Two NYSE-linked exchanges have put new crypto ETF options rules into effect after filings cleared the SEC process. 

NYSE Arca and NYSE American removed the 25,000-contract position and exercise limit for options tied to 11 spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds, giving those products broader trading terms.

NYSE Arca filed its proposed rule change on March 10, 2026, to revise rules for options on certain crypto-linked ETFs. The filing covered products that had been trading under a 25,000-contract cap since their launch phases.

NYSE American filed a similar proposal on the same date. Its filing also removed the fixed 25,000-contract limit and updated the exchange’s rules so those options can follow the broader position-limit structure already used for other eligible products.

SEC waiver made the changes effective at once

Both filings became effective under Rule 19b-4(f)(6). In each case, the SEC said the standard 30-day operative delay could be waived because the changes aligned crypto ETF options rules with those used by other exchanges and did not create new regulatory issues.

The Federal Register notices state that the Commission designated both proposals to be operative upon filing. In the notices, the SEC wrote that waiving the delay was consistent with investor protection and the public interest, making the new rules active without waiting another month.

Furthermore, the rule changes affect 11 crypto ETF options. The list includes BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund, ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust, Bitwise Bitcoin ETF, Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF, Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF, Bitwise Ethereum ETF, iShares Ethereum Trust ETF, and Fidelity Ethereum Fund.

Earlier filings had already removed some limits for a smaller group of Bitcoin ETF options, including GBTC, the Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust, Bitwise Bitcoin ETF, and IBIT. The new March 2026 changes extend similar treatment across the full set of listed crypto ETF options covered by these exchange rules.

FLEX options and larger positions now get more room

The updates also allow these crypto ETF options to trade as FLEX options under the revised rules. FLEX contracts let market participants customize terms such as strike prices, expiration dates, and exercise styles instead of using only standard listed terms.

NYSE American’s filing says the exchange wants these crypto asset options treated like other options for position, exercise, and FLEX trading purposes. A separate Nasdaq ISE proposal still seeks to raise the position limit for IBIT options to 1 million contracts, and that proposal remains under SEC review.

Crypto prices opened lower in Asia on Monday as fresh pressure from oil markets and geopolitical tension weighed on risk assets. 

Meanwhile, investors are also watching a packed U.S. data calendar this week, with new reports on business activity, jobless claims, consumer sentiment, and inflation expectations due between March 23 and March 27.

Crypto markets faced renewed selling after conflict in the Middle East kept traders focused on energy supply risks. Reuters reported that U.S. stock futures fell as investors reacted to President Donald Trump’s 48-hour demand for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran warned of retaliation if attacks hit its infrastructure.

Oil prices stayed elevated as the new week began. Brent crude at about $113.20 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate traded near $101.32. Higher oil prices have lifted concern about inflation and have pushed markets to reassess the path for interest rates.

Investors shift focus to economic data

The week’s economic calendar may shape trading across crypto and traditional markets. A Wall Street Journal report cited Deutsche Bank economists as saying, 

“This is significant because it’s one of the first economic indicators we’ll get that cover the period since the conflict began,” referring to the March PMI data.

Thursday’s initial jobless claims report will offer another reading on labor market conditions. At the same time, markets are tracking whether inflation pressure from fuel costs could change expectations for Federal Reserve policy. Investors have sharply reduced hopes for rate cuts this year and are now pricing in a higher chance of a rate increase later in 2026.

Bitcoin and Ether trade lower in Asia

Bitcoin remained under pressure in Monday trading. Live market data showed Bitcoin (BTC) at around $68,400, while Ethereum (ETH) traded at $2,000. Both assets were down from recent highs as traders pulled back from risk during a weak start to the week.

Broader crypto market sentiment also softened as investors moved more carefully across global markets. Rising yields, weaker equities, and higher energy costs have added pressure across risk assets, including digital tokens.

Higher oil prices may feed through to household spending if the rally continues. CBS News quoted Oxford Economics chief global economist Ryan Sweet, who said, 

“To kind of put it into context, every penny increase in gasoline prices reduces consumer spending by one and a half billion dollars over the course of a year.”

H100 Group has signed a letter of intent to buy Norwegian Bitcoin companies Moonshot AS and Never Say Die AS through an all-share deal. 

If completed, the transaction would expand H100’s Bitcoin treasury and move the Sweden-listed company closer to the top tier of Europe’s public Bitcoin holders.

According to a press release, H100 said the proposed transaction would be carried out as a share-for-share acquisition. Under the plan, H100 would issue new shares to acquire all shares in Moonshot AS and Never Say Die AS, with no cash payment included in the structure.

The company said this setup is designed to keep the sellers exposed to Bitcoin through shares in a listed company. H100 added that the final terms will be set in definitive agreements, while the deal remains subject to due diligence, corporate approvals, and stock exchange requirements.

Bitcoin holdings could rise to about 3,501 BTC

Bitcointreasuries data shows H100 currently holds 1,051 BTC. The company said the two target firms hold about 2,450 BTC combined, which would bring the total to about 3,501 BTC if the acquisition closes.

That total would place H100 just behind Germany’s Bitcoin Group among Europe’s listed Bitcoin treasury companies. Bitcointreasuries ranks H100 44th among public Bitcoin treasury companies worldwide at present, and the added holdings would move it well above its current standing.

H100 chairman Sander Andersen said, 

“Scale, credibility and access to capital markets are increasingly important in the Bitcoin space, and this transaction would strengthen H100 in these areas.” 

That statement appeared in public reporting on the planned acquisition and outlined the company’s stated reason for the move.

The company has also completed the acquisition of Switzerland-based Future Holdings AG, showing that it is still building its Bitcoin treasury platform through deals. H100 said the new transaction would not change its listing structure or its role as the listed parent company.

AGM timing and share performance remain in focus

H100 expects to sign a definitive agreement by April 22. The company has said closing would come after its annual general meeting, but its current financial calendar lists the AGM on May 21, 2026.

The proposed deal comes while H100 shares remain under pressure and Bitcoin treasury companies continue to face a weaker market environment.

Bitcoin rose sharply on March 23 after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington had held constructive talks with Iran and would pause planned military strikes for five days. 

The move lifted market sentiment after several sessions of pressure linked to Middle East tensions. The rebound also triggered a wave of short liquidations across the crypto market.

Bitcoin had fallen below $68,500 earlier in the session as traders reacted to geopolitical uncertainty and broader risk-off sentiment. The asset then reversed course within hours and climbed by about $3,000, reaching $71,500 before giving up part of the gain.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin traded near $71,000. The move marked its first return to the $71,500 area since last Thursday and showed how quickly sentiment shifted after Trump’s latest comments on the Iran situation.

Trump said the United States and Iran had held “very good and productive conversations” over the previous two days. He also said he had instructed the “Department of War” to delay military action against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days while talks continue.

The statement pointed to a possible easing in tensions after weeks of conflict. It also came about 36 hours after Trump warned he would “obliterate” Iran if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened safely, making the change in tone a key factor in the market reaction.

Short traders face heavy losses

Bitcoin’s fast recovery caught bearish traders off guard. Data from CoinGlass showed that nearly $270 million in short positions were liquidated within the past hour as prices moved higher.

Total liquidations across the crypto market reached about $780 million by press time. More than 200,000 traders were liquidated over the same period, showing the scale of the sudden reversal and the pressure on leveraged positions.

Strategy added more bitcoin during the latest market pullback, extending a buying pattern that has continued through recent volatility and rising geopolitical tension. 

Meanwhile, the company disclosed that it bought 1,031 BTC for $76.6 million, bringing its total holdings to 762,099 BTC. The latest purchase came as bitcoin traded above $74,000 early last week before falling below $70,000 after the second Federal Open Market Committee meeting of the year.

Michael Saylor’s latest update showed that Strategy completed the purchase at an average price of $74,326 per bitcoin. Based on that entry level, the transaction likely took place during the first few business days of the previous week.

The new purchase lifted Strategy’s total bitcoin holdings to 762,099 BTC. The company has now spent about $57.69 billion building its bitcoin position, keeping its status as the largest corporate holder of the asset.

The latest acquisition was much smaller than the one Strategy announced a week earlier. In that earlier update, Saylor said the company had spent $1.57 billion to acquire 22,337 BTC.

Even so, the new purchase showed that Strategy has kept its regular buying approach in place. The company continues to announce bitcoin buys on Mondays, even as markets remain sensitive to macro and geopolitical developments.

Bitcoin price swings shape market backdrop

Bitcoin traded above $74,000 by Wednesday morning last week before reversing lower. The decline deepened around and after the year’s second FOMC meeting, adding pressure to the broader crypto market.

By press time, bitcoin had fallen below $70,000 after a brief rebound to $71,500. That move followed Trump’s latest “statement” on the war in Iran, which briefly pushed prices higher before the rally faded.

Strategy’s bitcoin stack remains under pressure as the asset trades below the company’s latest average purchase price. The market correction has left the firm sitting on unrealized losses based on current spot levels.

Cloud mining evolves in 2026 as users prioritize transparency, flexibility, and real returns over raw computing power.

Once upon a time, mining was a playground for tech geeks and big investors. In 2026, cloud mining has quietly become a popular financial tool for the masses — no expensive equipment, no technical barriers, just a phone or computer, and anyone can earn Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), and other digital assets every day.

As mining difficulty rises and global electricity prices fluctuate, user demands have fundamentally changed: computing power is no longer the only pursuit. Transparent earnings, flexible contracts, and real returns are now the core competition points for cloud mining platforms. 

This article will help someone understand the latest industry trends and reveal seven cloud mining platforms worth attention, helping them start their journey to passive income with digital assets.

Quick comparison: Which cloud mining platform is right?

 1. HashBitcoin — Let every day “mine gold” automatically

HashBitcoin has completely simplified the cloud mining process: users just choose a contract, with no hardware installation required, and earnings are automatically credited daily. 

The platform is based on real mining farms in North America and Europe, powered by renewable energy for both stability and eco-friendliness. Real-time dashboards make earnings crystal clear, and contract returns are fully transparent.

Popular contracts overview

Innovative features:

•  Instant mining after purchase, earnings credited immediately
• $15 bonus for new users, lowering the entry barrier
• Clear contract terms and returns
• Eco-friendly mining farms for extra trust

HashBitcoin is perfect for those looking to quickly experience cloud mining, pursue short-term returns, or stabilize their assets in a volatile market.

2. BitFuFu — Enterprise mining for professionals

Backed by large-scale mining farms, BitFuFu delivers strong hashpower and transparent data, ideal for investors familiar with mining economics. While the entry cost is higher, returns are stable, and risks are controlled, making it the top choice for institutions and high-net-worth users.

3. NiceHash — Hashpower trading for strategy enthusiasts

NiceHash isn’t a traditional cloud mining platform but a “hashpower marketplace.” Users can buy and sell hashpower, switch algorithms, and create personalized strategies. It offers high flexibility but isn’t beginner-friendly, best suited for those who love DIY and chasing optimal returns.

4. ECOS — Stable long-term contracts

ECOS focuses on long-term mining contracts, is regulated, and operates in Armenia’s Free Economic Zone. With mobile app support and predictable earnings, it’s suitable for conservative investors. While returns are lower, risks are better managed.

5. StormGain alternatives — Zero-risk experience for easy entry

Some platforms offer free mining experiences, allowing users to earn small amounts of digital assets without investment. Although earnings are limited, it’s a good way for newcomers to try and learn the cloud mining process — a “zero-risk” entry point.

6. Binance Pool — Mining expansion for exchange users

Binance Pool integrates seamlessly with the Binance ecosystem, supporting BTC and DOGE. It’s ideal for active Binance users, with reliable infrastructure, though it requires some management effort and is best for those looking to diversify their asset allocation.

7. Kryptex — desktop mining for hardware enthusiasts

Kryptex runs on users’ local computers, automatically converting earnings to Bitcoin. With a user-friendly interface, it’s great for beginners with good hardware, though it’s not a true cloud solution and returns depend on their own equipment.

2026 trends: Mining is no longer a hardcore game

This year, four major trends have emerged in cloud mining:

1. Short-term contracts are popular: Fast capital turnover, users prefer quick settlements.

2. Daily payouts are standard: Earnings are credited daily, and weekly settlements are fading out.

3. Energy transparency matters: Green mining farms earn more trust, and eco-friendliness is a bonus.

4. Ultra-simple user experience: The easier the registration, the higher the user retention.

HashBitcoin aligns perfectly with these trends and has become a rising star in the industry.

Conclusion: Cloud mining makes passive income easy

In 2026, cloud mining has evolved from a “tech game” to a mainstream financial tool. With ultra-simple operation, stable returns, and real mining farms, HashBitcoin is the leading choice for beginners and passive income seekers. Whether someone is new to digital assets or looking to grow wealth, cloud mining is worth a try — let every day automatically “mine gold” and start the new digital wealth life with ease!

Shares in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals jumped nearly 19% after the company announced it would change its name to Stablecoin Development Corporation as part of its strategic crypto pivot.

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals CEO Michael Kazley said in a statement on Monday that the company’s plan going forward is to access cash flows within the growing stablecoin economy.

“The name change to Stablecoin Development Corporation reflects our conviction that stablecoins represent the most compelling structural opportunity in digital finance,” he said.

It adds to a wave of companies over the last year that have pivoted to a crypto strategy to improve their fortunes. However, with crypto markets down since October, there are warnings of potential consolidation ahead. 

The company’s stock ticker will change from NBY to SDEV, effective April 3. It has also disclosed that it holds two billion Sky (SKY) tokens as of March 16, representing more than 8% of the total supply.

Shares of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY) spiked 19% to trade at $1.38 in the trading session following the announcement. 

SKY holdings are already over two billion

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals began life in 2000 as a California-based biopharmaceutical company focused on eye care products.

The company disclosed in a January SEC filing that it was changing tactics to operate under an “on-chain holding company framework focused on long-duration participation in protocol-level digital asset ecosystems.” 

As part of the pivot, NovaBay Pharmaceuticals entered into a $134 million private placement backed by Tether Investments, an affiliate of the stablecoin issuer, to buy and hold assets within the SKY protocol ecosystem.