Michael Saylor’s Strategy (MSTR) continued to add to bitcoin holdings last week, but at a vastly reduced pace from recent previous acquisitions.

The leading bitcoin treasury company last week added 1,031 bitcoin for a total cost of $76.6 million, or $74,326 per coin.

Strategy’s total holdings now stand at 762,099 BTC, acquired for approximately $57.69 billion, or an average price of $75,694 each.

The new buys were entirely funded via the sales of common stock, according to a Monday filing.

This latest acquisition was at a vastly reduced scale compared to the previous two weeks, when the company purchased more than $1 billion of bitcoin, taking advantage of the issuance of its STRC preferred shares.

Bitcoin is currently trading around $70,000. MSTR shares are higher by 1.7% in premarket trading.

H100 Group (H100), a Stockholm-based publicly listed bitcoin BTC$70,394.97 treasury company focused on providing institutional exposure to bitcoin, said it signed a letter of intent to acquire Norwegian peers Moonshot AS and Never Say Die AS to increase its holdings of the largest cryptocurrency.

If completed, the deal would roughly triple H100’s bitcoin stash to around 3,500 BTC, positioning it among Europe’s largest listed bitcoin treasury firms. Beyond that, H100 said it aims to strengthen its institutional profile, improve liquidity and expand its relevance in capital markets.

The announcement follows the company’s January announcement that it plans to combine with Future Holdings AG, a Zurich-based bitcoin treasury company. Both are backed by Adam Back, a British cryptographer and co-founder of Blockstream.

The transaction is structured as a bitcoin-for-bitcoin exchange, meaning ownership in the combined entity will be determined solely by the amount of bitcoin contributed. This approach preserves bitcoin exposure per share for existing investors, avoiding dilution while significantly scaling the company’s balance sheet.

The acquisition will be executed as an all-share transaction with no cash consideration.

The target companies collectively hold about 2,450 BTC.

Definitive agreements are expected by April 22, with completion anticipated shortly after the company’s annual general meeting in May, subject to final approvals.

The announcement sent H100 shares up 2% on the day.

BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink used his annual letter to shareholders to argue that digital assets and tokenization could help update the financial system, even as he warned that the U.S. economic model is leaving too many people behind.

In the letter, Fink said the current system has delivered most of its gains to people who already own assets, while many workers have been shut out of market growth. He tied that imbalance to a wider problem in the U.S., where rising inequality, high government debt and weak participation in capital markets are putting pressure on the old model of finance.

“Capitalism is working—just not for enough people,” Fink wrote.

His proposed fix centered on tokenization and digital distribution as tools to expand access to investing and make markets run better.

Tokenization, Fink said, could “update the plumbing of the financial system” by making investments easier to issue, trade and access.

The idea is simple: If ownership of assets is recorded on digital ledgers, moving a fund share, bond or other security could become faster and cheaper. In practice, that would allow a regulated digital wallet to hold not just payments, but also tokenized bonds, ETFs and fractional interests in assets such as infrastructure or private credit.

“Half the world’s population carries a digital wallet on their phone,” Fink wrote. “Imagine if that same digital wallet could also let you invest in a broad mix of companies for the long term—as easily as sending a payment.”

Fink compared tokenization today to the internet in 1996, arguing that it will not replace traditional finance overnight, but could gradually connect old and new systems. He said policymakers should focus on building that bridge “as quickly and safely as possible” and called for clear buyer protections, counterparty-risk standards and digital identity checks to reduce illicit finance risks.

The comments add to BlackRock’s broader push into digital assets. In the same letter, Fink said the firm had built “early leadership” in the space, citing nearly $150 billion in assets connected to digital markets.

BlackRock’s USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) is the largest tokenized fund in the world, and the firm also manages $65 billion in stablecoin reserves and nearly $80 billion in digital asset exchange-traded products.

Still, much of the letter focused on deeper stresses in the U.S. financial system. Fink warned that banks, corporations and governments can no longer fund large economic shifts on their own, especially as the country tries to rebuild manufacturing capacity, expand energy supply and compete in artificial intelligence.

He also argued that Social Security remains a critical safety net but may need structural reform, including some exposure to long-term market returns, to remain sustainable.

For Fink, tokenization sits inside that bigger picture. It is not a bet on hype, but a bet that better rails could help more people become investors rather than bystanders.

His broader message was that finance needs an upgrade, and that digital assets may become part of that overhaul.

Polymarket is tightening insider‑trading and manipulation bans across its DeFi app and CFTC‑regulated U.S. exchange, adding surveillance, NFA oversight and formal whistleblower channels.

“These rule enhancements make our expectations abundantly clear for every participant across both platforms and highlight the compliance infrastructure we have already built.”​

The updated framework centers on three explicit categories of banned insider conduct: trading on stolen confidential information, trading on illegal tips, and trading by people who can influence the underlying event’s outcome. Participants are barred from using confidential information obtained in breach of a duty of trust, from acting on tips they know or should know are tainted, and from taking positions when they hold “a position of authority or influence sufficient to affect the outcome of the underlying event.” Beyond insider rules, Polymarket now highlights a blanket ban on spoofing, wash trading, fictitious transactions, front‑running, self‑dealing, information misuse, attempted manipulation, and other disruptive practices that undermine orderly markets.

On the U.S. exchange, enforcement rests on a multi‑layered surveillance stack: partnerships with “world‑class trade surveillance and technology specialists,” a control desk running real‑time monitoring, and a Regulatory Services Agreement with the National Futures Association to investigate and sanction rulebreakers. Sanctions for violators can include suspension, termination, monetary penalties, or referral to regulators and law enforcement. On the DeFi side, users can report suspected abuse via Polymarket’s Discord or by emailing [email protected], while U.S. exchange participants can file confidential complaints to [email protected].​

The integrity revamp lands amid a broader regulatory turn in the U.S., where the CFTC has asserted exclusive jurisdiction over prediction‑market derivatives and is actively defining how event contracts fit under the Commodity Exchange Act. Polymarket already secured an amended CFTC order in late 2025, allowing intermediated access via futures commission merchants and binding the platform to full Designated Contract Market‑style surveillance, reporting, and self‑regulatory obligations. As one recent analysis put it, regulated platforms like Polymarket now “bet on transparency and on‑chain credibility” while competing against DeFi‑only venues that emphasize cost and self‑custody.

That regulatory clarity is arriving just as prediction markets post record activity. In February 2026, combined monthly volume on major platforms Kalshi and Polymarket hit roughly $18.6 billion, a new all‑time high, with more than $8 billion traded in just the first half of March. Industry observers argue that as event markets turn into an institutional‑grade information source for media, sports leagues, and financial firms, exchanges that can demonstrate credible surveillance and clear integrity rules will capture the most sensitive flow. “Our goal has always been to give fans new ways to engage with the sports they love while ensuring those markets can grow responsibly on a global scale,” Polymarket founder Shayne Coplan said in an earlier statement on the company’s broader integrity push.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Bitcoin jumps above $70K as U.S.-Iran talks signal easing tensions
• BTC rallies after Trump pauses strikes, but Iran denies any talks
• Crypto spikes as ceasefire hopes rise amid mixed global signals
• Bitcoin crosses $71K before pullback on conflicting Iran reports
• Markets swing as peace prospects clash with geopolitical uncertainty

Bitcoin Reacts to Shifting U.S.-Iran Signals

Bitcoin surged above $70,000 after reports suggested progress in U.S.-Iran talks. The price climbed past $71,000 before easing slightly amid conflicting updates. The move reflects how geopolitical developments continue to shape crypto market direction.

🚨BREAKING🚨

TRUMP ORDERS 5-DAY PAUSE ON STRIKES TARGETING IRAN’S ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE

BITCOIN IS PUMPING LIKE CRAZY!!!🔥 pic.twitter.com/2cVh7P33hB

— Max Crypto (@MaxCrypto) March 23, 2026

The asset gained over four percent from an intraday low near $67,000. This rebound followed statements indicating reduced military pressure in the Middle East. Momentum built quickly as traders responded to signs of possible de-escalation.
However, price action turned volatile as fresh reports questioned the talks. Iranian officials rejected claims of negotiations with the United States. This contradiction introduced uncertainty and triggered a modest pullback in Bitcoin’s price.

Bitcoin Gains Strength on Policy Pause

Bitcoin traded around $70,659 during the surge, reflecting renewed market confidence. The price jump followed a decision to delay military action for five days. This pause reduced immediate geopolitical risk and supported risk assets.

The U.S. administration signaled progress toward resolving ongoing hostilities. Officials indicated continued engagement could lead to a broader agreement. This outlook helped drive demand across digital assets and lifted overall sentiment.

At the same time, the market reacted to expectations of a near-term resolution. Prediction platforms showed rising probability of a ceasefire within weeks. This outlook added momentum, although uncertainty remained due to conflicting narratives.

Ethereum Tracks Bitcoin’s Upward Momentum

Ethereum climbed alongside Bitcoin and traded near $2,142 during the rally. The asset posted gains close to three percent as market sentiment improved. Its movement reflected broader strength across major cryptocurrencies.

The price increase followed Bitcoin’s breakout above key resistance levels. As a result, Ethereum benefited from increased trading activity and capital inflows. The correlation between both assets remained strong during the surge.

However, Ethereum also faced pressure after Iran denied any discussions. This development triggered caution across the crypto market. Consequently, Ethereum retraced slightly but maintained most of its earlier gains.

Conflicting Reports Drive Market Volatility

Market volatility increased as opposing narratives emerged from both sides. U.S. officials described ongoing talks as productive and constructive. In contrast, Iranian sources dismissed any form of engagement.

Regional players reportedly supported indirect communication channels. Countries such as Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan played intermediary roles. These efforts aimed to reduce tensions and open pathways for dialogue.

Despite these efforts, uncertainty persists across financial markets. Traders reacted quickly to each new update, causing sharp price swings. This dynamic highlights the sensitivity of crypto assets to geopolitical developments.

Background and Broader Market Context

The current situation follows several weeks of heightened tensions in the Middle East. Earlier threats targeting energy infrastructure triggered market declines. Bitcoin fell sharply before recovering on renewed diplomatic signals.
The Strait of Hormuz dispute also played a key role in recent volatility. Strategic concerns over energy supply influenced global markets. Crypto assets responded in tandem with traditional risk indicators.
Recent activity suggests that geopolitical developments will remain a key driver. Market participants continue to adjust positions based on evolving headlines. As a result, Bitcoin and Ethereum may experience continued price fluctuations in the near term.

Bitcoin (BTC) has this morning bounced back to over $71,000 after it lost $60 billion in total market capitalization over the weekend following US President Donald Trump’s threat to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the country’s military refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In the 15 minutes following Trump’s threat on Saturday, BTC dropped from $70,100 to $68,200, a $37 billion wipeout for the world’s largest digital asset. Over $240 million in leveraged crypto trades were liquidated within the hour. 

By Sunday evening, total liquidations crossed $1 billion, with long positions accounting for 85% of the damage.

BTC failed to bounce, remaining near $68,200. Total crypto market cap sustained its losses.

Trump says war ending ‘very soon,’ then obliterates crypto markets

Less than 24 hours before threatening to blow up power plants, Trump had said the US was “considering winding down” the war.

Indeed, as Trump told ABC News on Saturday that he was planning peace talks with an end to the war “very soon,” BTC made a brief push toward $71,000 on the optimistic rhetoric.

Then, at 7:44pm New York time, Trump published his bearish post. Crypto traders who had positioned themselves with leveraged long positions suffered liquidations within minutes.

Read more: Bitcoin up, Dubai real estate down since Iran war began

Coinglass’ Crypto Fear and Greed Index fell to nine out of 100, deep into “Extreme Fear” territory.

Crypto, one of the only large and relatively liquid markets open during the announcement besides foreign exchange, bore the brunt of the initial losses. Stock exchanges, bond markets, and commodity futures were all closed at the time.

Analysts have already estimated that Bitcoin’s hashrate has dropped roughly 100 EH/s since late February, mostly due to operational disruptions in Iran.

Luxor Technology’s Hashrate Index estimated that Gulf states, including Iran, represent 8-10% of global hashrate. Striking Iran’s power plants would physically knock the country’s remaining BTC miners offline, not to mention accelerating risk-off capital flight away from crypto investments.

As of Sunday evening, BTC was trading at a 23% year-to-date loss. Altcoins like Ethereum and XRP have lost 31% and 26% over the same time period, respectively.

Trump’s-48 hour deadline for a Strait of Hormuz deal expires today, Monday evening at 7:44pm New York time.

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BlackRock and Fidelity purchased approximately $400 million in Bitcoin last week while selling $250 million, resulting in net institutional buying pressure, according to blockchain analytics firm Arkham on March 23. Total Bitcoin ETF inflows for the week reached $93.1 million, indicating institutions are accumulating the cryptocurrency at current prices.

Arkham made tracking data available for BlackRock’s Bitcoin holdings on its platform. The buying activity suggests institutional investors are using market weakness to increase positions despite concurrent selling activity.

Sources: Arkham | Arkham

This article was generated automatically by The Defiant’s AI news system from publicly available sources.

Crypto market traders were whipsawed on both sides on Monday afternoon, with over $400 million in liquidations across long and short positions in the past 4 hours.

Bitcoin spiked from $67,500 to above $71,200 on Monday afternoon after U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he had instructed the Pentagon to postpone all strikes against Iranian power plants for five days, saying the U.S. and Iran had “very good and productive conversations.”

Then Iran reportedly denied everything.

“There is no direct or indirect communication with Trump,” Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported, citing an anonymous source, adding that Trump “retreated after hearing that our targets would be all power plants in West Asia.” Bitcoin gave back roughly $1,200 from its high within minutes.

CoinGlass data shows $415 million in liquidations in the four-hour window around the two headlines, with short liquidations accounting for $280 million and longs taking $135 million. The nearly 2-to-1 ratio suggests the market was heavily positioned for escalation when Trump’s post landed.

Of the total liquidations, bitcoin accounted for $140 million, ether at $120 million, and Brent oil futures on Hyperliquid at $64 million. Tokenized gold lost $20.9 million, while tokenized silver losses stood at $19.8 million

Meanwhile, the oil liquidations were almost entirely one-sided.

The XYZ:BRENTOIL contract on Hyperliquid saw $64.4 million wiped, with the vast majority hitting longs who had been positioning for Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum to trigger an attack on Iran’s power plants rather than a postponement. Those traders were right about the direction of the war but wrong about the direction of the next Truth Social post.

Bitcoin spent the Asia session grinding between $67,500 and $68,500, ripped $3,700 higher in an hour on the Trump post, then faded $1,200 as Iran’s denial hit.

As of Monday evening, it was holding $70,000, up 2.3% on the day, sitting in the middle of a range it carved out in a few hours of headline-driven volatility.

The session reinforced what the Binance futures-to-spot data flagged earlier this month. When derivatives dominate trading activity at 5x the volume of spot, every headline gets amplified through liquidation cascades in both directions. Shorts get squeezed on the de-escalation post, then longs get caught when the counter-headline arrives.

The net movement ends up modest, but the damage to leveraged traders is not.