Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, has filed a lawsuit against Dow Jones, publisher of The Wall Street Journal, over a February 23 article that the company calls “false and defamatory.”

The filing comes as the Journal further reported today that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether Iranian networks used the exchange to move funds in violation of American sanctions.

“We view this lawsuit as a necessary step to defend ourselves against misinformation, hold The Wall Street Journal accountable for prioritizing clicks over journalistic integrity, and address the significant reputational harm and business consequences that have resulted,” said Dugan Bliss, Binance’s Global Head of Litigation, in a company blog post.

The February article alleged that Binance dismantled an internal compliance investigation after its own investigators flagged $1.7 billion in crypto flows linked to entities connected to Iran-backed militant groups. The report also claimed that investigators who raised concerns were later suspended or fired.

Meanwhile, Fortune and The New York Times also cited anonymous sources and internal documents in reports claiming that Binance ignored internal warnings that sanctioned entities were using the platform to launder nearly $2 billion.

The reports triggered political fallout. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal opened an inquiry into Binance’s sanctions compliance, writing that “Binance appears to have ignored clear warning signs, knowingly allowed illicit accounts to operate, and even provided hands-on support to entities engaged in money laundering.”

Binance flatly denies the allegations and says it did not fire employees for raising compliance concerns. Binance also claims the $1.7 billion in flagged funds “did not originate at Binance and did not end at Binance,” passing through multiple independent intermediaries.

In 2023, Binance pleaded guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering and sanctions laws and agreed to pay $4.3 billion in penalties. Founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao also pleaded guilty and served four months in prison before receiving a presidential pardon in October 2025.

Binance previously sued Forbes over similar allegations in 2020 but dropped that case several months later.

XRP looks primed for significant volatility, yet it remains unclear whether that will translate into a rally or a steep pullback.

Ripple’s native cryptocurrency has been trading in a relatively tight range over the past few days, but one indicator suggests that a major price move could be on the way.

Opinions vary among analysts: some project substantial upside in the short term, whereas others see a renewed correction as the more probable outcome.

Fasten Your Belts

After a period of heavy turbulence earlier this year, XRP’s price movement appears to have calmed down a bit lately. Over the last week, the asset has been hovering between $1.33 and $1.47, currently trading at around $1.40.

Ali Martinez noted the reduced volatility, claiming that a huge move could be on the horizon given the squeezed Bollinger Bands. The technical indicator, developed by John Bollinger in the 1980, helps traders spot oversold or overbought conditions.

It is made up of a moving average with upper and lower bands that widen or narrow as market conditions change. When the bands tighten, it signals a period of low volatility that sometimes precedes a strong rally or a sharp decline.

The analysts on X have been quite divided in XRP’s potential future performance. Some, like Trading Shot, think the valuation could plummet below $1, whereas WealthManager alerted that a “huge drop could be imminent.”

Others, including EGRAG CRYPTO, emphasized that XRP’s RSI has fallen on a weekly scale, entering its most oversold level in history. Such a trend is typically followed by a price pump, whereas overbought territory is seen as a warning for an incoming correction.

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Crossing This Zone is Crucial for the Bulls

Another industry participant who touched upon XRP’s performance is X user CRYPTOWZRD. They argued that the asset needs to reclaim $1.4230 to enter bullish territory, whereas a rejection could offer a further decline and short opportunities.

The fading interest in spot XRP ETFs is another development that won’t sit well with the bulls. Data shows that outflows have surpassed inflows over the past four days, suggesting that major institutional players, such as pension funds, hedge funds, and asset managers, have been scaling back their positions.

The first company to launch a spot XRP ETF in the US, which has 100% exposure to the token, is Canary Capital. This happened in November 2025, and shortly after, Bitwise, Grayscale, Franklin Templeton, and 21Shares followed suit. According to data from SoSoValue, these financial vehicles have generated a cumulative net inflow of $1.21 billion to date.

Revolut, the London-based crypto-friendly fintech, said it received a full U.K. banking license, allowing it to offer a wider range of services and providing deposit protection for eligible funds almost two years after receiving a restricted registration.

The company, valued at about $75 billion in a funding round in November, set up a new entity called Revolut Bank UK Ltd. and will migrate customer accounts in coming months, according to a statement on its website.

The development completes a regulatory process that began years earlier. In 2024, Revolut secured a restricted U.K. license and entered a mobilization stage designed for new banks. Approval comes shortly after Revolut filed for a U.S. banking license.

The bank is supervised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the same regulatory framework that governs traditional U.K. banks. The change means eligible customer deposits will qualify for protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FCSC), which covers up to £120,000 ($160,000) per person if a bank fails.

Converting accounts to the new bank will take place in stages, and users will receive notice through email or in-app messages when their accounts are ready to move.

Most day-to-day features will remain the same. Account numbers, sort codes and IBAN details will not change, the company said, and the Revolut app will continue to show past transactions and statements.

Some services will remain outside the new banking entity. Savings balances will still be held with partner banks, each with its own FSCS coverage limits. Crypto trading, commodities and stock services will continue to operate through separate Revolut entities.

Editor’s note: Open World’s leadership move underscores its strategy to build sanctioned, sovereign-grade digital asset infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. By naming Dr. Salman Salem Al-Khaldi as Regional President and Managing Director for Open World Saudi Arabia, the company positions itself to launch Saudi Arabia’s first licensed RWA Tokenization Center of Excellence in 2026, operating under local regulatory and data sovereignty requirements. In this role, Dr. Al-Khaldi will steer regional strategy, regulatory engagement and partnerships with the Saudi Central Bank and the Capital Market Authority as operations expand. This follows Open World’s broader merger plans with VerifyMe to scale tokenization and digital-asset services.

Key points

• Appointment designates Dr. Salman Al-Khaldi to lead Open World Saudi Arabia, setting strategy and partnerships.
• Plan to launch Saudi Arabia’s first licensed RWA Tokenization Center of Excellence in 2026 under regulatory and data sovereignty rules.
• Center will focus on tokenizing energy assets, real estate and carbon credits in the Kingdom’s energy and industrial ecosystem.
• Open World’s merger with VerifyMe positions the combined company to offer tokenization and digital asset infrastructure solutions publicly.

Why this matters

This move demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s intent to build regulated, scalable digital infrastructure for real-world assets, aligning with Vision 2030’s digital economy goals. By licensing the center in-Kingdom and engaging with regulators, Open World aims to foster institutional trust and enable compliant asset tokenization across energy, real estate, and carbon markets, anchored by local data sovereignty and governance.

What to watch next

• Licensing and 2026 launch of the RWA Tokenization Center of Excellence in the Kingdom.
• Regulatory approvals and ongoing engagements with the Saudi Central Bank and CMA.
• Progress of the VerifyMe merger and potential public listing of the combined entity.
• Initial tokenization pilots for energy assets, real estate and carbon credits within Saudi Arabia.

Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company/PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.

Open World Appoints Dr. Salman Al-Khaldi as Regional President and Managing Director of Open World Saudi Arabia to Lead Kingdom Operations as RWA Tokenization Center of Excellence Launches

Appointment signals Open World’s commitment to compliant, sovereign-grade digital asset infrastructure in Saudi Arabia

AL KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia-Open World Ltd. (“Open World”), a blockchain infrastructure company advancing real-world asset (RWA) tokenization across global markets, today named Dr. Salman Salem Al-Khaldi as Regional President and Managing Director of Open World Saudi Arabia. The appointment positions the firm to launch Saudi Arabia’s first licensed RWA Tokenization Center of Excellence in 2026, operating under Saudi regulatory and data sovereignty requirements.

In his role, Dr. Al-Khaldi will oversee regional strategy, regulatory engagement and institutional partnerships, working closely with the Saudi Central Bank, the Capital Market Authority and other stakeholders as operations expand.

“We are investing in Saudi Arabia for the long term,” said Matt Shaw, CEO and co-founder of Open World. “Dr. Al-Khaldi has delivered complex, multi-billion-dollar initiatives within the Kingdom and understands the standards required to operate here. His leadership will define how we earn the trust of Saudi institutions and deliver infrastructure that meets the Kingdom’s standards.”

Dr. Al-Khaldi brings more than two decades of executive leadership across the technology, petroleum and petrochemical sectors. At Saudi Aramco, he led projects valued at more than $7 billion, overseeing financial planning, workforce development and large-scale stakeholder coordination from design through commissioning. He has advised the Ministry of Petroleum & Mineral Resources and consulted with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries through the Saudi Energy Information System, contributing to national-level systems and policy initiatives. His experience spans Saudi commercial law, government contracting and cross-border partnerships.

“Saudi Arabia is building regulated digital infrastructure at a national scale, and the timing is deliberate,” said Dr. Al-Khaldi. “The RWA Tokenization Center of Excellence gives us a licensed, in-Kingdom foundation to deliver compliant tokenization of energy assets, real estate and carbon credits; initiatives that directly support Vision 2030’s digital economy targets. I look forward to ensuring execution meets the standards Saudi institutions require.”

The RWA Tokenization Center of Excellence will operate as a licensed, in-Kingdom entity focused on the compliant tokenization of real-world assets, including energy infrastructure, real estate and carbon reduction credits, in accordance with Saudi regulatory and data requirements. The Center is designed to support sovereign and enterprise-scale initiatives across the Kingdom’s energy and industrial ecosystem, including assets associated with Saudi Aramco and its joint ventures.

Dr. Al-Khaldi’s selection follows Open World’s previously announced definitive merger agreement with VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRME), which is expected to position the combined company as a publicly traded provider of tokenization and digital asset infrastructure solutions.

About Open World

Open World is a blockchain infrastructure company specializing in regulated digital asset solutions for sovereign, institutional and enterprise clients. The firm has supported the development of more than 20 companies since 2023 and has advised on projects representing over $65 billion in aggregate network value across advised projects, measured at peak fully diluted valuations. Open World’s capabilities span RWA tokenization, stablecoin issuance, traditional finance (TradFi) strategies, governance structuring, public markets advisory and policy engagement. The firm works with teams backed by leading global venture capital firms, including a16z, Multicoin Capital, Dragonfly and Founders Fund. Open World is expanding its focus to regulated, real-world asset markets in the Gulf region and globally. To learn more, visit https://www.openworld.dev.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Abby Lynne
openworld@wachsman.com

The program’s main goal is to connect blockchain tech with Mastercard’s global payments infrastructure.

Payments giant Mastercard unveiled a new Crypto Partner Program aimed at connecting the rapidly developing world of blockchain tech with its vast global payments infrastructure.

According to the company’s statement, more than 85 blockchain and fintech-focused firms have joined the initiative, with some of the major names including Binance, Ripple, Gemini, PayPal, Paxos, and Circle.

Mastercard’s Program

The official press release indicated that this joint venture signals another step by traditional financial networks toward integrating cryptocurrency assets into mainstream commerce.

Given the substantial number of big crypto and fintech names joining the program, Mastercard noted that they plan to explore how on-chain tech, including programmable payments and tokenized assets, can integrate with TradFi payment systems used by merchants, banks, and consumers worldwide.

The program itself will focus on developing practical applications where blockchain can complement existing financial rails rather than replace them.

Mastercard execs Raj Dhamodharan and Sherri Haymond claimed that crypto assets have entered a new phase, which could boost them further into the traditional financial system.

“As digital asset technologies mature, Mastercard will continue focusing on what we do best: enabling trust, setting standards, and connecting systems at scale. By bridging on-chain innovation with the framework that powers everyday payments, we’re helping ensure that what’s next works with what already does,” they added.

Broader Push

Bloomberg added that the new program builds on several earlier initiatives aimed at integrating the digital asset class into its ecosystem. It previously supported crypto-linked payment cards, invested in blockchain startups via its Start Path accelerator, and introduced services designed to help banks manage industry-related compliance and risk.

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Although cryptocurrencies have risen in popularity in the past half a decade, their integration into everyday payments remains a complex challenge. Mastercard aims to address that by positioning itself as a bridge between the emerging blockchain economy and the traditional financial system.

Binance has launched a lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) over a series of allegedly “defamatory” articles that revealed how the exchange shut down an internal investigation into billions of dollars worth of crypto flowing to Iran.

The February articles detailed how Binance fired its investigators shortly after they found Chinese entities sending $1.7 billion worth of crypto to accounts linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Corps.

Now, the WSJ reports that these findings have led to an investigation from the US Department of Justice (DoJ). 

The DoJ is reportedly reaching out to people with knowledge of the transfers and firings, but hasn’t disclosed if Binance or the Chinese entities are the focus of the investigation.   

US senators launched their own inquiry last month, demanding Binance share documents on a trove of data, from information on the dubious accounts to the internal reports filed by compliance investigators.

Binance lawsuit claims WSJ ‘sacrificed truth for profit’

Binance has maintained that the WSJ’s reporting has been incorrect since it was published.

Now, the lawsuit claims the “false, defamatory, and reckless” findings have led to this “metastasized” response from US officials that continues to damage its reputation.

The suit denies that it fired compliance staff for investigating transactions, shuttered the investigation without further action, failed to comply with law enforcement requests, and knowingly registered customers with false details. 

It also claims that the WSJ didn’t include its responses to initial questions before publishing the piece, and that it did so to beat the New York Times to the scoop.

Read more: Binance demands the Wall Street Journal remove ‘damaging’ article

“Instead of actually engaging with Binance, the Wall Street Journal prioritized filing quickly on the heels of the NYT so that it could maximize views of the article,” the lawsuit claims. 

It also alleges, “The Wall Street Journal’s failure to respond to Binance’s request for an extension until the deadline arose and its decision to move that deadline up without a substantive response from Binance demonstrates its rush to publish the article to keep up with a competitor, regardless of the truth.”

The suit adds, “The Wall Street Journal must not be allowed to set aside journalistic standards and publish false, defamatory, and sensationalized narratives that sacrifice truth for profit.”

Binance is seeking damages for the reputational harm it claims has been caused, attorney fees, and a trial by jury. 

Senators say Binance is repeating the crimes of its past

Binance was fined $4.3 billion in 2023 for failing to implement adequate anti-money-laundering and sanctions checks. Its former CEO, Changpeng Zhao, was sentenced to four months in prison. 

As part of this settlement, Binance agreed to onboard a compliance monitor that would ensure the exchange was up to code. 

The probe launched by senators, however, claims that the WSJ’s findings show Binance is a “repeat offender” revisiting the crimes of its past. 

Bloomberg Intelligence senior commodity strategist Mike McGlone, who previously said bitcoin could drop to $10,000, is reiterating his call that bitcoin could still fall below that level, an outlook several market analysts said would require an extreme macroeconomic shock.

In an interview with EllioTrades, McGlone said the crypto bear market may not be over and warned that bitcoin could remain vulnerable if global risk assets reprice sharply.

McGlone’s forecast was met with rebuttals from several market analysts who said that while they agree a further downside for bitcoin BTC$70,549.82 is possible, a drop to $10,000 would likely require an extraordinary global liquidity event.

“Analysts often get lost in short-term macro noise, and sometimes they extrapolate that into silly conclusions,” said Mati Greenspan, founder and CEO of Quantum Economics.

“For an asset like bitcoin, which regularly sees tens to hundreds of billions of dollars in daily trading volume across global markets, to revisit $10,000 we’d need a global liquidity crisis, a nuclear war, and the internet to stop working.”

Bitcoin BTC$70,549.82 is currently hovering around $70,000, after trading between $69,000 and $71,000. BTC’s price rise appeared to coincide with oil quickly reversing most of its session’s large gains, dropping $3 per barrel in minutes. Other crypto assets, including ether (ETH), solana (SOL) and XRP, also saw upward moves.

McGlone based his bearish analysis on broader macroeconomic conditions. He believes bitcoin has increasingly traded in tandem with other speculative assets as institutional participation in crypto markets has grown, weakening the narrative that crypto serves as an uncorrelated hedge against traditional markets.

According to McGlone, the crypto sector remains trapped in a broader macroeconomic unwind driven by deflationary pressures, excess speculative supply and what he sees as an unfinished correction in traditional risk markets.

Further downside still possible

Other analysts, who see potential for further bitcoin price decline, also echoed Greenspan’s sentiment that McGlone’s price target is unlikely.

“A move toward levels like $28,000 would likely require a meaningful contraction in global liquidity, widening credit spreads, or a broader financial stress event rather than just a late-cycle slowdown,” said Jason Fernandes, co-founder and market analyst at AdLunam.

Jonatan Randin, senior market analyst at PrimeXBT, also said bitcoin could see further downside but described the $10,000 prediction as highly improbable.

“There will always be analysts calling for extreme price targets during a bear market,” Randin said. “Can we go down to $10,000? Yes, it’s possible, but I see it as highly unlikely.”

Randin expects bitcoin to gradually drift lower in the coming months, adding that the next major accumulation zone could emerge between $30,000 and $40,000.

“If the market is in a downtrend, you are in a bear market,” Randin said. “You’re going to remain in a bear market until the primary trend shifts.”

In the shorter term, however, he expects bitcoin to remain largely range-bound between $60,000 and $70,000, warning that even a rally toward $80,000 could prove temporary if broader macro pressures persist.

The bottom may already be in

Greenspan said identifying an exact market bottom is difficult, but he noted that bitcoin may have already completed its major bear-market correction.

“Trying to pick an exact bottom is a fool’s errand,” he said. “Structurally, bitcoin already cleared its major bear market in 2022. We’re currently looking at roughly a 50% retracement from the all-time high, which is not unusual for bitcoin.”

He added that recent price action has been encouraging and that it is “quite possible we’ve already seen the bottom.”

McGlone, however, believes the market still needs to go through a prolonged cleansing of speculative excess before a durable bottom can form.

“I think it’s going to last a while, and I don’t think it’s going to end until we purge some of these excesses,” he said.

“It’s a bear market,” McGlone added. “Sell rallies.”

Read more: Next week could spice things up for bitcoin as seven central banks face an inflation test

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) watchers could be nearing a pivotal moment as non-traditional treasury strategies accelerate a long-running BTC accumulation drive. Michael Saylor’s Strategy (EXCHANGE: MSTR) has been converting equity sales into Bitcoin through its ATM program, steadily expanding its crypto stash. With holdings already in the high hundreds of thousands of BTC and weekly purchase momentum intensifying, some analysts say a 1 million BTC milestone could come into view sooner than many expected—the kind of milestone that might edge out even the largest public holders if the trend persists. The unfolding dynamic underlines how corporate finance moves are intertwining with crypto markets at scale.

Key takeaways

• STRC share sales have generated cash to acquire over 3,500 BTC so far this week.
• Strategy’s implied buying power could rise to roughly 5,700 BTC per day at Tuesday’s record pace.
• STRC currently pays an 11.50% annual dividend, distributed monthly in cash, with the rate adjusting to keep the stock near its $100 par value to temper volatility.
• The program’s weekly activity shows STRC selling about 6 million shares via ATM to fund BTC purchases.
• STRC’s activity is spotlighting a potential convergence with larger BTC holders like IBIT, as the BTC-hoarding landscape reshapes competition among large crypto investors.

Tickers mentioned: $MSTR, $BTC, STRC, $IBIT

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Positive. A sustained push by STRC-backed purchases could lift BTC demand and influence price, albeit within a volatile macro context.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. The strategy hinges on continued BTC accumulation via STRC sales and market liquidity for the instrument, against ongoing volatility and potential dilution risks.

Market context: The rise of large, structured crypto investment vehicles sits against a backdrop of ETF inflows, evolving crypto regulations, and broader liquidity dynamics that shape how big holders move in and out of BTC.

Why it matters

The evolving dynamic between equity-financed crypto accumulation and traditional holdings signals a watershed moment for institutional exposure to Bitcoin. If STRC continues to channel proceeds from stock sales into BTC purchases at pace, Strategy could steadily climb its BTC reserves toward levels that once seemed unattainable for a single issuer. The math behind the potential trajectory hinges on STRC’s daily trading volume and its ability to monetize the ATM sales into crypto, an approach that blends equity markets with the crypto ecosystem in a way that few institutional players have attempted at scale.

For market participants outside the STRC ecosystem, the development underscores a broader trend: crypto assets increasingly intersect with mainstream financial infrastructure. The STRC model—an 11.50% annual dividend that adjusts to align the stock near its par value and a dividend-funded BTC acquisition program—offers a blueprint for how equity-collateralized crypto exposure could be structured in the future. While the discipline of keeping a high dividend manageable and the risk profile intact remains a central caveat, the potential for sizable BTC inflows into a single instrument highlights the growing sophistication of crypto-finance products.

On the investor side, the discourse includes cautions from market observers. STRC’s chief supporters argue the program could unlock a steady, if uneven, stream of BTC accumulation. Yet critics warn that the product’s reliance on ongoing share sales introduces dilution risk and that dividends do not guarantee returns in a market as volatile as digital assets. A notable voice in the debate cautioned that while STRC can deliver attractive income, it remains a high-risk instrument that won’t replicate traditional fixed-income protections. The balance of yield, volatility, and the capacity to sustain BTC purchases will be crucial as the dynamic evolves.

“If products like STRC eventually attract even 0.1% of global fixed income outstanding, that is $145.1 billion. At $71.2K per Bitcoin, that amount of capital would be enough to buy roughly 2.04 million BTC, purely as a scale illustration.”

Beyond the STRC narrative, market observers note that the sector’s momentum is not isolated. The BTC market has seen substantial participation from exchange-traded variations and other crypto-focused vehicles, with BlackRock and IBIT among the most prominent references in the liquidity and custody discussion. While IBIT holds a sizable BTC stash, STRC’s ongoing buying program contributes to the depth and resilience of demand in the short to medium term, potentially influencing price dynamics in periods of high liquidity or stress.

On Tuesday, STRC logged a record $409 million in daily volume with a 30-day average of $138.5 million, underscoring the scale at which the stock’s ATM transactions are operating and their potential to influence BTC acquisition rates.

Analysts have framed the mechanics of STRC’s buying power in practical, if hypothetical, terms. With a Bitcoin price hovering around the low to mid-$70,000s, the implied daily buying capacity could rise to roughly 1,940 BTC per trading day—more than four times the amount minted in a typical 24-hour period. On peak days when STRC’s trading activity hits record levels, the implied daily capacity could approach 5,700 BTC, a level that would dramatically alter the balance of demand versus supply in the market. Should that pace persist, Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings could cross the 1 million BTC threshold by late summer—an outcome that would place STRC well ahead of several traditional holders, including some of the largest publicly traded crypto-related assets.

The ongoing comparison with the broader market, including IBIT, adds another layer of interest. IBIT’s larger BTC stash positions it as a peer among the handful of major holders, but STRC’s disciplined, dividend-driven, ATM-powered accumulation creates a distinct dynamic. If STRC continues to monetize its equity sales into Bitcoin, the gap between STRC and IBIT could narrow more rapidly, setting up a competitive tension that may influence how fund managers and retail investors view the relative attractiveness of crypto-anchored equity instruments versus pure-play BTC exposure.

Analysts have also highlighted the long-term implications for fixed-income-style capital allocation in crypto. Adam Livingston, an analyst who tracks macro and crypto markets, has noted that if STRC were to attract even a tiny fraction of global fixed-income capital, the resulting scale could translate into several million BTC in aggregate demand across the market. While the illustration remains hypothetical, it underscores the potential systemic impact of non-traditional instruments that marry income-generation with asset accumulation.

On the risk front, STRC’s official disclosures remind investors that the product is not a bank deposit or FDIC insured, and it does not carry the same protections as traditional bank accounts or money-market funds. Market participants should weigh the potential for dividend volatility, par-value pressure on the stock price, and the possibility of dilution from additional share issuance. As with any instrument that ties equity mechanics to crypto purchases, governance, liquidity, and regulatory considerations will continue to shape outcomes in the months ahead.

I’ve been seeing a lot of euphoric bullposting about @STRC.

It’s an interesting financial product, but I will be the black sheep and state that I personally feel it’s too risky of an investment. — 𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚗 𝚃𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚜 𝙲𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚘 🪙 (@ColinTCrypto) March 10, 2026

The overall narrative remains a blend of opportunity and risk, with STRC occupying a unique position at the intersection of equity financing and Bitcoin accumulation. While the potential for rapid BTC growth under STRC’s model captures the imagination of market observers, the path forward requires close attention to the instrument’s liquidity, share issuance plans, dividend mechanics, and the regulatory framework that governs these hybrid financial products. The coming weeks will be telling as STRC’s ATM activity continues to unfold and as IBIT and other large holders respond to evolving market conditions.

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What to watch next

• STRC ATM activity and the weekly BTC purchase estimates (STRC.LIVE) for the near term.
• Any shifts in STRC’s daily volume profile, particularly around the $409 million peak and the sustainability of the $138.5 million 30-day average.
• Updates from IBIT or other large BTC holders regarding their holdings and inflows.
• The evolution of STRC’s dividend policy and its impact on the stock’s price and investor appetite.

Sources & verification

• STRC.LIVE data for volumes and BTC purchase estimates.
• Strategy’s official materials on STRC, including dividend disclosures and ATM share sales.
• Public posts and statements from market participants referencing STRC’s activity on X/Twitter.
• iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) holdings information and related market data.

Market reaction and key details

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) markets are watching a striking development: a large, equity-financed vehicle is accelerating BTC accumulation through deliberate share sales and a high-yield dividend strategy. Strategy’s retention of BTC through the STRC program, combined with steady weekly volumes and a high yield, paints a picture of a continued push toward a benchmark that could redefine how major holders think about crypto exposure. The numbers backing this narrative—3,500 BTC purchased this week, 11.50% annual dividend, and a 409 million-dollar daily volume on a record day—underscore the scale of this effort and the potential for meaningful supply-side demand in the Bitcoin market.

From a market structure perspective, the STRC approach demonstrates how a hybrid instrument can mobilize capital into BTC faster than some traditional on-chain or OTC channels. If the pace persists, the BTC addressable through STRC’s buying program could rise in a way that alters the reference points for price discovery, especially in a context where ETF-like liquidity and institutional participation continue to increase. The juxtaposition with IBIT—another major BTC holder—highlights a broader trend: multiple large positions are now competing for BTC, which may have implications for price resilience during periods of volatility and for the broader narrative around “who owns crypto” in the institutional space.

While optimism about STRC’s model is palpable among supporters, skepticism remains. Critics point to the possibility of dividend-adjustment-driven volatility, the risk of stock dilution, and the regulatory uncertainties that accompany complex, non-bank, non-traditional investment products. The debates surrounding STRC’s risk-reward profile are likely to intensify as the instrument enters new phases of its life cycle, including potential governance changes or shifts in the market’s appetite for high-yield crypto exposure. In parallel, market participants will continue to monitor Bitcoin’s price trajectory and liquidity conditions to gauge the true impact of STRC’s purchases on the broader market.

Revolut is launching in the UK.

The popular crypto-friendly digital bank Revolut announced today that it will be launching its UK bank.

According to the firm’s official statement, the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has decided to lift the restrictions on Revolut’s banking license.

With that out of the way, the launch of the local bank comes with an already existing user base of more than 13 million UK customers. Moreover, it follows the firm’s recent commitment to invest as much as $4 billion and create at least 1,000 high-skilled jobs in the country.

Speaking on the matter was the co-founder and CEO of Revolut, who said:

“Launching our UK bank has been a long-term strategic priority for Revolut, and marks a significant moment in our journey. The UK is our home market and central to our growth. We look forward to introducing a full suite of banking services to our millions of UK customers, bringing the same innovative experience we already provide across the rest of Europe. This is a vital step in our mission to build the world’s first truly global bank.”

According to the announcement, the rollout will be gradual, starting in a few days with a small group of existing customers and expanding over the coming weeks.

TLDR

• SlowMist introduces comprehensive 5-tier security architecture for AI and Web3 agents.

• Multi-layered approach prevents cyberattacks, data breaches, and blockchain vulnerabilities.

• Continuous surveillance system validates AI operations to block unauthorized activities.

• Architecture protects automated cryptocurrency trading systems across diverse blockchain networks.

• Security framework establishes new standards for protecting AI-powered Web3 infrastructure.

SlowMist introduced an advanced five-tier security architecture designed to shield AI and Web3 agents from evolving cyber threats. This comprehensive framework combines governance protocols with execution safeguards to block unauthorized activities and protect digital assets. The system creates a complete security loop that supervises, restricts, and validates autonomous operations throughout connected digital environments.

Multi-Tier Governance and Execution Architecture Enhances Protection

The security framework employs the AI Development Security Solution (ADSS) to establish governance protocols for AI-powered agents. ADSS manages access permissions, tracks external communications, and evaluates blockchain risks instantaneously. The execution tier incorporates specialized tools including OpenClaw, MistEye Skill, MistTrack Skill, and MistAgent, each engineered to maintain secure operations effectively.

SlowMist designed the security architecture to counter threats such as prompt manipulation, information breaches, and compromised supply chain attacks. The platform establishes perpetual verification procedures that ensure security measures remain transparent and methodical. Companies can implement protective policies that eliminate vulnerabilities while preserving AI operational velocity and accuracy.

Self-Governing AI Systems Create Novel Security Challenges

Implementing this security architecture becomes essential as autonomous AI agents proliferate throughout cryptocurrency trading and blockchain environments. Cybercriminals exploit supply chain weaknesses by inserting concealed malicious code into hardware and applications. SlowMist counters these dangers through unified surveillance and restriction protocols that effectively minimize vulnerability exposure.

The framework’s governance tier guarantees that AI agent operations stay transparent and regulatory-compliant. Instantaneous threat identification diminishes the probability of unauthorized blockchain transactions or compromised agent performance. The security architecture strengthens operational stability without impeding AI-powered productivity.

Cryptocurrency Companies Deploy Automated Trading Solutions

Growing adoption of automated cryptocurrency trading systems drives demand for protective frameworks like this security architecture. Nansen deployed AI-powered trading infrastructure enabling multi-chain transactions on Base and Solana networks. Additional platforms including Coinbase, Bitget, Walbi and Gate.io currently offer simplified AI trading agents requiring no coding expertise.

These automated systems facilitate strategic operations through conversational commands, simplifying digital asset oversight. The security architecture integrates flawlessly with these platforms to implement protection measures throughout each transaction. Companies deploying this framework sustain credibility while expanding automated trading operations.

Establishing Security Standards for AI and Web3 Integration

SlowMist establishes elevated security standards for AI and Web3 ecosystems. The framework unifies fragmented protection strategies into an organized, actionable, and maintainable infrastructure. Widespread implementation can substantially diminish vulnerabilities while retaining AI agent performance and operational efficiency.

Security architecture components function collaboratively to supervise, limit, and validate all AI-executed blockchain activities. The methodology prioritizes proactive defenses and instantaneous verification for autonomous agent conduct. As cryptocurrency organizations accelerate AI integration, this security framework delivers a holistic strategy to protect digital holdings and operational reliability.

SlowMist establishes this security architecture as a critical resource for contemporary blockchain. Its stratified methodology confronts vulnerabilities ranging from governance deficiencies to implementation failures. Organizations utilizing this framework achieve enhanced security benchmarks while sustaining frictionless AI integration.