Crypto World
What’s next for Europe’s crypto after Lagarde steps down
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is set to step down sometime before the next French presidential election, a timeline that market observers say could influence how Europe steers crypto policy and digital money initiatives. Lagarde’s tenure saw the EU push forward on the Markets in Crypto Assets regime, known as MiCA, and launch work on a digital euro designed to complement the bloc’s payments ecosystem. Yet policy gaps remain: DeFi remains خارج the regulatory scope of MiCA, and the final shape of the digital euro is still under debate. As observers weigh potential successors, questions arise about whether Europe’s cautious stance on crypto will endure or shift under new leadership.
Key takeaways
- Lagarde’s looming departure timing could affect the tempo and tone of Europe’s crypto regulation, including MiCA’s implementation and post- MiCA adjustments.
- MiCA has advanced but currently does not regulate decentralized finance (DeFi); policy gaps persist even as the bloc pursues a comprehensive framework for crypto assets.
- The digital euro project has progressed from investigation to preparation for issuance, reflecting Europe’s bid to offer a secure, Europe-based digital money option while addressing privacy and offline operation concerns.
- European officials continue to advocate for strict stablecoin regulation and global standards, emphasizing safeguards and equivalence with foreign issuers to prevent systemic risks.
- Potential successors to Lagarde, such as Pablo Hernández de Cos and Klaas Knot, are expected to uphold a prudent regulatory posture toward crypto, signaling continuity rather than a dramatic policy pivot.
Sentiment: Neutral
Market context: The EU has moved ahead on a crypto framework with MiCA, while the digital euro program marches through defined phases. Investigation into the digital euro began in October 2021, and in October 2025 the ECB signaled it would begin preparation for issuance. The policy path sits within a broader global debate about stablecoins, cross-border payments, and central bank digital currencies as regulators weigh consumer protection, financial stability, and monetary sovereignty against innovation.
Why it matters
The trajectory of European crypto policy matters for users, investors, and developers alike. MiCA’s existence signals a long-awaited regulatory foothold for digital assets in a major economy, a framework that aims to reduce regulatory ambiguity while anchoring crypto markets in a single, coherent set of rules across 27 member states. Lagarde’s skepticism toward crypto—captured most famously in a 2022 remark where she described crypto as “worth nothing” for its lack of intrinsic backing—set a cautious tone. Even as the ECB advised, observed, and offered comments during the MiCA process, the central bank’s stance remained one of measured restraint rather than open endorsement.
“It is based on nothing … There is no underlying asset to act as an anchor of safety.”
That posture has shaped how Europe approaches crypto policy, emphasizing the need for robust consumer protections and safeguards against investor misperceptions. Even as MiCA became law, Lagarde continued to push for international alignment on stablecoins and for safeguards that would prevent the kind of market stress seen in times of stablecoin runs. In 2025, she urged lawmakers to ensure that stablecoins operate within a framework that includes robust equivalence regimes and safeguards governing transfers between the EU and non-EU entities. The aim is not merely domestic regulation but a coordinated, cross-border standard that could reduce regulatory arbitrage and systemic risk.
Beyond MiCA, the digital euro represents a strategic bet on Europe’s monetary sovereignty in a digital era. The project has long faced criticism over privacy, offline operability, and the central bank’s ability to monitor or control spending. The ECB has defended the digital euro as privacy-protective and cash-like in its benefits, while acknowledging the need to adapt payment systems to a digital economy. The move to prepare for issuance in 2025-2026 reflects a belief that a European-issued digital cash tool could reduce costs for merchants, improve resilience in payment networks, and provide a platform for private-sector financial innovation to scale within a regulated environment.
Public remarks from Lagarde and her colleagues signal a cautious but constructive approach to the digital euro. ECB executive board member Piero Cipollone emphasized that the digital euro would preserve the advantages of cash while reinforcing the resilience of Europe’s payments landscape. The project is framed as a response to consumer demand for digital options, articulated by Lagarde as early as 2021 when she acknowledged an appetite for digital currencies if backed by secure, European infrastructure. The emphasis has consistently been on a solution that is secure, accessible, and fit for the future—without compromising financial stability or privacy.
As Europe debates the digital euro and a more comprehensive crypto framework, the identity of Lagarde’s successor could influence the emphasis placed on crypto innovation versus caution. The field remains skeptical about rapid, unbridled adoption, and the leading candidates discussed in financial circles—Pablo Hernández de Cos, former Spanish central bank governor, and Klaas Knot, former Dutch central bank governor—bring a similar prudential lens to crypto policy. Hernández de Cos, for example, warned that crypto assets can pose “highly significant risks that are hard to understand and measure,” calling for a robust regulatory transition from fiction to a more orderly framework. Knot, too, has been measured, recognizing potential benefits of blockchain while insisting on the primacy of stability and supervisory oversight.
The EU’s measured pace has been noted in contrast to the regulatory maturation observed in the United States and other jurisdictions. While the region’s path may appear deliberate, it has produced a comprehensive framework that integrates monetary policy considerations, payments regulation, and financial stability concerns. The collaboration between the ECB, European Parliament, and member states has yielded a crypto policy architecture that aspires to be risk-aware, globally harmonized, and technologically forward-looking without giving up the core public interest in stable and interoperable financial systems. In parallel, the ongoing dialogue around stablecoins—balancing innovation with safeguards—reflects a broader global debate about how to reconcile private money issuance with public monetary policy and consumer protections.
Ultimately, the leadership transition at the ECB arrives at a moment when Europe is weighing how far to push centralizing control versus encouraging private-sector innovation in digital money. Lagarde’s legacy will be judged, in part, by how seamlessly MiCA’s, and the digital euro’s, developments continue under a new president. The fact that the EU proceeded with a regulated framework—rather than a laissez-faire path—before some other major jurisdictions illustrates a distinctive approach: prioritizing a well-defined supervisory environment that can accommodate innovation while reducing systemic risk.
As these conversations unfold, market participants will be watching for explicit signals on how a new ECB president will balance the competing imperatives of financial stability, monetary policy autonomy, and the potential for Europe to become a hub for compliant crypto activity. The coming months are likely to see tighter discussions around DeFi and cross-border payments, the refinement of MiCA provisions, and continued debates about the digital euro’s privacy guarantees and offline capabilities. The overarching narrative remains: Europe intends to shape, not simply follow, the global trajectory of digital money, with leadership choices that will echo through regulatory decisions, technology deployments, and the ongoing evolution of the crypto economy.
What to watch next
- The selection process for a new ECB president—and whether Paris signals its preferred candidate—may influence the tone toward crypto policy and MiCA adjustments.
- Key milestones in MiCA implementation, including any refinement of DeFi provisions or updates to stablecoin regulations.
- Further communications from the ECB about the digital euro timeline, privacy safeguards, and offline functionality tests.
- Continued international coordination on crypto standards, including discussions around equivalence regimes for foreign issuers.
- Public speeches or BIS remarks from potential successors outlining their views on crypto regulation and financial stability.
Sources & verification
- ECB public statements and press materials on MiCA and the digital euro rollout timeline.
- Reuters coverage of Lagarde’s potential departure and the names of frontrunners to replace her.
- BIS remarks and speeches by Pablo Hernández de Cos and Klaas Knot addressing crypto risks and regulatory frameworks.
- Reports on Europe’s plan to close stablecoin loopholes and to align international standards, as referenced in contemporary coverage.
ECB leadership transition and Europe’s crypto policy trajectory
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is nearing the end of her tenure, with her exit anticipated before the next French presidential election. Her time at the helm has been marked by decisive moves to formalize Europe’s crypto regime through MiCA and to advance the digital euro initiative, a bid to provide a secure, European-based digital alternative to cash. In public remarks and behind-the-scenes deliberations, Lagarde has consistently urged a cautious, tightly regulated approach to crypto, underscoring the need to protect investors and preserve financial stability while still enabling innovation within a well-defined framework.
Her most public stance on crypto crystallized in a 2022 interview in which she described crypto as “worth nothing,” a sentiment anchored in the perception that many digital assets lack intrinsic value or a reliable anchor. The accompanying skepticism was not merely rhetorical; it shaped the ECB’s approach to MiCA as a mechanism to bring order to a volatile landscape. Lagarde and her colleagues argued that regulation should be robust enough to reduce risk, while not stifling legitimate use cases that could emerge from compliant, Europe-based crypto activity. The ECB did not legislate, but it played a central advisory and supervisory role, shaping the contours of MiCA through ongoing dialogue with lawmakers and industry participants.
As MiCA moved toward final enactment, Lagarde also pressed for international cooperation on stablecoins and cross-border standards. She warned that European legislation must deter the operation of stablecoin schemes without robust equivalence regimes and safeguards for transfers between the EU and non-EU entities. The aim was to prevent regulatory arbitrage and ensure that Europe remains part of a global financial system that is resilient to the rapid evolution of digital money. A recurring theme across her public statements has been the imperative to protect the public interest and avoid a future where private-sector control of a money-like instrument could undermine monetary sovereignty.
The digital euro remains at the heart of Europe’s forward-looking money agenda. The project has faced criticism—particularly around privacy, offline operability, and the potential surveillance capabilities of digital cash. Yet the ECB has consistently asserted that the digital euro would be privacy-preserving and would replicate, in digital form, the advantages of cash. The bank has argued that such a currency could enhance payment resilience, reduce merchant costs, and provide a platform for private-sector innovation to flourish within a safe, regulated framework. The October 2025 decision to begin preparation for issuance signaled a concrete step toward realizing these ambitions, even as the detailed design and governance structures continue to be debated among policymakers.
Under discussion are also the personalities who might succeed Lagarde. The Financial Times has highlighted Pablo Hernández de Cos and Klaas Knot as prominent contenders, each with a record of cautious, risk-aware governance. Hernández de Cos, speaking at BIS events in 2022, warned of crypto’s potential risks and urged a transition from fiction to a more orderly, regulated ecosystem. Knot has similarly urged prudence, acknowledging potential benefits of distributed ledger technologies but emphasizing the need to preserve financial stability and maintain robust supervisory oversight. If Paris signals a preferred candidate, it could reinforce a policy posture that favors measured innovation with a strong emphasis on consumer protection and systemic resilience.
Ultimately, Europe’s crypto policy course appears to favor a steady, standards-driven path. While critics may argue that the approach stifles innovation, supporters contend that a predictable, well-regulated environment is essential for sustainable growth in digital money markets. The EU’s progress—often completed with more deliberation than in other regions—reflects a willingness to balance the benefits of financial innovation with the need to maintain trust in the financial system. As the leadership transition unfolds, market participants will be watching not only who rises to the ECB presidency but how new leadership weighs MiCA updates, the digital euro’s rollout, and Europe’s role in shaping global standards for crypto and digital payments. The coming months will reveal whether Europe can sustain its measured but forward-looking approach in a rapidly changing crypto landscape.
TLDR
- Investors acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations will pay approximately $10 billion to the Trump administration
- Major investors include Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund
- Initial payment of $2.5 billion has been transferred to Treasury, with additional installments scheduled
- The U.S. TikTok entity carries a valuation of approximately $14 billion, though experts debate whether this is accurate
- The transaction stems from legislation mandating ByteDance divest its stake in TikTok’s American business
The Trump administration negotiated an agreement that allowed TikTok to continue operating across the United States. Under the terms of this arrangement, the investors who assumed control of TikTok’s American operations committed to paying approximately $10 billion to the federal government.
This substantial fee comes in addition to the capital invested to establish a new domestically-based entity operating the popular social media platform. Key investors such as Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX from Abu Dhabi transferred approximately $2.5 billion to the U.S. Treasury upon completion of the transaction in January. Additional payments are scheduled until the full $10 billion amount is satisfied.
ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company based in China, completed the transaction in January. The deal established a joint venture with majority American ownership called TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC. This newly formed entity oversees U.S. user information, mobile applications, and proprietary algorithms.
ByteDance retains close to 20% ownership in the restructured entity and has licensed its algorithmic technology to the venture. The American entity must also distribute profits back to ByteDance.
Vice President JD Vance stated the restructured U.S. TikTok entity holds a valuation near $14 billion. Technology industry analysts have challenged this figure, suggesting it significantly underestimates the company’s true worth.
How the Fee Compares to Typical Deal-Making
The $10 billion government fee represents an almost unparalleled arrangement for a government facilitating a private sector transaction, according to business historians. To put this in perspective, investment banking fees on standard deals typically amount to less than 1% of total transaction value. Bank of America expects to collect approximately $130 million for its advisory services on Norfolk Southern’s $71.5 billion acquisition — representing one of the largest individual banking fees ever recorded.
Administration representatives defend the fee structure as appropriate. They emphasize Trump’s critical role in preserving TikTok’s presence in America and navigating complex negotiations with Chinese authorities while satisfying national security requirements from Congress.
The transaction was mandated by legislation enacted during Trump’s initial presidential term. That statute compelled ByteDance to significantly reduce its ownership position in TikTok’s American operations or face a complete shutdown. Congressional leaders had expressed significant concerns about a Chinese-owned corporation maintaining access to personal information of more than 200 million American citizens.
Earlier this month, Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi faced legal action from retail shareholders of competing social media platforms. These investors are attempting to overturn the government’s approval of the ByteDance joint venture transaction.
The Broader Pattern of Government Stakes in Private Companies
The TikTok deal represents one element of a larger trend. The Trump administration has similarly secured nearly 10% ownership in Intel. It negotiated to receive a portion of chip sales to China from Nvidia as consideration for granting export authorization. The administration has also acquired equity positions in additional corporations and maintains a “golden share” in U.S. Steel after Nippon Steel’s acquisition.
The Wall Street Journal initially disclosed the $10 billion fee amount on March 13, 2026.
Crypto World
Oil Markets Surge Past $100 as U.S. Military Strikes Hit Iran’s Kharg Island Facilities
TLDR
- American military forces eliminated all defense installations on Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export facility responsible for approximately 90% of the nation’s crude shipments
- President Trump deliberately avoided targeting petroleum infrastructure but issued warnings that terminals face destruction if Iran continues Hormuz blockade
- Brent crude surged past the $100 threshold in the aftermath of the military operation
- Vessel traffic navigating the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted from 84 daily transits to under 10 ships
- Operation Epic Fury has claimed the lives of 13 American military personnel; Saudi-based refueling aircraft sustained damage in retaliatory action
In a Friday announcement, President Trump confirmed that American military forces successfully neutralized all defense positions stationed on Kharg Island, Iran’s critical petroleum export terminal.
The President utilized his Truth Social platform to disclose that U.S. Central Command executed the operation specifically to eliminate Iranian military defenses protecting the strategic island. In his statement, Trump emphasized his decision to preserve the petroleum facilities “for reasons of decency,” while simultaneously cautioning that such restraint hinges on Tehran permitting unobstructed maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran issued a swift response, declaring that any assault on its energy sector would trigger immediate retaliatory destruction of energy infrastructure belonging to nations providing assistance to Washington.
Vice President JD Vance revealed that Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, sustained injuries during the military strikes. “We don’t know exactly how bad,” Vance said.
Operation Epic Fury has resulted in thirteen American military casualties to date.
At Prince Sultan air base located in Saudi Arabia, five refueling aircraft belonging to the U.S. Air Force were struck and suffered damage while grounded. Two defense officials verified the attack occurred, though no fatalities were reported.
The Defense Department is deploying a Marine expeditionary unit alongside additional naval vessels to the Middle Eastern theater. Trump further announced that the U.S. Navy will shortly commence escort operations for oil tankers traversing the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil Prices and Supply Disruptions
Brent crude has been hovering around the $100 per barrel threshold. The Kharg Island military operation propelled prices decisively above that psychological barrier.
Since March 2, the Strait of Hormuz has experienced near-complete maritime paralysis. Vessel traffic has crashed from a 2026 average of 84 daily transits to fewer than 10 ships, based on ACLED tracking data.
Kharg Island functions as the export point for approximately 90% of Iranian crude oil shipments. Energy analysts from SEB had previously highlighted significant global supply vulnerabilities should the island’s export terminals face military action, projecting potential price spikes far exceeding current conflict-driven levels.
The International Energy Agency orchestrated an unprecedented coordinated release of 400 million barrels from strategic petroleum reserves worldwide in an effort to stabilize energy markets.
Federal Reserve and Inflation Concerns
ING analysts suggest the Federal Reserve may be compelled to maintain elevated interest rates for an extended period. The primary concern centers on surging energy expenses driving inflation metrics further from the central bank’s 2% objective.
The Gulf region crisis has triggered cost increases for fertilizer and plastic feedstock materials, creating ripple effects throughout consumer pricing structures.
Market participants are closely monitoring potential counterattacks from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard forces. The Pentagon’s deployment of a Marine expeditionary unit to the region indicates preparations for potential conflict escalation.
Oil prices remain elevated above $100 per barrel while daily vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz persist at fewer than 10 ships according to the most recent available information.
Crypto World
Meta (META) Stock Drops as Company Plans Major Layoffs to Finance Massive AI Investment
Key Highlights
- Meta may eliminate approximately 20% of its total workforce — potentially affecting 16,000 workers
- The workforce reduction aims to finance a massive $600 billion AI infrastructure investment extending to 2028
- Mark Zuckerberg has directed top executives to develop headcount reduction strategies
- The company recently purchased AI agent platform Moltbook and invested $2 billion in Chinese AI firm Manus
- Meta’s “Avocado” AI system has underperformed against internal benchmarks
Meta Platforms appears poised to execute its largest workforce reduction since 2022, with internal discussions pointing toward eliminating 20% or more of current staff. Given Meta’s December employee count of approximately 79,000, this translates to around 16,000 positions potentially being eliminated.
The information surfaced Thursday via Reuters, which spoke with three individuals with direct knowledge of the discussions. However, neither timing nor precise figures have been finalized. When contacted, a Meta representative characterized the reporting as “speculative” and focused on “theoretical approaches.”
These potential reductions stem from Meta’s ambitious artificial intelligence strategy. The social media giant has pledged to invest $600 billion in data center construction and AI infrastructure through 2028 — an expenditure requiring significant cost reductions in other areas.
Zuckerberg’s vision has become increasingly apparent. Speaking in January, he noted witnessing “projects that used to require big teams now be accomplished by a single very talented person.” This efficiency narrative underpins Meta’s current trajectory.
According to two Reuters sources, senior executives have already instructed department heads to develop workforce reduction plans. While still in preliminary phases, the strategic direction appears firmly established.
Aggressive AI Investment Strategy
These workforce changes coincide with Meta’s aggressive AI spending. Meta recently completed the acquisition of Moltbook, an AI agent-focused social platform. Additionally, the company is committing at least $2 billion toward Chinese AI startup Manus.
To attract elite AI researchers, Meta has extended compensation packages valued at hundreds of millions of dollars spanning four years to scientists joining its superintelligence division.
The paradox is striking: the very AI investments necessitating specialized hires may simultaneously trigger widespread job eliminations. The astronomical costs of constructing AI infrastructure are pushing the company toward operational streamlining across other divisions.
Should the 20% reduction materialize, it would represent Meta’s most significant downsizing since its “Year of Efficiency” initiative. That restructuring eliminated 11,000 positions in November 2022, with an additional 10,000 cuts following in early 2023.
Meta follows an industry-wide trend. Amazon announced 16,000 job eliminations earlier this year. Block reduced its workforce by nearly 50%, with CEO Jack Dorsey explicitly attributing the cuts to AI capabilities reducing staffing requirements.
Challenges with Avocado AI Model
Meta’s substantial AI investments haven’t guaranteed smooth execution. The company’s Llama 4 models faced scrutiny following questionable performance on initial benchmarks. Behemoth, the flagship variant, was ultimately canceled ahead of its anticipated summer launch.
Meta’s superintelligence division is currently developing Avocado, a new model designed to rebuild credibility in the company’s AI efforts. However, early results have reportedly disappointed internal stakeholders.
Bernstein analysts have identified a “trough of disillusionment” affecting consumer AI adoption — an apt description of Meta’s current AI product positioning.
META stock declined 3.83% during regular trading following the news, though shares recovered modestly in after-hours activity as market participants evaluated the potential margin benefits of reduced headcount.
Current figures show Meta employed 78,900 people as of its December regulatory filing. A 20% workforce reduction would decrease that total to approximately 63,000 employees.
TLDR
- The XRP Ledger recorded 2.7 million daily payments, marking a 12-month peak, even as XRP’s value dropped 26% since January
- Automated market maker pools expanded to nearly 27,000 while tokenized real-world assets on the platform climbed 35% over 30 days to $461 million
- The token currently hovers near $1.42, representing a 62% decline from its December 2025 high of $3.65
- Technical analysts highlight critical support between $0.80–$0.95, while a surge past $3.32 could unlock targets ranging from $27–$48
- Despite XRP’s $84 billion market capitalization, XRPL’s total value locked remains at a modest $47.54 million
The XRP Ledger is experiencing unprecedented network utilization, yet the token’s market performance tells a contrasting story. Currently valued at approximately $1.42, XRP has shed 26% of its value year-to-date and sits 62% beneath its late-2025 zenith of $3.65.
Successful payment transactions on the XRP Ledger recently climbed above 2.7 million daily, establishing a new 12-month benchmark. This represents a substantial increase from approximately 1 million recorded in late 2025, with the blockchain consistently handling 20 to 26 transactions every second.
The platform’s automated market maker infrastructure has expanded to encompass nearly 27,000 pools, facilitating trading for more than 16,000 distinct tokens. Currently, twelve million XRP sits deposited within these liquidity pools.
The value of tokenized real-world assets on the ledger climbed to $461 million, representing a 35% expansion over the preceding 30 days. During this same timeframe, stablecoin transfer volume reached $1.19 billion, with the total stablecoin market cap on XRPL standing at $339 million distributed among 35,800 holders.
A significant portion of this network utilization connects to Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin and tokenized instruments that employ XRP temporarily as a bridge asset. These operations don’t generate enduring demand for holding the token long-term.
Why Activity Isn’t Lifting XRP’s Price
When XRP facilitates a cross-border transaction for mere seconds to connect two fiat currencies, it doesn’t create persistent buying pressure. The blockchain processes more volume, but the token functions as a fleeting intermediary.
According to DeFiLlama, the XRP Ledger’s total value locked reaches only $47.54 million. By comparison, Solana maintains approximately $4 billion in TVL. Ethereum commands over $40 billion.
Daily decentralized exchange volume on XRPL fluctuates between $4 million and $8 million. For a Layer 1 blockchain carrying an $84 billion market valuation, these figures remain relatively modest.
The 30-day RWA transfer volume of $149 million — representing an increase exceeding 1,300% — does suggest genuine institutional participation in the asset tokenization sector.
What Analysts Are Watching
Analyst EGRAG CRYPTO highlights a critical accumulation zone spanning $0.80 to $0.95, where several technical signals align, including convergence of the 21, 50, and 100 exponential moving averages alongside a sustained ascending trendline.
Should XRP recapture the 21 EMA and escape its present corrective formation, the subsequent price objective would land near $2.20. The base-building phase could extend through Q2–Q3 2026.
Analyst Ali Martinez recognizes a long-term ascending triangle configuration with horizontal resistance positioned around $3.32. A decisive move above this threshold projects macro objectives spanning $27 to $48.
Analyst Crypto Patel observes a validated multi-year triangle breakout, with a projected bull-market target approaching $50.
The $1.27–$1.30 support region has withstood numerous retests. Historically, XRP delivers an average 18% gain during March.
US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) logged their first five-day inflow streak of 2026, bringing in roughly $767.32 million this week.
The funds recorded $180.33 million in net inflows on Friday, extending the run of positive flows that began earlier in the week. The strongest day of the streak came on Tuesday, when spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs attracted $250.92 million, according to data from SoSoValue.
The last time the funds saw a comparable streak was in late November 2025, when spot Bitcoin ETFs logged five consecutive days of net inflows from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2, bringing in a combined $284.61 million.
Overall, the ETFs now hold $91.83 billion in net assets, with cumulative net inflows reaching $56.14 billion and roughly $4.93 billion in total value traded on the day.
Related: BlackRock says ‘exotic’ crypto ETFs not part of its strategy
Ether ETFs see 4-day inflow streak
Meanwhile, US spot Ether (ETH) ETFs recorded $26.69 million in net inflows on Friday, extending a four-day run of positive flows. The streak began on Tuesday, when the funds added $12.59 million, followed by $57.01 million on Wednesday and a stronger $115.85 million on Thursday, the largest inflow during the period.
The four-day stretch has brought roughly $212.14 million into spot Ether ETFs, reversing the outflows seen earlier in March. As of today, cumulative net inflows into US spot Ether ETFs stands at $11.79 billion, while total net assets across the funds reached $12.26 billion, with about $1.30 billion in value traded on the day.
The recent stretch marks the first sustained inflow run for spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs this year after a volatile start to 2026 that saw several days of heavy outflows across the products.
Related: Bitcoin ETFs add $251M as Goldman Sachs tops XRP ETF holders
Bitcoin range-bound as Middle East tensions rise
Rising tensions in the Middle East and volatility in energy markets are weighing on global risk sentiment. According to Bitunix analysts, escalating conflict around the Strait of Hormuz and elevated oil prices have increased macro uncertainty and reduced expectations for aggressive Federal Reserve rate cuts, prompting investors to focus on short-term liquidity rather than long-term risk exposure.
Against this backdrop, Bitcoin remains range-bound. Bitunix said derivatives liquidation heatmaps show a key short-liquidity cluster near $71,300, which is acting as near-term resistance, with a larger concentration between $72,000 and $73,500.
On the downside, liquidity support sits around $69,000, with deeper long liquidation levels near $68,800, suggesting BTC may continue consolidating unless macro catalysts trigger a breakout.
Magazine: Bitcoin’s ‘narrative vacuum,’ Ethereum now inevitable: Trade Secrets
Crypto World
Stanley Druckenmiller Forecasts Stablecoin Dominance in Global Payment Systems Within a Decade
TLDR
- Renowned investor Stanley Druckenmiller forecasts stablecoins will become the foundation of worldwide payment systems in 10–15 years
- He emphasizes that stablecoins offer superior speed, reduced costs, and enhanced efficiency compared to legacy banking systems
- Stablecoin market valuation has reached an unprecedented peak of approximately $300 billion
- Despite his optimism on stablecoins, Druckenmiller views cryptocurrency as “a solution looking for a problem” when it comes to storing value
- Major payment platforms including Western Union, MoneyGram, and Zelle have revealed stablecoin integration strategies following the GENIUS Act
Legendary hedge fund manager Stanley Druckenmiller has projected that stablecoins will become the fundamental infrastructure for worldwide payment networks within the next 10 to 15 years, despite maintaining reservations about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin functioning as reliable stores of value.
The billionaire investor shared these insights during a Morgan Stanley interview conducted between January 30 and 31, which was published this week. His remarks came during a rapid-fire word association exercise focused on blockchain technology and digital currencies.
“Blockchain and the use of stablecoins — if you want to throw crypto into that — tokens, incredibly useful in terms of productivity,” he said.
“I assume our whole payment systems will be stablecoins in 10 or 15 years — efficient, quicker, cheaper,” he added.
Druckenmiller established Duquesne Capital Management in 1981 and shuttered the fund in 2010. Throughout that remarkable 29-year span, he maintained an impressive 30% average annual return without experiencing a single losing year.
This perspective on stablecoins isn’t a recent development for Druckenmiller. During a May 2021 CNBC appearance, he suggested blockchain technology could supplant current US dollar payment infrastructure, citing diminishing confidence in central banking institutions.
“It’s Jerome Powell and the rest of the world, central bankers. There’s a lack of trust,” he said at the time.
The stablecoin sector has experienced explosive expansion. Data compiled by The Block reveals the aggregate stablecoin market capitalization has climbed to approximately $300 billion — representing a staggering 440% increase from roughly $55 billion recorded five years earlier.
Major Payment Companies Embrace Stablecoin Technology
Numerous established payment processors have begun integrating stablecoin capabilities. Industry giants Western Union, MoneyGram, and Zelle each unveiled initiatives to implement stablecoin-based settlement infrastructure throughout last year.
These strategic pivots emerged after the GENIUS Act became law in July, establishing comprehensive regulatory guidelines for payment companies seeking to incorporate digital asset offerings.
Administration representatives have also voiced support. Patrick Witt, who serves as executive director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, suggested this week that stablecoins complying with GENIUS Act standards could channel fresh deposits into American financial institutions by capturing worldwide appetite for dollar-backed instruments.
Bitcoin and Crypto Remain Questionable Store of Value, Says Druckenmiller
While championing stablecoins, Druckenmiller has consistently expressed doubts about the wider cryptocurrency ecosystem.
“Crypto? It’s a solution looking for a problem,” he said in the Morgan Stanley interview.
He conceded, however, that established cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have cultivated sufficient brand recognition that certain investors will persist in viewing them as value repositories.
In October 2023, Druckenmiller compared Bitcoin to gold and said he preferred gold because it was a “5,000-year-old brand.”
He disclosed that he currently holds no Bitcoin position, though he acknowledged he likely should consider acquiring some.
The stablecoin sector achieving a fresh all-time high market capitalization approaching $300 billion represents the most recent milestone in its accelerated evolution.
A meme coin linked to US President Donald Trump surged as much as 60% over the past 24 hours after promoters touted an exclusive gala at the president’s Mar-a-Lago resort, though the White House has not confirmed whether Trump will attend the event.
Key Takeaways:
- The TRUMP meme coin jumped as much as 60% after promoters advertised a Mar-a-Lago gala linked to the president.
- Trading activity surged, with daily volume topping $1.6 billion and derivatives open interest rising over 20%.
- Despite the rally, the token remains more than 90% below its peak price from early 2025.
The rally pushed the token, commonly referred to as the TRUMP meme coin, as high as $4.43 before easing to around $3.88, according to data from CoinMarketCap.
At the time of writing, the token is trading at around $4.07, up by 14.32% over the past day.
Trump Meme Coin Volume Tops $1.6B as Derivatives Interest Jumps
Trading activity spiked sharply following the announcement, with 24-hour volume surpassing $1.6 billion.
Derivatives markets also reacted to the surge, with open interest climbing more than 20%, data from Coinglass shows.
Despite the sharp rebound, the token remains far below its earlier highs. The TRUMP coin has lost more than 90% of its value since peaking near $44 shortly after launching in January 2025.
The event at the center of the latest surge is the Fight Fight Fight conference, scheduled for April 25, which organizers say will include a gala luncheon with the president at Mar-a-Lago.
However, Trump’s attendance has not been confirmed by the White House. A White House official, speaking anonymously, told Bloomberg that the president was not currently listed as attending the gathering.
The uncertainty is reflected in the event’s own terms. The conference website notes that Trump “may not be able to attend” and that the event itself could be canceled.
If that happens, qualified participants could instead receive a limited-edition TRUMP NFT, according to the terms.
Organizers have nonetheless insisted the president will appear. In an email statement, Fight Fight Fight reportedly told Bloomberg that Trump’s attendance had been confirmed, adding that the announcement would not have been posted on the official TRUMP token website otherwise.
Participation in the conference is tied directly to token ownership. According to the event rules, the top 297 TRUMP token holders who connect their wallets to a leaderboard, or verify holdings through brokerage Robinhood, will qualify to attend.
The top 29 holders will receive invitations to a smaller reception featuring Trump.
Eligibility is determined by time-weighted token holdings during the qualifying period, along with certain merchandise purchases tied to the project.
Mar-a-Lago Emerges as Hub for Trump-Linked Crypto Events
Mar-a-Lago has increasingly become a gathering place for crypto-related initiatives seeking proximity to Trump.
Earlier this year, the Trump family’s crypto venture World Liberty Financial hosted an event at the resort.
The meme coin itself traces back to promoter Bill Zanker, who helped organize a similar dinner with Trump for token holders last year.
That event briefly boosted the coin’s price before the rally faded. Attendees reportedlyincluded crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun.
As reported, Bitcoin has shed roughly 25,000 millionaire addresses in the year since Donald Trump returned to the White House, even as US policy shifted toward a more crypto-friendly stance.
Blockchain data shows the number of addresses holding at least $1 million in BTC fell about 16% year over year, suggesting regulatory optimism has not translated into sustained on-chain wealth growth.
The pullback was less severe among the largest holders. Addresses with more than $10 million in Bitcoin declined by about 12.5%, indicating that top-tier investors were better able to withstand price volatility, while wallets near the millionaire threshold were more exposed to market swings.
The post Trump Meme Coin Jumps 60% After Promoters Advertise Mar-a-Lago Gala appeared first on Cryptonews.
TLDR
- USDC commands 64% of adjusted transaction volume market share, surpassing USDT in year-to-date metrics per Mizuho analysis
- First instance of USDC volume leadership since 2019
- USDT maintains market capitalization dominance with $184 billion versus USDC’s $79 billion
- Mizuho elevates Circle stock price target from $100 to $120
- According to Mizuho analysts, transaction volume rather than market cap will determine the ultimate stablecoin leader
Tether’s USDT has been surpassed by Circle’s USDC in adjusted transaction volume on a year-to-date basis, based on research findings published by Mizuho, a Japanese investment bank, on Friday, March 13.
This development represents USDC’s first volume leadership position since 2019, bringing an end to USDT’s extended reign in this metric.
According to Mizuho’s data, USDC processed approximately $2.2 trillion in adjusted transaction volume year-to-date, while USDT recorded $1.3 trillion during the identical timeframe.
These figures translate to USDC controlling 64% of the adjusted volume when comparing the two leading stablecoins, per Mizuho’s calculations.
Mizuho’s methodology defines “adjusted volume” as transactions involving centralized exchanges, decentralized exchanges, and other identified entities — or participants who haven’t exceeded specific activity benchmarks. Essentially, transactions that appear to represent genuine person-to-person or institutional value transfers.
The analysts cited examples such as corporate supplier payments, user wagers on platforms like Polymarket, and capital flows between centralized exchanges and DeFi protocols.
What the Volume Shift Means
According to Mizuho analysts, transaction volume provides superior predictive value compared to market capitalization when forecasting long-term stablecoin dominance.
“We believe that longer term, the stablecoin winner will be the one mostly used in everyday economic activity, rather than just the highest market cap,” Mizuho wrote.
Market capitalization leadership remains with USDT. Tether’s stablecoin maintains approximately $184 billion in total value, substantially ahead of USDC’s $79 billion.
Circle completed its public listing on the New York Stock Exchange in June 2025. The company’s stock price exhibited minimal reaction to the Mizuho research release.
The investment bank upgraded its Circle price target from $100 to $120 within the same research publication.
Circle Stock and the Regulatory Backdrop
In the nation’s capital, proposed legislation affecting the stablecoin sector continues to face obstacles.
The CLARITY Act successfully cleared the House of Representatives but has encountered delays in the Senate. Discussions surrounding stablecoin yield distribution, ethics guidelines, and tokenized securities have impeded legislative advancement.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated on Thursday that the Senate would focus on voting requirement legislation ahead of digital asset market structure bills. He projected that the market structure legislation would not advance before April.
The legislative gridlock contributes additional uncertainty to the comprehensive stablecoin regulatory environment as Circle’s shares maintain NYSE trading activity.
Based on Mizuho’s research published March 13, 2026, USDC controls 64% of adjusted volume among the two dominant stablecoins, marking its first leadership position since 2019.
Crypto World
Bitcoin (BTC) Price: Stabilizes at $70K Following Iran Strike as ETF Inflows Surge Past $1.9B
Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin maintains support near $70,000, experiencing a 0.7% decline over 24 hours following U.S. military action on Iran’s Kharg Island
- Weekly performance shows a 4.2% increase — marking BTC’s most substantial seven-day rally since September 2025
- The critical resistance zone between $73,000–$74,000 has turned back Bitcoin on four separate occasions within a two-week period
- Bitcoin ETF inflows have surged to $1.9 billion across a three-week span, with March accounting for $1.34 billion of that total
- Federal Reserve’s upcoming March 17–18 meeting has market participants analyzing potential shifts in monetary policy direction
Bitcoin continues to maintain its position around the $70,000 threshold this Saturday, March 14, showing resilience despite escalating geopolitical tensions triggered by U.S. airstrikes targeting Kharg Island, Iran’s crucial oil export hub.
Following the military action, BTC experienced a 3.5% decline from Friday’s peak of $73,838. While the downturn was notable, it remained relatively controlled within the broader market context.
Remarkably, Bitcoin’s current valuation exceeds its price point from when Middle East hostilities initially commenced two weeks ago.
Weekly performance metrics reveal BTC climbing 4.2%. Ethereum advanced 5.5% to reach $2,090. Dogecoin registered a 5% increase. Solana moved 4.2% higher to $88. BNB appreciated 4.5% to $655. Major cryptocurrencies across the board posted positive weekly returns.
During the conflict’s initial phase, cryptocurrency markets reacted sharply to each development. Currently, market participants have seemingly developed a predictable response pattern: military strikes occur, crude oil prices surge, Bitcoin experiences temporary weakness — followed by subsequent recovery.
This cyclical behavior has occurred with sufficient frequency that immediate panic-selling has diminished considerably.
Resistance at the $73,000–$74,000 Zone Persists
Bitcoin has encountered rejection within the $73,000–$74,000 price band on four distinct occasions during the past two weeks. This level continues representing the critical resistance threshold commanding trader attention.
Should BTC establish firm support above $74,000, liquidation analytics indicate approximately $1.9 billion in leveraged long positions concentrated immediately above $75,000 — creating a potential price magnet.
Beyond that threshold, the $76,000 to $80,000 range contains roughly $2 billion in sell-side liquidity distributed across the $4,000 span.
The Coinbase premium indicator has shifted positive for the first time in approximately ten weeks, registering +35.4. This development indicates strengthening buying activity from U.S.-based spot market participants, marking a reversal from the extended selling pressure observed throughout much of 2026.
Exchange-Traded Fund Demand and Institutional Accumulation Drive Support
Spot Bitcoin ETF net capital inflows have surpassed $1.9 billion during the previous three-week period. March independently has attracted $1.34 billion, positioning ETFs for their first monthly net positive performance since October.
Strategy expanded its holdings by 11,042 BTC this week utilizing its STRC financing mechanism, contributing sustained market demand.
Total liquidations reaching $371 million during the past 24 hours demonstrated activity across both trading directions. Short position liquidations dominated at $207 million compared to $163 million from long positions.
Trump communicated via Truth Social that he deliberately avoided targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure “for reasons of decency” while warning he would “immediately reconsider” should Iran persist in obstructing the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials responded that any assault on energy installations would provoke retaliatory strikes against U.S.-affiliated facilities throughout the region.
The Federal Reserve convenes March 17–18. CME FedWatch tool indicates a 95%+ probability of maintaining current rates at 3.5%–3.75%, though market participants will scrutinize the dot plot projections and Chair Powell’s press conference remarks for any indication of evolving rate trajectory.
Crypto World
Ethereum (ETH) Price: Strong On-Chain Signals Emerge as Whales Accumulate and Staking Reaches New Heights
Key Takeaways
- Accumulation wallets now hold 6.5 million more ETH than in January, representing a 32% increase
- Total staked ETH reached an unprecedented 37.85 million, accounting for over 30% of circulating supply
- Major whale address deployed $152.81 million into ETH purchases during a three-day window
- Spot Ethereum ETFs in the United States saw $185.4 million in consecutive net inflows over three sessions
- Breaking above $2,200 resistance could trigger a rally toward $2,600 and beyond
Ethereum currently trades in the $2,078–$2,090 range, representing a roughly 30% decline from its yearly opening price of $2,990. The current trading zone sits immediately beneath a critical resistance area spanning $2,100 to $2,200 that has prevented upward momentum throughout the past month.
While price action appears bearish on the surface, blockchain metrics reveal a contrasting narrative beneath.
ETH balance in accumulation wallets — defined as addresses with zero selling history — has surged from 20.1 million to 26.55 million ETH since the start of January. This represents an addition of 6.5 million ETH, marking a 32% expansion.
Daily additions to these non-selling addresses peaked at 1.14 million ETH in November 2025. Throughout 2026, the average daily inflow has maintained at 200,000 ETH, with Thursday witnessing a notable surge exceeding 350,000 ETH.
Staking Milestone and Large-Scale Accumulation
The amount of staked ETH hit an unprecedented peak of 37.85 million this week. This milestone represents more than 30% of Ethereum’s total circulating supply. Increasing staked supply withdraws tokens from active circulation and demonstrates conviction in long-term holding strategies.
ETH balances on centralized exchanges dropped to a multi-year bottom of 3.46 million, creating additional pressure on available liquidity.
A substantial wallet address, labeled “0x8E3” on Arkham’s blockchain tracking platform, accumulated roughly $152.81 million worth of ETH during a three-day period. The entity controlling this wallet remains unidentified. Possibilities include a high-net-worth individual, institutional trading desk, or corporate treasury.
Large holder addresses controlling between 10,000 and 100,000 ETH increased their collective holdings by 540,000 ETH throughout the previous five trading sessions, based on CryptoQuant’s tracking data.
Spot Ethereum ETFs in the United States registered $185.4 million in cumulative net inflows spanning three consecutive trading days from Tuesday through Thursday, according to SoSoValue metrics. The ETH Coinbase Premium Index simultaneously climbed to levels not observed since early December.
Critical Resistance and Support Zones
Ethereum’s open interest expanded to 13.67 million ETH on Friday, marking the highest reading since January 30. Funding rates have oscillated between positive and negative territory throughout this timeframe.
ETH momentarily pushed above $2,166 before encountering rejection at the 50-day exponential moving average. Bulls must decisively breach that barrier and subsequently target $2,370, with $2,750 as the next objective.
Trading analyst Daan Crypto Trades highlighted that the $2,100–$2,200 zone has functioned as a pivotal price region throughout the past two years. When ETH successfully reclaimed this territory in May 2025, it surged 24% within a week. The June 2025 breakout catalyzed a massive 126% rally culminating at $4,950.
On the bearish side, the $1,750–$1,850 range represents crucial support that must hold. A decisive breakdown below this zone could potentially drive ETH toward $1,000, based on technical analyst projections. The Relative Strength Index currently registers at 52 with an ascending Stochastic Oscillator positioned in the mid-60s.
Daily active addresses climbed to 1.1 million during February, the highest reading since December 2022, featuring a dramatic 7-day surge of 80% to reach 672,170.
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