Memecoin Rally: PEPE surged over 20%, BONK and PENGU double digits; Memecoin Index up 5.2%.

Ethereum Strength: ETH gained 8.7% to $2,280, lifting Smart Contract Platform index 6.3%.

Altcoin Momentum: Ex-Bitcoin market cap +$40 billion in 24 hours; altcoin season index at 48/100.

Institutional Holdings: Bitmine disclosed $11.5 billion crypto stash including 4.6 million ETH.

Tokenization Trend: Tokenized stocks positioned as next big thing with NYSE/NASDAQ backing.

Market Recovery: Total crypto market cap surpassed $2.5 trillion.

Derivatives Activity: Open interest up 8% with positive funding.

Risk-On Sentiment: Crypto firms and U.S. stocks advanced pre-market.

Neutral

Bitcoin liquidity shock builds as exchange balances hit lowest level since 2017.

Negative

XRP demand weakens as David Schwartz weighs in on burn calls.

Crude prices rise over $100 as Trump mulls attacking Iran’s Kharg Island oil facilities.

Venus Protocol left with roughly $2M in bad debt after exploit manipulates Thena’s THE token price.

What coins are moving the most lately?PEPE and Ethereum lead with 20%+ and 8.7% gains respectively over the past 24–48 hours, followed by SOL, DOT, and XRP. Immediate buying opportunities remain limited due to overbought RSI signals on memecoins and strong recent runs.

Bitcoin price evolution this week illustrates the steady recovery and breakout attempt:

The post Weekly Snapshot – BTC Rally Nears $74K, ETF Inflows and Memecoin Surge appeared first on Cryptopress.

BlackRock’s iShares Staked Ethereum Trust (ETHB) recorded $15.5 million in first-day trading volume.The ETF attracted $43.48 million in net inflows on its debut.Approximately 80% of assets are staked via Coinbase Prime, with monthly rewards distributed to investors.
BlackRock has launched its first staking-enabled Ethereum ETF, the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust (ETHB), which has posted a robust opening that underscores growing institutional appetite for yield-bearing crypto exposure.
The product, listed on Nasdaq, blends spot Ether holdings with on-chain staking rewards — a new feature for BlackRock’s crypto ETF suite following the success of its spot ETHA fund.
First-day trading volume reached $15.5 million, with 592,804 shares changing hands, according to CoinMarketCap data. Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart described the debut as “very, very solid for a day 1 ETF launch” on X.
The Defiant reported $43.48 million in net inflows and $16.54 million in trading volume on launch day. The fund opened with roughly $107 million in assets, of which about 80% is currently staked.
Custody is handled by Coinbase Prime, with staking performed by validators operated by Figment, Galaxy Digital, and Bitwise-owned Attestant. Rewards are distributed monthly to shareholders. The expense ratio is 0.25%, temporarily reduced to 0.12% on the first $2.5 billion in AUM for the initial year.
This development positions BlackRock to capture demand for total returns from Ethereum while competing with Grayscale’s staking ETFs. Market participants note typical risks, including Ether price volatility and evolving regulatory views on staking within registered products.
The launch aligns with broader tokenization trends reshaping institutional portfolios.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.
The post BlackRock extquoterightis Staked Ethereum ETF Records Solid Debut as Institutional Demand Surges appeared first on Cryptopress.

TRUMP mania leads the only real heat this week as Fear & Greed drops to 15 — verified CoinGecko movers refuse to stay quiet.
The crypto market this week stayed locked in caution despite brief spikes toward $74K. BTC trades at $71,433 (+4.8% on the week), dominance holds at 56.9%, and total market cap sits at $2.51T with modest +1.5% 24h movement. The Fear & Greed Index plunged to 15 (Extreme Fear) — the lowest sustained reading in over a month — as macro headlines (Iran escalation, oil volatility, U.S. inflation prints) kept investors on edge.
Yet this week feels special: while the broad tape froze, PolitiFi memes and AI/compute tokens delivered the only real volume and percentage heat on CoinGecko. Gala promotions, whale accumulation, and narrative rotation turned these names into the clear outperformers. Here are the 8 shiniest coins lighting up the charts right now — all data verified today.
The Shiny Coins Right Now
1. TRUMP (Official Trump) $3.87
+33% (strong weekly) The PolitiFi leader exploded on gala promotion and massive whale scoops, pushing 24h volume past $1.5B even in the fear regime. Community raids and political narrative tailwinds kept it atop mover lists. Key metric: 24h volume surge to $1.5B+. Short-term outlook (1–4 weeks): Very Bullish — momentum still building. Community joke: “TRUMP to the moon… this time the gala’s real.”
2. Banana For Scale (BANANAS31) $0.0105
+34% This meme play surged hard with sticky degen flows, ranking high among weekly gainers and refusing to fade in the broader bleed. Key metric: 7-day outperformance with elevated on-chain activity. Short-term outlook: Very Bullish — classic high-beta meme heat.
3. Render (RENDER) $1.83
+35% AI/compute narrative kept Render in the spotlight with consistent gains and developer interest driving volume higher than most alts. Key metric: Top-tier 7-day percentage among mid-caps. Short-term outlook: Bullish — AI rotation still has legs.
4. Bittensor (TAO) $232
+31% Decentralized AI leader posted strong weekly moves on compute demand and network upgrades, standing out in the risk-off tape. Key metric: Sustained developer activity and token flows. Short-term outlook: Very Bullish — AI meta refusing to die.
5. DeXe (DEXE) $4.65
+27% DeFi governance play climbed steadily with volume spikes, benefiting from selective rotation into utility tokens. Key metric: 7-day ranking among verified gainers. Short-term outlook: Bullish — quiet strength shining through.
6. Venice Token (VVV) $6.82
+19% AI/DePIN hybrid quietly accumulated gains with solid volume at lower cap, drawing under-the-radar interest. Key metric: Consistent daily interest despite macro fear. Short-term outlook: Bullish — room for narrative rotation.
7. Hyperliquid (HYPE) $36.7
+22% Perpetual trading L2 continued its resilient run with inflows and on-chain metrics holding strong. Key metric: Elevated open interest in a flat market. Short-term outlook: Bullish — infrastructure play holding heat.
8. PYTH (PYTH) $0.0485
+15% (recent pops) Oracle network saw fresh volume on data demand, delivering relative strength in the selective tape. Key metric: 24h volume spikes tied to ecosystem activity. Short-term outlook: Cautious — steady but watch macro.
Hidden Gem of the Week
Banana For Scale (BANANAS31) ~$0.0105 – Market cap well under $2B Still flying low despite weekly surges and meme energy. At this valuation it offers massive asymmetry if PolitiFi rotation continues — we’ve been watching this one closely for breakout potential.
One to Watch Closely
TRUMP – Already the week’s biggest story but ultra-high beta. Next week could bring either a violent squeeze on more whale buying or sharp rekt if promotion hype cools. Pure PolitiFi lottery ticket — NGMI if you chase without stops.
Closing paragraph
What the shiny coin rotation tells us is simple: even in deep Extreme Fear at 15, capital is laser-focused on PolitiFi memes with real volume and AI/compute utility that deliver actual catalysts. Blue-chips tread water while these narratives post the only green. We’re in a regime where promotion + whales + on-chain metrics beat broad sentiment every time — until the fear gauge finally flips.
See you next week for more Shiny Coins on Cryptopress.site
The post Shiny Coins #10 – PolitiFi Memes & AI Compute Ignite in Extreme Fear appeared first on Cryptopress.

In the bustling streets of Córdoba, Argentina, on a crisp autumn afternoon in 2025, a local entrepreneur named María stands at her small electronics shop counter. She’s staring at her phone: the peso has slipped another 3% against the dollar overnight. Her savings in the bank are evaporating faster than she can sell inventory. But she doesn’t panic like she did in 2023. Instead, she opens her wallet app, checks the automatic interest accrual on her tokenized U.S. Treasury position, and smiles—another small daily yield has landed, stable, predictable, and earning more than her local bank ever offered. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the quiet reality emerging in places like Argentina, where people once turned to stablecoins just to preserve value. Now they’re moving up the yield curve, into real assets tokenized on blockchain rails.

Welcome to RWA 2.0—the evolution beyond cash-like stablecoins into higher-yielding, programmable versions of traditional finance: tokenized Treasuries that pay interest automatically, private credit pools offering 8–12% returns to everyday lenders, and the early stirrings of tokenized equities that settle instantly. While stablecoins built the on-ramp and saved millions from currency crises, 2026 is shaping up as the year non-stablecoin RWAs explode—projected to grow more than 4× while outpacing stablecoin expansion, according to the Keyrock/Dune “12 Charts to Watch in 2026” report.

As of mid-March 2026, distributed onchain RWA value (excluding stablecoins) sits at approximately $26.78 billion (per RWA.xyz dashboards), up sharply from ~$6.5–6.6 billion a year earlier—a near 4× jump already in the rearview. Represented underlying value exceeds $350 billion, showing how tokenization is unlocking liquidity without displacing custodians. Messari’s Crypto Theses 2026 frames this as the true TradFi × Crypto convergence: not crypto replacing banks, but banks and asset managers upgrading to programmable, 24/7 infrastructure.

Understanding Real World Assets (RWAs): From Concept to Onchain Reality

Real World Assets (RWAs) bring off-chain value—U.S. Treasuries, private loans, bonds, real estate, commodities, equities—onto blockchain as tokens. Tokenization creates a digital twin: the asset stays in regulated custody, but ownership and rights become programmable via smart contracts.

Early roots trace to 2017 invoice-financing experiments on Centrifuge. The 2023–2024 inflection came with institutional products: BlackRock’s BUIDL, Franklin Templeton’s BENJI, Ondo’s USDY/OUSG. By late 2025, non-stablecoin RWAs reached ~$18 billion (Messari estimates). Today’s $26+ billion figure reflects steady weekly inflows, not hype spikes.

RWA 1.0: Stablecoins as the Lifeline That Set the Stage

Stablecoins were the first real-world bridge. By early 2026, supply exceeds $300 billion, with trillions in monthly volume. In Argentina—where crypto ranks among global top adopters—they became digital dollars: instant, borderless, inflation-resistant.

They solved preservation and settlement. But they’re low-risk cash equivalents. As global rates compress, plain stablecoin yields shrink. Savers seek the next rung: assets with real, diversified returns that still live onchain.

Enter RWA 2.0.

The Mechanics of Tokenization: Step-by-Step for Non-Stablecoin Assets

Asset & Wrapper — Manager acquires Treasuries/private loans; places in SPV/trust with regulated custodian (e.g., BNY Mellon).

Token Mint — ERC-20 (or equivalent) tokens issued 1:1 backed. Smart contracts accrue yield automatically.

Compliance Layer — Tokens restricted to KYC’d wallets via platforms like Securitize.

Onchain Life — Transfer, collateralize in Aave/Compound, lend, compound.

Data & Redemption — Oracles (Chainlink) feed NAV/interest; redemption returns underlying (with settlement delay).

Leading Issuers Quietly Scaling RWA 2.0

Growth concentrates among credible builders:

Ondo Finance — Dominates tokenized Treasuries (USDY, OUSG); ~$2.5B+ TVL, integrates deeply into DeFi.

Maple Finance — Private credit leader; syrup vaults pool for institutional borrowers, 8–12% yields; strong share in onchain credit.

Centrifuge — Invoice/mortgage/trade finance pioneer; powers SME lending and institutional CLOs.

Others: BlackRock BUIDL (~$2B), Franklin BENJI, Securitize rails.

These aren’t retail pumps—they’re institutional-grade plumbing.

Issuer Primary Focus Approx. AUM (Mar 2026) Typical Yield Range Key Strength Ondo Tokenized Treasuries $2.5B+ 4–5% DeFi composability & tooling Maple Private Credit $1.5B+ 8–12% Vetted institutional borrowers Centrifuge Invoices & Real Credit $1B+ 6–10% SME access & diversified pools BlackRock BUIDL Treasuries ~$2B 4–5% Institutional trust & scale

Source: RWA.xyz, protocol data Why Non-Stablecoin RWAs Will Outgrow Stablecoins in 2026

Keyrock/Dune forecast: non-stablecoin RWA AUM >4× in 2026, surpassing stablecoin growth (which slowed to 1.5× in 2025). Drivers:

Yield hunger — Stablecoin yields compress; credit/equities offer more.

Composability — Tokenized assets plug into perps, vaults, lending for compounding.

Institutional treasuries — Corporations use onchain RWAs for 24/7 cash management.

Regulatory green lights — DTCC/SEC moves, EU MiCA, U.S. GENIUS Act enable scale.

Private market liquidity — Fractional access to illiquid credit/equities unlocks trillions.

Smoother issuance — Weekly, consistent growth from established rails.

Messari calls it TradFi upgrading rails. The mix shifts: cash-like Treasuries → higher-yield private credit → tokenized equities/ETFs.

Challenges and Risks Ahead

Regulatory patchwork across jurisdictions.

Credit/default risk in private pools.

Thin secondary liquidity outside Treasuries.

Custody/oracle dependencies.

KYC friction limiting pure DeFi reach.

Mitigations: insurance layers, diversified funds, maturing bridges.

Future Outlook: Onchain Capital Markets Take Shape

Analysts eye $100B+ non-stable RWAs by late 2026, with equities following credit. In emerging markets, this means seamless global-yield access without forex pain or controls—transformative for savers like María in Córdoba.

Longer horizon: trillions migrate as infrastructure solidifies.

Key Takeaways

Stablecoins saved value; non-stable RWAs grow it.

4× growth forecast for 2026, led by credit and Treasuries.

Builders like Ondo, Maple, Centrifuge deliver real utility.

Higher yields + programmability = powerful combo.

Risks exist, but regulation and tech are closing gaps.

For anyone in Argentina or similar environments: RWA 2.0 offers a practical next step beyond holding stablecoins. Explore compliant platforms, verify custody, start small with diversified Treasury/credit exposure.

Want more evergreen crypto education? Subscribe to Cryptopress.site for deep dives into blockchain mechanics, adoption stories, and real-world finance intersections. Check our pieces on stablecoin lifelines in high-inflation zones and the rise of onchain yield. The future isn’t just digital money—it’s tokenized, productive, and increasingly accessible to everyone.

The post RWA 2.0: Why Non-Stablecoin Tokenization Could Outgrow Stablecoins in 2026 appeared first on Cryptopress.

Digital assets are displaying a notable degree of resilience as the broader financial landscape grapples with the fallout of the escalating conflict in the Middle East. While Brent crude oil surged past $100 per barrel on Thursday following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Bitcoin continued to trade with relative stability, reaching highs near $71,200. The largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization has remained largely unperturbed by the volatility that has weighed heavily on global equity markets. The divergence between traditional risk assets and crypto may be attributed to increased demand for liquidity and 24/7 market accessibility in regions affected by banking closures. Bitcoin has effectively held a support level around $70,000, even as the S&P 500 and other major indices retreated due to concerns over inflation and energy supply shocks. Major altcoins, including Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Dogecoin (DOGE), followed suit with modest gains of roughly 2% over the last 24 hours. Infrastructure-focused projects within the decentralized AI sector also saw significant tailwinds. General Tensor, formerly known as General TAO Ventures, announced the completion of an oversubscribed $5 million funding round. The seed round was led by Good Morning Holdings—an affiliate of Goldman Sachs—with participation from Digital Currency Group and Lvna Capital. The startup focuses on operating mining and validation infrastructure for the Bittensor (TAO) network, claiming to produce tokens at a 40x cost-efficiency compared to direct market purchases. On the derivatives front, Hyperliquid saw a massive spike in activity as traders sought exposure to the energy crisis. The platform’s HYPE token surged 13% to reach an intraday high of approximately $35.28. This move coincided with oil-linked perpetual futures becoming the second-most traded asset on the exchange, trailing only Bitcoin. The surge in volume highlights a growing trend of crypto participants using decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols to hedge or speculate on traditional commodity risks. “Operational alpha outperforms passive accumulation. We generate TAO at a fraction of market cost. That’s what makes us an interesting investment target,” said Mike Grantis, CEO of General Tensor. Despite the bullish price action in specific sectors, the geopolitical situation has forced some logistical retreats. The Open Network (TON) recently announced the cancellation of its Gateway Dubai event scheduled for May, citing safety concerns in the UAE. However, other major industry gatherings like Token2049 are still slated to proceed as planned, reflecting the industry’s cautious but determined outlook. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Crypto Markets Show Resilience as Bitcoin Holds $70,000 Amid Middle East Conflict appeared first on Cryptopress.

SEC and CFTC signed MOU on March 11, 2026, to guide collaboration on financial regulation.

Agreement targets harmonization to end duplicative rules and support innovation.

Specific priority: Fit-for-purpose regulatory framework for crypto assets.

Launches Joint Harmonization Initiative for policy, oversight, and enforcement.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have taken a major step toward ending years of regulatory overlap with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding.

The MOU, detailed in the official fact sheet, focuses on coordination in rulemaking, supervision, and enforcement to foster lawful innovation, uphold market integrity, and protect investors.

SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins described the pact as “a roadmap for a new era of harmonization” essential for U.S. leadership in financial innovation. CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig emphasized the need to modernize frameworks for seamless oversight.

Key elements include clarifying product definitions through joint interpretations, streamlining regulatory reporting for trade data and intermediaries, and developing a tailored framework for crypto assets and emerging technologies. The agreement also reduces frictions for dually registered entities and calls for regular staff meetings and data sharing on issues of common interest.

For crypto market participants, the development offers potential relief from long-standing jurisdictional uncertainty, which has complicated operations for exchanges, projects, and investors. While the pact signals a shift toward clarity and a “minimum effective dose” of regulation, its real-world impact will hinge on follow-on rulemakings and implementation.

This coordination arrives as digital assets increasingly intersect with traditional finance, positioning the U.S. to compete more effectively on the global stage.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post SEC and CFTC Sign Landmark MOU for Coordinated Crypto Oversight appeared first on Cryptopress.

The Cardano Foundation officially released CIP-0113, a new standard that introduces programmable logic directly into native assets.

The update allows issuers to embed compliance rules, such as KYC/AML checks and “freeze-and-seize” capabilities, aimed at institutional adoption.

This milestone follows the recent launch of Cardano futures on CME Group and the integration of USDCx, signaling a shift toward regulated financial infrastructure.

The Cardano Foundation has announced the release of the Programmable Tokens Platform, powered by the new CIP-0113 standard. This development represents a structural shift for the network, evolving its native tokens from simple digital assets into “smart objects” capable of enforcing complex regulatory and operational rules at the protocol level. The move is specifically designed to attract institutional issuers of stablecoins, equities, and real-world assets (RWAs) who require granular control over asset transfers.

Prior to this update, Cardano native tokens were praised for their security and efficiency wo they do not require smart contracts for basic transfers wo but they lacked the on-chain logic necessary for regulated environments. Under the CIP-0113 framework, issuers can now attach modular compliance logic. This includes automatic verification against sanctions lists, restricting transactions to verified accounts (whitelisting), and the ability to freeze assets in response to legal mandates.

“CIP-0113 defines a standard for programmable tokens, enhancing native Cardano assets with customizable rules that are automatically enforced every time a token is transferred, minted, or burned,” explained Giovanni Gargiulo, Senior Blockchain Architect at the Cardano Foundation. He noted that the standard gives financial institutions the confidence to ensure compliance features evolve alongside regulatory developments.

The technical architecture introduces script-controlled addresses, often referred to as smart accounts. Tokens issued under this standard reside within these accounts, where a script validates every movement before authorization. This ensures that assets cannot move freely unless they satisfy the pre-defined rules set by the issuer, a departure from the permissionless nature of standard ADA transactions.

This launch is part of a broader push to position Cardano as a viable institutional-grade blockchain. It follows the February 2026 debut of ADA futures on the CME Group and the mainnet launch of USDCx via Circle’s xReserve framework. By providing a standardized way to handle regulated instruments, Cardano aims to eliminate the need for bespoke, non-scalable solutions that have previously hindered enterprise adoption.

The standard is currently live on the Cardano Preview testnet, allowing developers and institutions to test compliance substandards in a sandbox environment before full-scale deployment. The Foundation has invited community feedback and scheduled a technical deep-dive for March 19, 2026, to further facilitate ecosystem integration.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Cardano Activates CIP-0113 Standard to Bring Programmable Tokens to Institutional Markets appeared first on Cryptopress.