Crypto World
Binance’s CZ Surpasses Bill Gates in Forbes Wealth Rankings at $110 Billion
TLDR
- Changpeng Zhao’s wealth is pegged at $110 billion by Forbes, securing him the 17th position globally
- This valuation positions CZ above Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who sits at $108 billion
- Zhao challenged the assessment publicly, noting cryptocurrency valuations collapsed more than 50% in 2026
- CZ’s fortune stems primarily from owning approximately 90% of Binance equity, rather than cryptocurrency tokens
- The exchange commands roughly 38% of worldwide crypto trading volume and pulled in an estimated $16–17 billion during 2024–2025
Changpeng Zhao, who founded the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, now ranks above Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in wealth, according to fresh estimates from Forbes. The publication’s March 10 assessment values Zhao’s fortune at roughly $110 billion.
This valuation secures Zhao the 17th spot on Forbes’ worldwide billionaire rankings. Gates trails slightly behind at approximately $108 billion.
Zhao established Binance, which has become the dominant force in cryptocurrency trading globally. His tenure as chief executive ended in 2023 following a guilty plea to charges related to inadequate anti-money laundering compliance.
The legal settlement required Zhao to pay $50 million personally and complete a four-month sentence at a California correctional facility. Separately, Binance settled with authorities for $4.3 billion in fines.
Though no longer serving as CEO, Zhao reportedly maintains ownership of roughly 90% of Binance’s equity. This substantial stake forms the foundation of his estimated net worth.
Financial experts place Binance’s valuation near $100 billion. The platform facilitates tens of trillions in trading activity annually between spot markets and derivatives.
The exchange captures approximately 38% of worldwide cryptocurrency trading activity. Revenue projections suggest Binance pulled in $16 billion to $17 billion throughout 2024 and 2025 combined—roughly 2.5 times Coinbase’s $6.6 billion yearly intake.
Zhao responded skeptically to Forbes’ wealth calculation soon after its publication. Writing on X on March 11, he highlighted that digital asset prices had declined over 50% during 2026 and questioned the logic behind an increased net worth estimate.
“Wish they can apply some common sense and basic logic,” he wrote.
How Exchange Owners Can Gain During a Market Downturn
Cryptocurrency trading platforms generate income through transaction fees independent of price direction. Market turbulence typically drives higher trading activity, potentially boosting exchange earnings even as asset values contract.
This mechanism may account for why Binance’s valuation remained stable or expanded despite broader market contraction.
Zhao’s personal cryptocurrency portfolio hasn’t shown similar resilience. His reported holdings of approximately 1,400 Bitcoin depreciated roughly 25% over twelve months, now worth about $100 million. This represents only a minor fraction of his total estimated wealth.
Some observers on social platforms suggested Zhao profited from short positions during October 10’s crypto market collapse, which triggered massive liquidations in derivatives trading. Zhao refuted these claims directly, stating: “Never shorted.”
Where Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP Stand Now
When Forbes released its assessment, Bitcoin was exchanging hands near $71,000, with Ethereum hovering around $2,080 and XRP trading close to $1.40.
Binance additionally operates BNB Chain, a blockchain platform with its own native cryptocurrency. The ecosystem maintains a market capitalization approaching $88 billion.
Crypto World
TRUMP meme coin retraces sharply as team moves 5 million tokens
- TRUMP meme coin slides to $2.86 amid selling pressure.
- The team has moved 5 million tokens to Binance, sparking fears of a sell-off.
- The key support sits at $2.80 with $2.50 as the next downside level.
The price of Official Trump (TRUMP) memecoin has fallen sharply as selling pressure continues to dominate the market.
The politically themed meme coin is trading around $2.86 after losing more ground over the past 24 hours.

This drop extends a deeper slide that has pushed the token down more than 16% over the last week.
The continued decline has left the asset hovering near its lowest levels since its explosive debut rally.
Analysts now believe the current move reflects a broader loss of momentum rather than a brief pullback.
Sentiment around the token has also cooled significantly as the excitement that once fueled its rapid rise fades.
Official Trump team moves $5 million tokens to Binance
The situation intensified after reports emerged that wallets connected to the project moved roughly five million TRUMP tokens to the exchange Binance.
The transfer was valued at more than $17 million at the time it occurred.
Large movements of tokens to exchanges often raise concerns that insiders may be preparing to sell, and such activity can quickly trigger anxiety among traders who fear additional supply entering the market.
That fear alone can be enough to push prices lower as investors rush to exit positions.
In this case, the timing of the transfer has added to the already bearish mood surrounding the token.
The market had already been showing signs of weakness before the transaction became public.
Selling pressure has remained steady for several weeks, preventing any meaningful recovery attempts.
Even brief rebounds have struggled to gain traction as traders continue to reduce exposure.
Lower trading volume in recent sessions also suggests that buying interest has faded.
When demand weakens during a downtrend, sellers often dictate the market’s direction.
This pattern has been clearly visible in the recent price action.
Other micro and macro factors affecting TRUMP meme coin
Bitcoin (BTC) has slipped slightly during the same period, adding to a risk-off environment for digital assets.
Although the wider market declined modestly, meme coins tend to respond more aggressively to shifts in sentiment.
Assets driven largely by hype and narrative often struggle when traders become more cautious.
The TRUMP token is particularly sensitive to sentiment because its appeal is closely tied to the public perception of Donald Trump.
As political narratives shift, investor enthusiasm for the coin can change just as quickly.
This connection between politics and price action has made the token one of the most sentiment-driven assets in the crypto space.
Recent developments suggest that the speculative energy surrounding the project is waning.
Without fresh catalysts or renewed social media hype, the token has struggled to attract new buyers.
That lack of momentum has left the coin vulnerable to extended corrections.
The sharp drop from its peak earlier in the year highlights how quickly meme-driven rallies can reverse.
What once looked like unstoppable momentum has turned into a steady downtrend.
For now, traders appear to be waiting for clearer signals before committing to new positions.
TRUMP price forecast
From a technical standpoint, the most important support level is near $2.80.
Holding above this level could allow the token to stabilise and enter a consolidation phase.
Such a period of sideways movement would indicate that selling pressure is beginning to slow.
However, a decisive break below $2.80 could open the door to another wave of losses, with the next key level traders should watch around $2.50.
A move toward that area would continue the current bearish trend.
On the upside, the first sign of strength would be a recovery back above the $3.00 mark.
Reclaiming that level could signal that the recent downtrend is losing momentum.
Until that happens, the overall market bias remains cautious.
Traders should also pay close attention to Bitcoin’s direction, which often sets the tone for the broader crypto market.
A stronger push from BTC could help restore confidence across altcoins and meme tokens.
If that occurs while the TRUMP meme coin holds key support levels, the chances of a recovery rally would improve.
However, for now, the market remains fragile, with sentiment still leaning bearish.
Crypto World
Nebius (NBIS) Stock Surges 16% Following Nvidia’s $2B AI Infrastructure Investment
Key Highlights
- Shares of Nebius Group surged 16.14% Wednesday following Nvidia’s announcement of a $2 billion strategic investment.
- The partnership aims to deliver more than 5 gigawatts of AI computing power before 2031.
- The agreement grants Nebius priority access to Nvidia’s cutting-edge computing platforms and involves joint development of massive AI facilities.
- The AI cloud provider has secured $20.4 billion in commitments from tech giants Microsoft and Meta, targeting $7B–$9B in annual recurring revenue by year’s end.
- Competing neocloud providers CoreWeave (CRWV) and IREN saw gains of 9.4% and 10% respectively following the announcement.
Shares of Nebius Group rallied 16% during Wednesday’s trading session after chip giant Nvidia disclosed a $2 billion investment in the Amsterdam-headquartered AI cloud infrastructure provider. The capital infusion is tied to a strategic alliance focused on scaling AI computing capabilities globally.
Nvidia characterized the investment as a testament to Nebius’s technical expertise and execution capabilities. Under the agreement, both organizations will collaborate on architecting and rolling out next-generation AI data center facilities, with Nebius receiving preferential access to Nvidia’s emerging computing platforms.
The strategic alliance extends to joint development of software infrastructure and management systems designed to operate massive AI computing environments. According to Nebius, this partnership will accelerate the expansion of computing resources across its worldwide network.
Unlike traditional hyperscale cloud providers, Nebius operates as a neocloud—a cloud infrastructure company engineered from the ground up exclusively for artificial intelligence applications. This specialized, efficiency-focused approach has proven attractive to enterprise customers with substantial AI requirements.
Microsoft has committed to procuring $17.4 billion worth of computing capacity from Nebius across a five-year timeframe. Social media giant Meta subsequently signed a separate $3 billion agreement. These contract values indicate serious enterprise adoption.
The company projects it will bring between 800 megawatts and one gigawatt of connected computing power online by late 2026. Power agreements already in place exceed three gigawatts of contracted capacity.
Management forecasts annual recurring revenue will reach the $7 billion to $9 billion range by the conclusion of this year. For an organization that remains relatively unknown to many investors, this represents a dramatic scaling trajectory.
Earlier in the month, Nebius obtained regulatory clearance to construct a 1.2-gigawatt data center complex in Independence, Missouri. The facility is anticipated to generate approximately 1,200 construction positions and 130 full-time operational roles.
The Missouri development also incorporates over $650 million in tax incentive payments distributed across two decades. This structure signals long-term commitment from both the company and local government.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang characterized Nebius as constructing an AI cloud infrastructure purpose-built for the agentic intelligence era, with complete integration spanning from chip architecture to application software. Such public validation from Huang carries significant influence within the AI infrastructure ecosystem.
Broader Market Impact
The Nvidia-Nebius partnership triggered gains beyond NBIS shares alone. CoreWeave (CRWV) advanced 9.4% Wednesday in a sympathy move. Nvidia maintains a substantial ownership position in CoreWeave and announced an additional $2 billion investment in January.
Smaller competitor IREN appreciated 10% during the session. Market participants interpreted the Nebius transaction as validation for the entire neocloud business model.
This marks Nvidia’s third $2 billion infrastructure commitment in recent weeks. In the preceding week, the semiconductor manufacturer announced matching $2 billion investments in both Lumentum and Coherent to advance optical networking technologies critical for AI data center operations.
Nvidia’s Infrastructure Push
The Nebius investment announcement arrives concurrent with Oracle revealing it has locked in more than 10 gigawatts of power capacity and corresponding data center infrastructure scheduled to come online within the next 36 months.
Oracle’s infrastructure expansion supports an approximately $300 billion cloud services agreement with OpenAI. Nvidia has separately invested $30 billion directly in OpenAI.
Nebius carried a market capitalization slightly above $24 billion based on Tuesday’s closing price. Nvidia’s $2 billion commitment equals approximately 8% of that valuation.
Crypto World
Bitcoin supply shock brewing as whales stay inactive and exchange reserves fall
Bitcoin could be approaching a supply shock phase as retail investors sell under pressure while long-term holders keep their coins dormant, according to a new market analysis by CryptoQuant.
Summary
- CryptoQuant says Bitcoin may be entering a supply shock phase as whales remain inactive and retail investors sell at a loss.
- Around 71% of Bitcoin UTXOs remain profitable, while roughly 28% are currently underwater, reflecting stress among short-term holders.
- Bitcoin exchange reserves have fallen by about 204,000 BTC in 2026, potentially tightening supply and setting the stage for a price surge.
At the time of the report, Bitcoin (BTC) was trading around $69,446, with blockchain data showing that 71.41% of all unspent transaction outputs (UTXOs) remain in profit.
UTXOs represent Bitcoin that has not been spent since its last transaction and are often used to gauge investor profitability across the network.
Despite the majority of holders sitting on gains, roughly 28.58% of UTXOs are currently at a loss, signaling that some market participants, primarily short-term traders, are experiencing financial stress.
CryptoQuant analysts say this pressure is largely concentrated among short-term holders rather than large investors.
Retail selling contrasts with whale dormancy
Data from the Spent Output Profit Ratio for short-term holders (SOPR-STH) shows a reading near 0.97, indicating that this group is selling coins at a loss.

This dynamic suggests that the current selling pressure is driven primarily by retail investors exiting positions during periods of market volatility.
Meanwhile, large holders—often referred to as whales—have remained largely inactive, with older bitcoin holdings showing little movement on-chain.
Analysts interpret this dormancy as a sign that institutional or long-term investors remain confident in Bitcoin’s broader market outlook.
Exchange reserves decline as coins move off trading platforms
Another key signal highlighted in the analysis is the continued decline in Bitcoin exchange reserves.

Year-to-date, reserves have dropped from 2.990 million BTC to 2.786 million BTC, representing a reduction of roughly 204,000 BTC across trading platforms.
Such outflows often indicate that investors are transferring coins to cold storage or long-term custody wallets rather than preparing them for immediate sale.
According to CryptoQuant, this trend suggests coins are gradually moving from “nervous hands” to longer-term holders.
The combination of falling exchange reserves and inactive whale wallets could set the stage for a potential supply shock.
A supply shock occurs when sell-side liquidity becomes scarce, meaning fewer coins are available for sale on exchanges. If demand rises during such conditions, prices can move sharply higher.
CryptoQuant analysts argue that the current market environment reflects “fear exhaustion,” where retail capitulation gradually clears excess selling pressure.
If that forced selling cycle ends while long-term holders continue to hold their positions, the market could enter a phase where reduced supply amplifies the impact of new demand on Bitcoin’s price.
Crypto World
US prosecutors urge judge to deny SBF retrial bid, report says
Prosecutors asked a federal judge to deny Sam Bankman-Fried’s bid for a new trial, arguing that the former FTX chief failed to meet the legal standard for retrial. The filing arrives as Bankman-Fried continues to press post-conviction appeals while the fallout from FTX’s collapse remains a touchstone for regulators and investors alike. In the February motion, prosecutors contend that testimony from former FTX executives Ryan Salame and Daniel Chapsky does not rise to “newly discovered evidence” and therefore should not warrant another trial, according to court documents cited by Bloomberg. The broader case — which culminated in a November 2023 verdict on seven counts of fraud and conspiracy and a 25-year prison sentence — continues to unfold through procedural challenges rather than fresh courtroom battles. The legal trajectory now centers on whether the retrial motion will proceed and how the Second Circuit will handle ongoing appeals.
Key takeaways
- Prosecutors maintain that the bar for retrial is not met because the witnesses cited by the defense were known to the defense before the 2023 trial, undermining the claim of newly discovered testimony.
- The defense argues that testimony from Salame and Chapsky could alter the government’s portrayal of FTX’s finances, potentially weakening the prosecution’s narrative.
- Judge Ronnie Kaplan has not yet ruled on whether the motion for a new trial will move forward; prosecutors were ordered to respond by March 11.
- Bankman-Fried remains engaged in an appellate battle in the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, separate from the retrial motion.
- Public speculation about possible presidential pardon has accompanied the legal proceedings, though public signals from political figures have varied and progress remains uncertain.
Sentiment: Neutral
Market context: The case sits at the intersection of a high-profile enforcement effort against a failed crypto exchange and broader concerns about market integrity, investor protections, and regulatory clarity in the wake of FTX’s collapse.
Why it matters
The pursuit of a retrial in Sam Bankman-Fried’s case underscores how federal courts handle post-conviction challenges in complex financial fraud prosecutions tied to the crypto sector. The defense’s argument revolving around “newly discovered evidence” hinges on whether testimony from Salame and Chapsky truly represents information that could alter the outcome of the trial, or whether it is something the defense could have anticipated given the broader context of FTX’s finances. The prosecutors’ counterargument, grounded in standard legal thresholds, is a reminder that retrials are far from routine and require tangible, timely facts that could meaningfully shift juror conclusions.
Beyond the courtroom mechanics, the proceedings carry implications for market sentiment, investor trust, and the regulatory posture toward crypto entities. The case has already shaped debates about how closely government witnesses’ accounts align with the realities of a quickly evolving crypto business, and whether retrospective disclosures can meaningfully affect previously admitted narratives. As the Second Circuit review progresses, the crypto industry will watch for signals about how aggressively courts will test witness credibility and financial disclosures in high-stakes prosecutions tied to digital-asset platforms.
On the political front, the possibility of a presidential pardon has lingered alongside courtroom developments. While public comments from figures such as former President Donald Trump have varied, the absence of a clear public commitment to pardon Bankman-Fried leaves the legal avenues—appeal, retrial, or other remedies—as the dominant channels for potential relief. The interplay between criminal rulings and political signals continues to shape expectations about how the sector is treated at the highest levels of government, even as the immediate judicial question remains narrowly focused on the retrial standard and the admissibility of newly presented testimony.
The procedural cadence in this matter remains precise: the defense’s motion was filed in February, prosecutors were directed to file a response by March 11, and the court will then decide whether the retrial request advances to a full consideration. In parallel, Bankman-Fried’s appeal in the Second Circuit proceeds on its own timetable, potentially setting up a long legal saga that could influence how future cases are framed and adjudicated in the crypto space.
What to watch next
- March 11: Deadline for prosecutors’ response to the retrial motion, and any subsequent ruling on whether the motion will proceed.
- Judicial rulings in the Second Circuit regarding the ongoing appeal of Bankman-Fried’s conviction and sentence.
- Any new filings or突inations from the defense that could outline additional grounds for post-conviction relief.
- Related public statements or filings from the parties that could influence the narrative around FTX’s finances and the government’s portrayal at trial.
Sources & verification
- Bloomberg report detailing prosecutors’ response and the status of the retrial motion, including the claim that the witnesses cited by the defense were not newly discovered (Bloomberg: sam-bankman-fried-shouldn-t-get-new-trial-prosecutors-argue).
- Cointelegraph articles covering SBF’s retrial efforts, the government’s response, and related court actions (SBF new trial fraud case; SBF trial court government response; FTX SBF Caroline Ellison Donald Trump; Donald Trump no pardon SBF).
- Public information on Bankman-Fried’s November 2023 conviction on seven counts and the subsequent 25-year sentence (as reported in coverage linked above and related Cointelegraph reporting).
Retrial bid in the SBF case: prosecutors push back as court awaits ruling
The dispute over whether Sam Bankman-Fried deserves a fresh trial centers on the nature of new testimony and what constitutes newly discovered evidence. Prosecutors argue that the proffered witnesses — Salame and Chapsky — were known to the defense before the 2023 trial, calling into question the legal standard for a retrial. This stance is grounded in the procedural framework that governs post-conviction relief, where the bar for presenting new facts that could alter a jury’s verdict is intentionally high. If the court accepts the prosecutors’ reasoning, the retrial request could be dismissed without a full evidentiary hearing.
From the defense side, the motion contends that the witnesses’ testimony could significantly reshape the government’s portrayal of FTX’s financial condition prior to its collapse. The defense argues that Salame and Chapsky could undermine the government’s accounting narrative and, by extension, the jurors’ understanding of the company’s inner workings. The tension between these positions highlights the delicate balance courts must strike between administrative efficiency and ensuring that any potentially exculpatory information is weighed fairly.
Judge Kaplan’s determination will hinge on whether the defense can demonstrate that the testimony constitutes a material discovery that was not reasonably accessible at trial and could have altered the outcome. The government’s response, due by March 11, will likely crystallize the judge’s approach to the motion. If the court signals that it will permit further argument or even a limited evidentiary hearing, the retrial process could extend well beyond a single ruling, prolonging a saga that has already spanned multiple years.
Bankman-Fried’s broader legal journey includes an ongoing appeal in the Second Circuit, adding another layer of complexity to an already intricate case. While the retrial matter is distinct from the appellate path, both avenues collectively shape the fate of one of the crypto industry’s most consequential legal episodes. The conviction and sentencing in 2023 marked a watershed moment, but the post-conviction phase continues to reverberate through courtrooms and industry discourse, influencing risk assessments, regulatory expectations, and the broader narrative surrounding accountability in crypto markets.
Crypto World
Alibaba (BABA) Stock Falls Despite Morgan Stanley Upgrade to Top China Tech Choice
Key Takeaways
- Alibaba shares have declined more than 7% in 2026, currently valued at 16x forward earnings — beneath its historical 10-year average of 19x
- The company reports quarterly results March 19, with analysts projecting $1.67 EPS (down 43% YoY) on $42.1 billion revenue
- BABA has been elevated to Morgan Stanley’s premier China technology investment, displacing Tencent from that position
- Mizuho analysts maintain a $195 price objective, while sum-of-parts analysis indicates potential value reaching $213
- Morgan Stanley projects China’s AI chip market will expand to $67 billion by 2030, achieving 76% local production independence
The year 2026 hasn’t been kind to Alibaba shareholders. Shares have tumbled over 7% since January, pressured by competitive threats in artificial intelligence, uncertainty surrounding corporate strategy, and persistent worries about consumption patterns in China.
Alibaba Group Holding Limited, BABA
Yet a mounting chorus of Wall Street voices believes the decline represents an overreaction.
The stock’s current valuation stands at 16 times projected forward earnings. This marks a discount to its decade-long mean of 19x and represents a significant gap compared to Amazon‘s approximately 26.5x multiple. Barron’s observed the shares appear technically oversold based on recent indicators.
Investors will get fresh financial data when Alibaba unveils fiscal third-quarter results on March 19. The Street anticipates earnings per share of $1.67, representing a steep 43% decline from the prior-year period, while revenue is forecast at $42.1 billion — reflecting 9% growth.
While the earnings contraction appears substantial, the revenue trajectory suggests underlying business momentum. Company leadership will have an opportunity to directly address shareholder concerns during the earnings conference call.
A significant area of uncertainty revolves around Alibaba’s Qwen artificial intelligence division. Media reports have highlighted management restructuring and executive exits within that unit, sparking speculation about strategic disagreements regarding AI priorities.
Citigroup’s Alicia Yap acknowledged these reports in her analysis. However, she emphasized that Qwen experienced robust order volumes during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday period, serving as an important indicator of market demand.
Qwen has been embedded throughout Alibaba’s flagship consumer properties — including Tmall, Taobao, Freshippo, and Alipay. This represents substantial distribution scale for an AI-powered product.
Cloud Division Remains Underappreciated
Mizuho’s Wei Fang contends that Alibaba’s cloud computing segment isn’t receiving appropriate recognition from investors. She characterizes the company’s underlying fundamentals as “incrementally healthier, driven by AI-accelerated growth.”
Fang positions Alibaba’s cloud infrastructure as China’s strongest. The unit competes head-to-head with Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure on the global stage.
Her formal price objective sits at $195 per share — representing 43% appreciation from present trading levels. When applying a sum-of-parts valuation framework, she identifies even greater potential worth at $213 per share, with e-commerce and cloud operations accounting for the majority.
She additionally calculates that Alibaba’s remaining business segments, combined with its cash holdings and investment portfolio, contribute approximately $25 per share in standalone value.
Morgan Stanley Elevates BABA to Premier Position
Morgan Stanley took a more decisive stance this week, designating Alibaba as its premier investment recommendation within China’s technology sector — supplanting Tencent from that role.
The investment bank emphasized Alibaba’s comprehensive capabilities spanning the entire AI value chain: semiconductor chips, cloud infrastructure, foundational AI models, and consumer-facing applications.
Regarding AI semiconductors specifically, Morgan Stanley asserts Alibaba’s internally developed chips rank among the industry’s best. They position the company as China’s number-one and the world’s fourth-largest cloud infrastructure operator.
The bank also highlights Alibaba’s open-source AI model initiatives, which have achieved extensive international adoption.
Looking forward, Morgan Stanley projects the total addressable market for AI chips within China will expand to $67 billion by decade’s end. Their analysis anticipates domestic production capabilities will satisfy 76% of demand by that timeframe.
Alibaba’s earnings release is scheduled for March 19.
Crypto World
Metaplanet stock drops despite new Bitcoin venture and asset management push
Shares of Japanese investment firm Metaplanet Inc declined Thursday despite the company unveiling a major expansion of its digital asset strategy, including a ¥4 billion venture initiative focused on the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Summary
- Metaplanet Inc shares fell about 4.6% despite announcing two new crypto-focused subsidiaries.
- The company will invest ¥4 billion through Metaplanet Ventures to support the Bitcoin ecosystem in Japan.
- Its first venture investment includes up to ¥400 million in JPYC, Japan’s licensed yen stablecoin project.
The company’s stock closed around ¥352, down roughly 4.6% on the day, according to market data, even as management outlined plans to deepen its involvement in crypto infrastructure and financial services.

In a statement posted by CEO Simon Gerovich on social media, Metaplanet said its board approved the creation of two wholly owned subsidiaries: Metaplanet Ventures and Metaplanet Asset Management.
Metaplanet Ventures will focus on investing in companies building financial infrastructure around Bitcoin in Japan. The firm plans to deploy ¥4 billion over the next several years across sectors such as lending, payments, custody, derivatives, compliance tools and stablecoin infrastructure.
“Metaplanet Ventures is our commitment to Japan’s Bitcoin ecosystem. We’ll be investing ¥4 billion over the next few years into companies building Bitcoin financial infrastructure in Japan,” the post said.
The venture arm will also launch an incubator for early-stage founders and provide grants for open-source developers and researchers working on Bitcoin-related technologies.
Gerovich said Japan already has one of the world’s strongest regulatory frameworks for digital assets but still needs more companies building the infrastructure required for institutional adoption.
The first investment from the new venture unit will be up to ¥400 million into JPYC, which operates Japan’s first licensed yen-denominated stablecoin.
The company is also launching Metaplanet Asset Management, a Miami-based platform designed to connect Asian and Western capital markets through digital credit and Bitcoin-linked investment strategies.
According to the CEO, the new unit will focus on products tied to yield, equity, credit and volatility strategies within digital asset markets.
The expansion reflects Metaplanet’s broader ambition to position itself as a bridge between traditional finance and the emerging Bitcoin capital markets ecosystem.
Metaplanet stock market reaction remains cautious
Despite the strategic announcement, the market reaction appeared muted. The company’s shares fell during the trading session after initially rising earlier in the day.
The decline suggests investors may be waiting for clearer details about the revenue potential of the new initiatives or how quickly the venture investments could translate into returns.
Metaplanet has increasingly positioned itself as a corporate advocate for Bitcoin adoption in Japan, mirroring strategies seen in other publicly traded companies that integrate digital assets into their broader financial strategy.
Crypto World
BYDFi Perpetual Futures Data Now Live on TradingView
[PRESS RELEASE – Victoria, Seychelles, March 12th, 2026]
BYDFi announced the integration of its perpetual futures market data into TradingView, enabling traders to access real-time pricing and crypto market signals directly within TradingView charts. The integration supports more efficient workflows by bringing BYDFi derivatives data into a familiar charting environment used by traders worldwide for crypto futures analysis.
Market Signals in View, Strategy in Sync
With BYDFi perpetual futures data available on TradingView, users can monitor price action, volume dynamics, and market structure signals on TradingView while keeping their chart workflow anchored to BYDFi as the data source, ranging from BTCUSDT perpetual futures price action to broader trends across crypto derivatives markets. This reduces context switching for active traders who rely on technical indicators, pattern tools, and multi-timeframe analysis.
BYDFi, Built for Active Derivatives Traders
- Derivatives Depth and Execution: With a derivatives lineup designed for different risk preferences and trading approaches, BYDFi supports 500-plus perpetual contracts with leverage options up to 200x, backed by advanced execution and risk controls for high-leverage crypto trading, helping users approach perpetual contracts trading in a more structured way.
- Global Scale and Responsible Participation: Founded in 2020, BYDFi serves over 1,000,000 users across 190+ countries and regions. BYDFi holds MSB licenses in the U.S. and Canada and is a member of South Korea’s CODE VASP Alliance, reflecting an ongoing focus on operational transparency and responsible market participation.
- Support and Safeguards for Users: Maintaining over 1:1 Proof-of-Reserves with periodic public reporting, BYDFi prioritizes transparency alongside an 800 BTC Protection Fund. 24 by 7 multilingual customer support and timely responses across official channels, including social media, reinforce BYDFi’s user first service standard.
How to Access BYDFi Perpetual Futures Data on TradingView
Users can view BYDFi perpetual futures market data on TradingView in a few quick steps:
- Open Symbol Search on TradingView and enter BYDFi.
- View the full list of available perpetual futures contracts.
- Select a trading pair to view live price data and use TradingView’s analysis tools to refine your market view and timing.

Michael, Co-founder and CEO of BYDFi, commented: TradingView is one of the most widely used charting platforms for traders. Bringing BYDFi perpetual futures market data into TradingView helps traders streamline analysis and stay closer to the signals that matter. BYDFi will continue improving infrastructure, product depth, and user protections to support more informed decision making in fast moving markets.
About BYDFi
Established in 2020, BYDFi is a global crypto trading platform that combines the power of a centralized exchange (CEX) with its on-chain trading engine, MoonX. BYDFi is Newcastle United’s Exclusive Official Crypto Exchange Partner. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Crypto Exchanges in Canada for 2026, BYDFi offers intuitive, low-fee trading across Spot and Perpetual Contracts to Copy Trading, and Automated Crypto Trading Bots, empowering both new and experienced traders to navigate digital assets with confidence.
BYDFi is dedicated to delivering a world-class crypto trading experience for every user.
BUIDL Your Dream Finance.
- Website: https://www.bydfi.com
- Support email: cs@bydfi.com
- Business partnerships: bd@bydfi.com
- Media inquiries: media@bydfi.com
Twitter( X ) | LinkedIn | Telegram | YouTube | TikTok | How to Buy on BYDFi
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Crypto World
Pi Network’s PI Pumps After Big Listing, Bitcoin (BTC) Stalls Below $70K: Market Watch
Meanwhile, the two top gainers from the largest 100 alts today are HYPE and SKY.
Bitcoin failed at over $71,000 once again yesterday after the latest volatile session prompted by the developments in the Middle East, and now struggles below $70,000.
Most larger-cap alts have posted minor gains on a daily scale. ETH has managed to defend the $2,000 level, while HYPE has jumped to $37 after an 8% increase.
BTC Beneath $70K Again
After last Wednesday’s rejection at the monthly peak of $74,000, bitcoin headed straight south in the following days. Although it remained around $68,000 over the weekend, it dipped to $65,600 on Monday morning when most legacy financial markets opened.
The bulls finally intervened after this decline and helped the asset recover over five grand by Tuesday, when it jumped to nearly $72,000. However, it couldn’t keep climbing and dipped to $69,000 on Wednesday. The US CPI numbers came out, matching expectations, and BTC remained relatively still below $70,000.
A few hours later, though, it jumped above $70,000 and even $71,000 briefly after the POTUS said there’s “practically nothing left to target” in Iran. That was a short-lived bounce, though, as bitcoin has lost the $70,000 since then and now struggles just below it.
Its market capitalization remains inches below $1.4 trillion on CG, while its dominance over the alts is still beneath 57%.
PI, HYPE, SKY Jump
Most larger-cap alts have remained relatively sluggish daily, with the big news coming from ETH, which managed to remain above the coveted $2,000 support. HYPE has outperformed its competitors, skyrocketing by over 8% daily to a local peak of $8.50. TAO and SKY are the other notable gainers from this cohort of alts.
Pi Network’s native token received major adoption news from Kraken, as the veteran exchange said it would enable PI trading as of March 13. The asset remained flat at first, but it has gained almost 5% daily and peaked at $0.24 minutes ago. It’s among the few alts with massive double-digit gains over the past week and month.
The total crypto market cap has remained relatively still since yesterday, currently sitting at just over $2.450 trillion on CG.
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Crypto World
US prosecutors urge judge to reject Sam Bankman-Fried’s bid for new trial
US prosecutors have asked a federal judge to deny a new trial for Sam Bankman-Fried, arguing that the disgraced crypto entrepreneur has not shown any legal basis for overturning his conviction tied to the collapse of FTX.
Summary
- US prosecutors asked a court to deny Sam Bankman-Fried’s request for a new trial.
- They argue he failed to prove his conviction tied to FTX was unjust.
- Bankman-Fried previously claimed new witnesses could challenge the prosecution’s case about the exchange’s finances.
According to a report by Bloomberg, prosecutors told the court that Bankman-Fried’s motion fails to demonstrate that his original trial was unfair or that new evidence would meaningfully alter the verdict.
Bankman-Fried was convicted in 2023 on fraud and conspiracy charges related to the downfall of FTX and is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence.
In February, Bankman-Fried filed a motion requesting a new trial, arguing that newly available testimony from former FTX executives could undermine the prosecution’s narrative about the exchange’s financial condition.
The filing claimed that additional witnesses might refute the government’s argument that customer funds were misused and that the exchange faced a multibillion-dollar deficit.
Bankman-Fried also alleged that some testimony presented during the original proceedings was misleading and said the new evidence could demonstrate that FTX was experiencing a temporary liquidity crisis rather than insolvency.
The retrial request was submitted under Rule 33 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, which allows courts to order a new trial if it is deemed necessary “in the interest of justice.”
Prosecutors say arguments lack merit
Prosecutors pushed back strongly in their latest filing, stating that Bankman-Fried’s arguments do not meet the legal threshold required for granting a new trial.
They argued that the proposed witnesses either do not qualify as new evidence or would not materially change the outcome of the case. Prosecutors also maintained that the original trial included extensive testimony and documentation demonstrating that billions of dollars in customer funds were misappropriated.
As a result, they concluded that there is no justification to reopen the case, urging the judge to reject the request.
The dispute marks the latest chapter in the legal battle surrounding the dramatic collapse of FTX in 2022, which triggered one of the largest scandals in the history of the crypto industry.
Crypto World
Wells Fargo Submits WFUSD Trademark Application for Potential Stablecoin and Blockchain Payment Services
Key Takeaways
- A trademark application for “WFUSD” was submitted by Wells Fargo to the USPTO between March 9 and March 10, 2026, encompassing digital wallets, cryptocurrency payment systems, trading infrastructure, and asset tokenization capabilities.
- While the application doesn’t guarantee a product release, it indicates the financial institution may be developing a blockchain-based payment token or U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin.
- Three distinct classification categories are included in the trademark: technology software, financial service offerings, and technical infrastructure solutions.
- The bank has previous experience with blockchain initiatives, including a 2019 “Wells Fargo Digital Cash” pilot program, plus strategic investments in cryptocurrency companies such as Elliptic and Talos.
- This trademark filing arrives during ongoing congressional efforts to establish stablecoin regulations, while competing institutions like JPMorgan, Bank of America, and Citigroup develop their own blockchain settlement systems.
A recent trademark filing by Wells Fargo with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for “WFUSD” has ignited discussions about the banking institution’s potential plans to launch a stablecoin product.
Documented under serial number 99693533, the application was filed between March 9 and 10, with public records becoming visible on March 11, 2026. The official applicant is listed as Wells Fargo & Company.
This represents a standard character mark submission without any accompanying visual design or logo elements. The designation “WFUSD” follows familiar patterns seen in dollar-backed stablecoin naming structures, capturing interest from both cryptocurrency enthusiasts and traditional finance analysts.
Three international classification categories are encompassed by this trademark filing. The first addresses downloadable software applications designed for digital asset management, cryptocurrency transactions, and wallet operations, alongside blockchain infrastructure capable of facilitating stablecoin transfers.
The financial services component encompasses cryptocurrency trading platforms, digital asset brokerage operations, virtual currency payment processing systems, settlement services using blockchain technology, cryptocurrency staking programs, and oracle services providing financial data to smart contracts.
The third classification addresses technical infrastructure components, featuring software-as-a-service solutions for asset tokenization, blockchain-powered trading network operations, plus security and verification systems for decentralized application environments.
Wells Fargo’s Previous Blockchain Initiatives
Wells Fargo has established experience working with distributed ledger technology. The institution introduced “Wells Fargo Digital Cash” in 2019, a tokenized deposit platform utilizing the R3 Corda blockchain designed for internal international payment transfers.
Additionally, the bank invested in Elliptic, a blockchain intelligence company, during 2020 and contributed to Talos’ 2022 funding round, an institutional cryptocurrency trading platform. A Wells Fargo Investment Institute publication from 2025 characterized digital assets as worthy of investment consideration.
Industry reports from 2025 indicated Wells Fargo engaged in conversations with JPMorgan, Bank of America, and Citigroup regarding a collaborative stablecoin project aimed at tokenized transaction settlement.
Current Status of Stablecoin Oversight
Congressional representatives have been developing stablecoin regulatory frameworks to establish comprehensive supervision standards for dollar-backed digital currencies. Given Wells Fargo’s status as a federally regulated banking institution, launching a stablecoin would necessitate regulatory clearance from both the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
The existing stablecoin ecosystem is primarily controlled by Circle’s USDC and Tether’s USDT. PayPal introduced PYUSD, its dollar-pegged digital token, in 2023. JPMorgan previously developed JPM Coin for enterprise-level blockchain payment systems.
The WFUSD trademark application remains in preliminary stages without assignment to a reviewing attorney. The registration process typically requires twelve months or longer, contingent upon examination procedures and demonstration of actual commercial deployment.
Wells Fargo has issued no official communications regarding this trademark submission.
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