Gold-i announced today (Thursday) that it has enhanced its crypto liquidity offering for institutional clients by integrating the Crypto.com Exchange into its MatrixNET liquidity management and distribution platform.Join the inaugural Finance Magnates Singapore Summit 2026, which will bring together brokers, fintechs, banks, EMIs, wealth managers, and hedge funds across APAC.Gold-i Efforts to Boost Crypto LiquidityThe latest addition to the liquidity pool follows a continued effort by Gold-i to enhance the offering under MatrixNET.“Crypto.com is one of the world’s largest and most secure cryptocurrency platforms,” said Tom Higgins, CEO and Founder of Gold-i.“We are delighted to be expanding our offering to enable Gold-i’s MatrixNET clients to connect seamlessly to Crypto.com’s liquidity pool, gaining access to an even greater choice of high-quality crypto liquidity.”According to CoinMarketCap data, Crypto.com handled $2.1 billion in spot crypto trading volume over the past 24 hours and almost $1.3 billion in derivatives volume.Following this latest integration, Gold-i clients can connect to the Crypto.com Exchange via a single FIX API connection to MatrixNET, simplifying onboarding and reducing operational complexity.However, the company’s announcement highlighted that Gold-i clients in “selected jurisdictions” (not specified by name) will have access to the Crypto.com Exchange’s liquidity infrastructure.[#highlighted-links#] The Demand for Crypto Liquidity Is RisingGold-i is known for its liquidity offerings and is actively enhancing its services. The firm recently combined three products: Matrix2, a liquidity management platform; Crypto Switch™, its institutional digital asset solution; and MatrixNET, a liquidity distribution platform. This consolidation has resulted in MatrixNET evolving into a unified platform for liquidity management and distribution.The company has recently been focusing on enhancing its offerings. FinanceMagnates.com earlier reported that Gold-i added Hyperliquid to its MatrixNET liquidity management platform, making it the first decentralised finance exchange in the liquidity pool.MatrixNET is already connected to more than 80 liquidity providers and 35 crypto exchanges, according to Gold-i, with recent additions covering multiple asset classes. In February 2025, the firm added Edgewater Markets to the platform, extending access to precious metals, FX, and NDFs. In mid-2024, it integrated Cypator to expand cryptocurrency liquidity options for retail brokers. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

UP Fintech Holding Limited (NASDAQ: TIGR), the Singapore-based operator of Tiger Brokers, posted full-year 2025 revenue of $612.1 million, a 56.3% increase from $391.5 million in 2024, according to the company's unaudited earnings report released today (Thursday). Non-GAAP net income attributable to shareholders reached $186.5 million for the year, up 164.7% from $70.5 million the prior year.The results cap a year of strong top-line growth for the online broker, but the quarterly picture tells a more nuanced story. Fourth-quarter revenue came in at $175.6 million, up 41.5% year-over-year but essentially unchanged from the third quarter's $175.2 million, suggesting the revenue acceleration that defined the first three quarters plateaued in the final stretch.Join the inaugural Finance Magnates Singapore Summit 2026, which will bring together brokers, fintechs, banks, EMIs, wealth managers, and hedge funds across APAC.Q4 Profit Slips From Record HighQ4 GAAP net income came in at $45.2 million, up 61.3% year-over-year, but down roughly 16% from the $53.8 million recorded in Q3 2025, when the company had reported what was then its best quarter on record across both revenue and profit. On a non-GAAP basis, Q4 net income came to $48.9 million, compared with $57 million in Q3. The company did not provide a specific explanation for the sequential profit decline in its earnings statement.“Both of our financial and operating performance have achieved significant growth in the full year of 2025,” Wu Tianhua, Chairman and CEO of UP Fintech, commented on the results. “We are pleased to see significant breakthroughs in both our annual and quarterly topline and bottom line compared to 2024.”Total client assets stood at $60.8 billion at the end of December, down slightly from $61.0 billion at the close of September, with the modest dip likely reflecting market-driven asset valuation changes during the quarter. Year-over-year, client assets were up 45.7% from $41.7 billion at year-end 2024. Margin financing and securities lending balances also eased from $5.7 billion at the end of Q3 to $5.4 billion at year-end, though they remained 21.5% above December 2024 levels, the company reported.Hong Kong Growth Leads Regional ExpansionThe most pronounced growth came from Hong Kong, where the company said full-year trading volume expanded 840.9% year-over-year, and Q4 trading volume rose 1,305% year-over-year. Average net asset inflows per new funded client in Hong Kong reached $43,000 in the quarter, while client assets in the city more than tripled year-over-year, according to the company. Virtual asset trading was also active, with crypto order volume growing 228% year-over-year in Q4 and 60.9% quarter-over-quarter.Singapore, where UP Fintech is headquartered, delivered what the company described as its eighth consecutive quarter of growth in trading orders and trading accounts. Full-year net profit in Singapore rose 96% year-over-year, with client assets up 50% year-over-year in Q4, the company said. UP Fintech entered Singapore's securities market in 2021 and has since built a meaningful retail footprint in the city-state. Client assets in Australia and New Zealand more than doubled year-over-year, the company added.IPO Business Drives Corporate Revenue SpikeThe company's other revenue segment, covering investment banking, ESOP, and corporate services, rose 220.6% year-over-year to $30.8 million in Q4. The company said it completed 20 Hong Kong IPOs during the quarter, including autonomous driving firm Pony.ai, described internally as the largest global autonomous driving IPO of 2025, and HashKey Group, which the company said was the sole digital asset IPO in Hong Kong that year.Full-year Hong Kong IPO margin financing subscription reached HK$1.2 trillion, the company said, crossing the HK$1 trillion mark for the first time. UP Fintech's growing role in the city's IPO pipeline reflects broader momentum in Hong Kong's listing market, a theme that also drove strong Q3 results for the broker. On the ESOP side, the company added 135 new clients for the full year, bringing its total corporate client base to 748. Annual ESOP net profit rose more than 400% year-over-year, the firm said.Scale Gap With Futu Remains WideWhile UP Fintech's results reflect consistent expansion, the company operates at a considerably different scale than its nearest comparable, Futu Holdings. Futu reported full-year 2025 revenue of HK$22.85 billion (approximately $2.94 billion), an increase of 68.1% year-over-year, with net income more than doubling to HK$11.3 billion. Futu's funded account base stood at 3.37 million at year-end 2025, compared to UP Fintech's 1.25 million. Tiger Brokers had first crossed the one-million funded-client milestone in 2024.UP Fintech added 29,700 funded accounts in Q4, its lowest quarterly addition since Q1 2025, and below the 40,000 added in Q2 2025 and 31,500 in Q3. The company has set a target of 150,000 new funded clients for 2026, in line with what it guided for 2025, and said it will prioritize user quality over volume in the coming year. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Flow Traders, the principal trading firm, said today (Thursday) it has opened an over-the-counter desk offering continuous, two-way liquidity for tokenized money-market funds, equities, and commodities, with Franklin Templeton's BENJI fund and Tether's gold-backed token XAU₮ among the initial products covered.The desk is designed to run around the clock, seven days a week, and targets permissioned institutional counterparties that, the company said, need to manage equity and commodity exposure when traditional exchanges are closed. Counterparties can trade tokenized equity and commodity exposures against fiat currencies or stablecoins, using standard OTC workflows with defined settlement processes.Join the inaugural Finance Magnates Singapore Summit 2026, which will bring together brokers, fintechs, banks, EMIs, wealth managers, and hedge funds across APAC.Overnight Volumes Driving the PushFlow Traders CEO Thomas Spitz framed the launch as the latest step in a longer shift in how investors access market exposure. "Over the past two decades, evolving market structures, from ETFs to electronic trading, have transformed how investors access exposure," Spitz said. "Tokenization has the potential to be one of the next major steps in that evolution."The company stated that in some large-cap U.S. stocks, combined activity across tokenized and synthetic markets has "at times reached around 2-3% of the notional trading volume of their primary U.S. listings," with much of that activity occurring outside regular U.S. market hours. Flow Traders did not identify which stocks or cite an independent source for those figures.The firm's move into tokenized OTC liquidity follows several years of building out its digital asset infrastructure. In 2023, Flow Traders' crypto subsidiary was registered by De Nederlandsche Bank as a provider of crypto services in the Netherlands, authorizing the firm to offer spot OTC cryptocurrency liquidity and make markets in crypto exchange-traded products.Tether Gold Included From Day OneTether CEO Paolo Ardoino said the partnership reflects a broader pickup in demand for gold exposure across both traditional and on-chain markets. "Demand for gold, both in traditional markets and on chain, has accelerated as investors look for resilient stores of value in a more uncertain macro environment," Ardoino commented. "Liquidity providers such as Flow Traders play a critical role in ensuring that tokenized assets like XAU₮ can trade efficiently across venues and reach a broader set of market participants."Ardoino added that "supporting XAU₮ across multiple exchanges and through their OTC desk helps strengthen the market structure around digital representations of physical gold," framing the arrangement as an infrastructure improvement rather than a purely commercial one. The desk provides what the firm describes as risk controls designed specifically for overnight and weekend market conditions, though it did not elaborate on the mechanics of those controls.Institutional OTC Market Faces ConsolidationThe launch places Flow Traders among a growing field of firms building infrastructure for tokenized real-world assets, even as the broader OTC liquidity provider market faces growing pressure. A survey published by Finery Markets in early 2026 found that 60% of institutional OTC participants expected the number of active liquidity providers to fall before year-end, suggesting consolidation may be approaching even as new entrants expand into the space.Flow Traders has been broadening its digital asset presence on multiple fronts over recent years. The firm joined DWS and Galaxy Digital in a joint venture to develop a euro-denominated stablecoin, and was named the sole liquidity provider in TP ICAP's institutional crypto trading platform when it launched in 2021. The new OTC desk extends that activity into the tokenized asset space, where discussion at Davos in January centered on wholesale rather than retail applications as institutions began to treat tokenization as a practical infrastructure question rather than a speculative one.Access and AvailabilityInstitutions can reach the desk via direct FIX connectivity, OMS/EMS platforms, ECNs, or high-touch OTC execution. The company declares that asset coverage will expand based on counterparty demand and regulatory considerations, and noted that product availability may vary by jurisdiction and counterparty eligibility, with different members of the Flow Traders group providing services depending on their regulatory status in a given market. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

IG Group Holdings (LSE: IGG) posted record total revenue of £1.12 billion for calendar year 2025, driven by double-digit growth in net trading revenue and a surge in new customer acquisition, fuelled by the Freetrade integration. The London-listed trading and investment platform also launched a strategic review that could reshape its ownership structure, listing venues and corporate composition, with results expected in autumn 2026.IG Group’s Revenue Record, but Margin SlipsNet trading revenue for the twelve months to 31 December 2025 reached £1,004.6 million, a 10% increase on the £910.6 million recorded in calendar year 2024. That prior-year performance had already impressed analysts, with IG beating estimates in FY25 as net profit jumped 24% to £380 million, making the CY25 record all the more notable for being built on an already-strong base.That growth, however, came alongside a 16% drop in net interest income, which fell from £141.6 million to £118.8 million, as declining benchmark interest rates reduced the yield on client cash balances while pass-through to customers increased.[#highlighted-links#] Net interest income's share of total revenue fell from 14% to 11%, reflecting a deliberate business model shift toward fee and trading-based income. EBITDA edged up just 1% to £531.1 million, while the EBITDA margin contracted from 49.9% to 47.3%, as the group reinvested efficiency savings back into marketing and product development. "Record financial results and accelerating customer growth demonstrate the strength of IG's platform," Breon Corcoran, the CEO of IG Group, said, "We operate in large and fast-growing markets being reshaped by structural drivers, and now is the time to raise our ambitions. Today we are launching a strategic review to ensure IG captures the full long-term opportunity ahead - evaluating routes to maximise shareholder value."The Numbers Behind the HeadlineBeyond the top line, several operational and cost metrics reveal the true shape of IG's 2025 performance. Marketing spend rose 31% to £108.8 million, a deliberate acceleration designed to drive customer acquisition and fund new product launches. Legal and professional costs surged 78% to £62.3 million, reflecting M&A advisory fees, technology consulting and early-stage work on the company's legal entity structure.The table below offers a broader comparative view of IG's key performance indicators across calendar year 2025 and calendar year 2024, cutting past the headline revenue figures.The adjusted EPS growth of 5% - from approximately 109.8 pence to 115.3 pence - was supported by ongoing share buybacks that have reduced the share count by over 16% since May 2022. The 29% leap in basic EPS to 130.0 pence is more eye-catching, but that figure includes a one-off £76.0 million gain from the disposal of Small Exchange to Kraken in a $100 million deal completed in October 2025. Strip that out and the underlying earnings picture is more measured.Customer Growth: Real and AcquiredThe reported 174% surge in active customers from 270,300 to 742,100 is almost entirely explained by the acquisition of Freetrade, which was consolidated from 1 April 2025 and brought approximately 460,000 active customers onto IG's platform. On an organic, continuing-operations basis, active customers grew 6% to 281,300, a more modest figure that nonetheless represents an improvement on prior-year trends.First trades on an organic basis rose 54% to 103,800, suggesting that IG's investment in marketing and product development is beginning to attract genuinely new trading activity rather than simply absorbing acquired users. As FinanceMagnates.com reported, the group had already signaled momentum building through fiscal year 2025, with active clients rising 2% quarter-on-quarter even before Freetrade was folded in. Fixed cost to serve per customer fell 8% organically since the end of 2023, the company said, as digital servicing, faster KYC processes and AI-powered onboarding began delivering measurable savings.tastytrade Pushes US Revenue to £186.7mIG's US division, built around its tastytrade platform acquired in 2021 for $1 billion, generated net trading revenue of £186.7 million in CY25, up 18% year-on-year. Exchange-traded derivatives, the core tastytrade product, contributed £153.2 million of that total, driven by higher payment-for-order-flow rates and double-digit growth in active customers and first trades.Assets under administration at tastytrade climbed 47% to £18.2 billion at 31 December 2025, benefiting from strong market performance, net inflows and a rapidly growing customer base. As FinanceMagnates.com examined in February, IG's US bet now contributes meaningfully to the case that CFD-heritage brokers can build durable non-OTC businesses, with tastytrade delivering 23% net trading revenue growth in US dollar terms in 2025 alone.Freetrade Beds In, Crypto Ambitions GrowFreetrade contributed £24.2 million to total revenue in its first nine months as part of the group, surpassing IG's own guidance of approximately £20 million. Assets under administration on the Freetrade platform reached £3.3 billion at 31 December 2025, up 34%, and grew further to over £3.5 billion by 28 February 2026. The group launched a zero-commission mutual fund offering in October 2025, which has since expanded to over 760 funds across 40 managers, and introduced free SIPPs in January 2026, which the company says have prompted over £250 million in pension transfer applications.On the crypto front, IG secured both an FCA registration and a European MiCA licence in 2025, and completed the acquisition of Australian cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve on 30 January 2026 for a provisional consideration of approximately £67.7 million. IG launched spot crypto trading in Australia in March 2026, powered by Independent Reserve, with plans to extend the offering to Singapore and the UAE in the second half of 2026. The group's AI-driven compliance operations, expanded through a partnership with Adclear, now see 87% of marketing assets approved within target timeframes.Revenue Mix and What Comes NextOTC derivatives remain the dominant revenue engine, generating £781.4 million in net trading revenue for CY25, up 8%, with customer income retention improving by more than four percentage points to over 83% following spread realignment and passive hedging adjustments introduced in late 2024. Stock trading and investments nearly doubled, rising 96% to £68.4 million, driven by the rollout of zero-commission equity trading across the UK, Ireland, Singapore and France, where organic first trades in the UK and Ireland alone grew 52% year-on-year in the three months to 28 February 2026.The momentum carried into early 2026, with Q3 total revenue up 2% to £274.2 million, net trading revenue up 5% to £247.2 million, and assets under administration on the IG platform reaching £19.5 billion. For the full year, the group guided to approximately 7% revenue growth in the first quarter, full-year EBITDA broadly in line with consensus at £538.1 million, and organic revenue growth towards the top end of its mid-to-high single-digit target range over the medium term. A final dividend of 28.12 pence per share was proposed for the seven-month transitional period, with the Annual General Meeting set for 19 May 2026. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Swissquote expects to close 2026 with net revenue of CHF 760 million and pre-tax profit of CHF 385 million. It has also revised its 2028 net revenue target from CHF 900 million to CHF 950 million; however, the pre-tax profit margin has been reduced from 55 per cent to 53 per cent.It is still expected to bring in CHF 500 million in pre-tax profit by 2028.A Strong Year and a Bullish OutlookThe guidance came as the Swiss broker ended 2025 with net revenue of CHF 723.3 million and a pre-tax profit of CHF 420.2 million. The numbers increased by 9.4 per cent and 21.6 per cent, respectively.Revenue last year was boosted by an increase in trading activity. This drove a 17.5 per cent increase in net fee and commission income to CHF 209.4 million and a 52.6 per cent increase in net trading income to CHF 119.5 million.Although the CHF saw a notable interest rate cut, net interest income remained stable at CHF 217.6 million, a 3 per cent decline, supported by higher loan and deposit volumes.Due to low FX volatility, the broker’s net eForex income decreased by 3.8 per cent; however, client activity shifted to precious metals such as gold, which saw a strong one-sided rally last year.Crypto trading volume at the broker also declined by 12.1 per cent. However, net income from crypto assets remained almost unchanged at CHF 85.7 million.Meanwhile, Swissquote added more than 100,000 accounts last year, bringing its total to 1.2 million. Client assets on the platform also increased by 16.3 per cent to CHF 88.7 billion.It also attracted CHF 8.5 billion in new funds, of which roughly 40 per cent came from Europe.Investments for GrowthLast year, Swissquote also took full control of Yuh, a digital finance platform. It previously held a 50 per cent stake and acquired the remaining share from PostFinance, paying CHF 89.8 million in cash and treasury shares.The upward revision in revenue and profit came due to the impact of Yuh’s performance on Swissquote’s overall results.For 2025, Yuh reported a profit for the second consecutive year, 399,201 accounts, and CHF 3.7 billion in client assets.The broker also increased its spending on technology and AI, as well as strengthening its existing international presence.“While this acceleration is expected to weigh on the pre-tax profit margin in the short term, the Group expects the resulting benefits to become increasingly visible from H2 2026 onwards,” the broker noted.“Swissquote remains committed to disciplined cost growth over time, with total expense increases expected to remain below the growth rate of customer numbers and client assets. Without these strategic investments, the increase in total expenses in 2025 would have been lower.” This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

The Cyprus Diaspora Forum is proud to announce a strategic collaboration with REALTYon, creating a powerful platform designed to attract high-net-worth international investors to Cyprus and connect them with premium real estate opportunities.The partnership is particularly strategic as both the Cyprus Diaspora Forum and the REALTYon exhibition will take place during the same week in May 2026, creating a unique opportunity to bring together global diaspora leaders, international investors, and leading real estate developers in Cyprus at the same time.Through this collaboration, both organisations will activate their international networks to identify and engage qualified VIP investors who are actively seeking property and investment opportunities in Cyprus. Selected investors will be invited to participate in the exclusive REALTYon VIP Buyer Programme, where they will gain access to carefully curated one-to-one meetings with leading developers and sponsors during the REALTYon exhibition on 7–8 May 2026.“The initiative is designed to facilitate high-value connections by arranging pre-scheduled meetings between serious investors and Cyprus’ most prominent real estate stakeholders,” Elena Christopher, REALTYon’s Director, Hosted Meetings & Strategic Engagement – Events, said.As part of this collaboration, the partners aim to facilitate pre-qualified VIP investor meetings onsite at REALTYon.“Leveraging the Cyprus Diaspora Forum’s influential global diaspora network and REALTYon’s specialised real estate platform, this partnership creates a strategic gateway for international capital to engage directly with the Cyprus property market,” Paul Lambis, Founder and CEO of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum, said.“Through targeted outreach to its global diaspora investor network, the Cyprus Diaspora Forum will introduce qualified investors to the REALTYon VIP Buyer Programme. Interested investors will then be guided through a structured qualification process to ensure their investment interests are matched with the most relevant real estate projects and developers participating in REALTYon,” Lambis added.“The REALTYon team will coordinate the investor matchmaking process, facilitating curated one-to-one meetings that allow investors to explore a wide range of opportunities within the Cyprus real estate market,” Christopher explained.By aligning two major international platforms taking place at the same time in Cyprus, this collaboration is expected to significantly strengthen investor engagement and position Cyprus as a dynamic hub for real estate investment, international business, and diaspora connectivity.The Cyprus Diaspora Forum and REALTYon look forward to welcoming global investors, developers, and industry leaders to a unique environment where strategic connections, investment opportunities, and meaningful partnerships can flourish.View this post on InstagramA post shared by REALTYon Expo (@realtyonexpo.cy) This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

The March 2026 joint framework from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission represents the most significant regulatory development in U.S. crypto history. While most of my peers see this as "good", I view this moment with cautious optimism. The classification of 16 major digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, as digital commodities under primary CFTC jurisdiction finally provides the legal certainty that institutional capital has demanded.Clarity, however welcome, does not equate to perfection. The framework's very structure reveals tensions that could undermine its stated goal of fostering innovation while protecting investors.After more than a decade of uncertainty, this interpretation will provide market participants with a clear understanding of how the SEC treats crypto assets under federal securities laws.This is what regulatory agencies are supposed to do: draw clear lines in clear terms. https://t.co/wij5cA7N2i— Paul Atkins (@SECPaulSAtkins) March 17, 2026Order Meets Oversight GapsThe 5-category taxonomy, covering Digital Commodities, Digital Securities, Digital Collectibles, Digital Tools, and regulated Payment Stablecoins under the GENIUS Act, offers a pragmatic scaffold for a market that has operated in a regulatory gray zone for too long.Join the inaugural Finance Magnates Singapore Summit 2026, which will bring together brokers, fintechs, banks, EMIs, wealth managers, and hedge funds across APAC.By acknowledging that assets can transition from securities to commodities as decentralization deepens, the agencies have embraced a dynamic view of technological evolution that the static Howey test never accommodated. This is progress.Related: SEC Clarifies Crypto Rules, Shifting Responsibility to BrokersThe practical implications of shifting oversight from the SEC's disclosure-heavy regime to the CFTC's market-conduct focus raise legitimate questions about investor safeguards.Commodities regulation simply does not mandate the same level of financial transparency, audit requirements, or fiduciary obligations that securities law imposes. For retail participants who have grown accustomed to the SEC's investor-first posture, this represents a tangible reduction in recourse should manipulation or fraud occur. The data bears this out. While the CFTC has expanded its enforcement capabilities, its budget and staffing remain a fraction of the SEC's, limiting its capacity to police a market now valued in the trillions.The GENIUS Act’s Safeguards Could BackfireThe GENIUS Act's treatment of stablecoins illustrates another layer of complexity. While the legislation rightly mandates one-to-one reserve backing, monthly attestations, and segregation of customer funds, it explicitly prohibits issuers from paying yield on stablecoin holdings.TRUMP: ?? "The Golden Age of America is upon us, with today's signing."President Trumps signs the Genius Act signaling the first of Stablecoin legislation. pic.twitter.com/JD2TtV0p9b— CoinDesk (@CoinDesk) July 18, 2025This well-intentioned guardrail against shadow banking risks inadvertently pushes yield-seeking users toward unregulated offshore platforms or riskier DeFi protocols, potentially increasing systemic fragility rather than reducing it.Furthermore, the Act's bankruptcy provisions, while granting stablecoin holders super-priority status in theory, leave unresolved questions about the practical enforceability of those claims across fragmented custody arrangements.Read more: Trump Signs GENIUS Act Into Law, Setting Stage for Wider Crypto OversightIf a major issuer were to fail, the FDIC's $250,000 insurance limit applies to the corporate account holding reserves, not to individual token holders. This gap could leave millions of users exposed despite the framework's consumer-protection rhetoric.Perhaps the most pressing concern is the framework's non-binding status. The SEC and CFTC do not legislate. Congress does. What we have today is an interpretive memorandum, not codified law, and as such, it remains vulnerable to shifts in agency leadership, judicial challenge, or superseding legislation like the pending Clarity Act.JUST IN: ? The CLARITY Act could see a markup before Easter, according to Senator Kevin Cramer.?? Cramer advocates for "U.S. guardrails" between traditional and non-traditional banking, warning the U.S. could lose its "innovative edge" if digital assets move overseas. pic.twitter.com/2cWRw6SsXy— Bitcoin.com News (@BitcoinNews) March 17, 2026Policy Without Law Leaves Investors ExposedThis uncertainty is compounded by the grey period inherent in the transition mechanism. Projects must now navigate costly legal analyses to determine precisely when they have achieved sufficient decentralization to shed their securities classification. For early-stage teams operating on lean budgets, this ambiguity could stifle the very innovation the framework purports to enable. Moreover, national security experts at institutions like CSIS have warned that the GENIUS Act's focus on centralized issuers may leave decentralized protocols and privacy-enhancing technologies outside the regulatory perimeter, creating vectors for sanctions evasion that adversaries could exploit.Continue reading: SEC and CFTC Finally Align on Crypto: “Most Assets Aren’t Securities”From my vantage point, having engaged with both regulators and builders, I see this framework not as an endpoint but as a foundation on which more durable, adaptive regulation must be built. The harmonization of SEC and CFTC authority through Project Crypto is a historic step toward ending the jurisdictional turf wars that have long paralyzed U.S. crypto policy.The Real Test Will Be in How Regulators ApplyStill, true regulatory maturity requires more than asset classification. It demands ongoing dialogue with technologists, economists, and civil society to ensure that rules evolve alongside the systems they govern. The inclusion of on-chain activities like staking, mining, and wrapping within the framework's analytical scope is encouraging. The devil will be in the implementation details that regulators now must develop through notice-and-comment rulemaking. The market has responded positively to the clarity, with institutional interest in the newly designated digital commodities rising measurably since the announcement. But we must resist the temptation to declare victory prematurely.After months of hard work, we have bipartisan text ready for Thursday’s markup. I urge my Democrat colleagues: don’t retreat from our progress. The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act will provide the clarity needed to keep innovation in the U.S. & protect consumers. Let’s do this! pic.twitter.com/fuu5CIQa8X— Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) January 13, 2026The framework's success will ultimately be judged not by the elegance of its taxonomy but by its real-world outcomes. Does it reduce fraud without stifling experimentation? Does it protect consumers without cementing incumbent advantages? Does it position the United States as a leader in responsible digital asset innovation, or merely as a jurisdiction that has replaced one set of uncertainties with another?Prioritize Transparency and User ProtectionAs we await Congressional action to codify these principles into law, the industry must remain engaged, constructive, and vigilant. Builders should leverage the newfound clarity to prioritize transparency and user protection, not as a regulatory checkbox but as a competitive advantage.BREAKING: The SEC has formally classified SOL as a digital commodity in its new crypto asset taxonomy, alongside BTC, ETH, and 14 other assets.SOL is not a security. pic.twitter.com/PnqpT46NdT— Solana (@solana) March 17, 2026Investors must recognize that commodity classification does not eliminate risk and should conduct due diligence accordingly. Policymakers must continue to listen to the diverse voices shaping this ecosystem, from developers in decentralized autonomous organizations to consumer advocates demanding accountability.Do not get me wrong. The March 2026 framework is a big plus for the industry, yes, but it is a plus that comes with asterisks. It is a map, not the territory. It is a starting gun, not a finish line. Those of us who have championed decentralization, privacy, and financial inclusion for over a decade understand that regulatory clarity is necessary but insufficient.Classification to CultivationThe work now shifts from classification to cultivation. We must build the institutions, standards, and cultural norms that will allow digital assets to fulfill their promise without repeating the excesses of traditional finance. If we approach this moment with both appreciation for the progress made and humility about the challenges ahead, the United States can yet lead the world into a more open, equitable, and innovative financial future. The framework gives us the rules of the road. It is up to all of us to ensure the journey delivers on its destination. This article was written by Anndy Lian at www.financemagnates.com.

SBI VC Trade, the digital asset arm of SBI Holdings, is launching a USDC lending product, bringing regulated access to dollar-pegged crypto returns in the domestic market. It allows retail investors in Japan to earn yields by lending stablecoins through a licensed platform.To celebrate the rollout, SBI VC said it will offer an annualized yield of 10% for a 12-week term during the initial phase. The company plans to maintain an annual rate of around 5% going forward—still well above most U.S. dollar time deposit rates, which typically range between 0.01% and 4%.High Initial Yield to Mark LaunchUnder the new program, users can lend Circle’s USD Coin (USDC) directly to the platform, with each offering capped at 5,000 USDC. Interest earnings will be treated as miscellaneous income for tax purposes, allowing small-scale participants to remain tax-exempt if their total annual miscellaneous income stays under ¥200,000.SBI clarified that the service constitutes a loan, not a deposit, meaning participants face direct counterparty risk rather than enjoying bank-style asset segregation.Join the inaugural Finance Magnates Singapore Summit 2026, which will bring together brokers, fintechs, banks, EMIs, wealth managers, and hedge funds across APAC.The company also reserves the right to re-lend the borrowed USDC as part of its regular operations. Funds cannot be withdrawn during the fixed 12-week term, limiting quick access in response to market changes.SBI VC Trade’s move highlights the rapid evolution of Japan’s regulatory stance on stablecoins. The company began handling USDC in March 2025 after becoming the only licensed platform in the country authorized to distribute and trade stablecoins to the public.A Milestone in Japan’s Stablecoin EvolutionIn partnership with Circle, SBI has been advancing local stablecoin infrastructure. Their joint venture, established in August 2025, aims to promote USDC adoption and explore its use in digital finance. SBI VC Trade’s new USDC lending product comes as SBI Holdings accelerates its push into regulated digital assets and tokenized markets. The launch adds a yield-bearing stablecoin service on top of SBI’s existing USDC spot support and comes through a licensed domestic platform that targets retail demand for dollar-linked returns. In parallel, SBI and Startale have begun building out“Strium,” a blockchain infrastructure for trading tokenized securities and real-world assets in Asia. That project, along with their digital yen stablecoin initiative, shows SBI trying to stitch together stablecoins, tokenized assets and 24/7 settlement into a single architecture that can serve both retail and institutional clients. SBI has also moved on the international front with an investment in U.S. prime broker Clear Street and plans for a joint venture in Japan. That deal aims to connect SBI’s domestic securities and derivatives flow with modern prime brokerage infrastructure in the U.S., giving the group more flexibility around cross-border trading and financing. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Colmex Pro has decided to restrict the onboarding of new retail contracts for difference (CFD) clients, FinanceMagnates.com has learned.No More CFDsThe Cyprus-regulated broker highlighted that its decision to exit the CFD market was “part of its longer-term transition towards investment products and market access solutions.” It is going to focus on products such as equities, ETFs, and other exchange-traded instruments.“CFDs have been a significant part of the online trading industry for many years,” said Nicos Vasiliou, Chief Executive Officer of Colmex Pro. “At the same time, we believe there is growing importance in building around products that are more transparent in nature and better suited to long-term investor participation.”Vasiliou took over the broker’s executive control in late 2024. Interestingly, he has a compliance background and spent over three years of his career at the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), which regulates CFD brokers on the Mediterranean island.The company also believes that future growth in financial services will increasingly come from firms able to provide straightforward market access through products with less structural complexity and clearer alignment with investor interests.“[Our] decision reflects what we believe,” Vasiliou added. “Our focus is increasingly on exchange-traded products and on building a platform model grounded in transparency, sustainability, and long-term client value.” This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

Collapsed crypto exchange FTX Trading Ltd. said it will begin a new round of creditor payments on March 31, 2026, as part of its Chapter 11 restructuring process.Earlier in 2025, the company began returning funds under the plan, starting with a $7 billion payout in February. A second distribution of about $5 billion followed in May. Recoveries were expected to range between 54% and 120%, with payments made through providers such as BitGo and Kraken.FTX Starts Fourth Creditor Payout RoundTogether with the FTX Recovery Trust, FTX said the fourth distribution will cover holders of allowed claims in convenience and non-convenience classes who have completed required steps.Join the inaugural Finance Magnates Singapore Summit 2026, which will bring together brokers, fintechs, banks, EMIs, wealth managers, and hedge funds across APAC.Eligible creditors are expected to receive funds within one to three business days from March 31. Payments will be processed through selected providers, including BitGo, Kraken, and Payoneer.The payouts follow priorities set out in the court-approved plan. Certain claim classes will receive incremental or full recoveries in this round.Dotcom customer entitlement claims will receive an additional 18%, bringing total recoveries to 96%. U.S. customer entitlement claims will receive 5%, reaching 100%.General unsecured and digital asset loan claims will each receive 15%, also reaching full recovery. Convenience claims will total 120% in cumulative distributions.?LATEST: "WE CAN'T HAVE ANOTHER FTX" SAYS CFTC CHAIRSpeaking on the All-In podcast, CFTC Chair Michael Selig spoke about the risks involved in blockchain and financial innovation.He spoke about fraud and market manipulation but, most importantly, he clarified a commitment to… pic.twitter.com/zPruQx74dK— BSCN (@BSCNews) March 16, 2026Preferred Shareholders Scheduled for May PaymentFTX said customers who onboarded with a distribution provider have “irrevocably elected to forego” direct cash payments. Distributions are instead sent to the selected provider.The company said issues related to fund availability should be directed to the provider. FTX also set a timeline for preferred shareholders. An April 30, 2026 record date has been scheduled for a May 29, 2026 payment.Creditors must complete several steps to qualify for future distributions, including logging into the claims portal, completing identity verification, submitting tax forms, and onboarding with an approved provider. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Crypto exchange Kraken has paused its plan to go public. According to sources cited by Coindesk, the exchange is blaming unfavorable market conditions four months after it filed confidentially with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).Kraken’s parent company, Payward, submitted a draft S‑1 registration last November for an initial public offering of its common stock. The filing came a day after the company raised $800 million at a $20 billion valuation, including $200 million from Citadel Securities.IPO Plans on HoldA Kraken representative acknowledged the confidential SEC filing but did not provide further details. According to people with knowledge of the situation, the company intends to revisit its IPO plans once market conditions become more favorable.The move follows a sharp downturn in crypto markets since Bitcoin hit a record high in October. Lower asset prices and weaker trading volumes have weighed on valuations, making firms more cautious about public listings.At the time of publication, Bitcoin traded around $71,375 dollars with a market capitalization of about 1.43 trillion dollars, according to CoinMarketCap data. Over the previous 24 hours, BTC has dropped 3%, with a modest 1% gain in the weekly chart. This is low compared to more than $120K posted around October last year.Join the inaugural Finance Magnates Singapore Summit 2026, which will bring together brokers, fintechs, banks, EMIs, wealth managers, and hedge funds across APAC.Last year, however, crypto firms saw a surge in IPO activity. Crypto firms including Circle, Bullish, and Gemini raised a combined $14.6 billion in 2025, according to Cointribune.Related: Kraken’s 2025 Revenue Soared to $2.2 Billion as It Prepares for an IPOSeveral crypto firms and exchanges are currently preparing for potential public listings, including Kraken, Consensys, Gemini, OKX, FalconX, Ledger, Chainalysis and tZero. Tokenization specialist Securitize is moving toward a Nasdaq debut via a SPAC deal valued at about 1.25 billion dollars.Crypto IPO Pipeline GrowsBitGo became the first major crypto listing of 2026 when it raised about 213 million dollars in a U.S. IPO in January at 18 dollars per share, implying a valuation of roughly 2 billion dollars for the digital asset custodian. The shares initially traded higher but later fell below the offer price, leaving the stock down by around 40–45% from its IPO level in the weeks after listing, according to market data reported by mainstream financial outlets. Meanwhile, Kraken has been expanding through acquisitions, including the purchase of NinjaTrader, a Cyprus MiFID-licensed broker, tokenization platform Backed Finance, and most recently token management firm Magna. The exchange also rolled out tokenized equity perpetual futures for non U.S. clients via its xStocks offering. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

An approach to regulation that balances clear guidelines with a willingness to innovate has positioned Singapore at the forefront of developments in asset tokenisation.MAS Initiatives and Early ProjectsSpeaking at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025 last November, Chia Der Jiun, managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), noted that the regulator started its journey with asset-backed tokens with the launch of Project Guardian in 2022, since when money market funds have been tokenised and bonds have been issued natively and settled on chain.Join the inaugural Finance Magnates Singapore Summit 2026, which will bring together brokers, fintechs, banks, EMIs, wealth managers, and hedge funds across APAC.A few weeks later, Lim Tuang Lee, MAS assistant managing director (capital markets), told the Futures Industry Association Asia Derivatives Conference that interest in tokenisation arrangements among market participants was growing steadily.To facilitate this growth, MAS has launched the settlement equivalent of Project Guardian to support industry trials with tokenised bank liabilities and regulated stablecoins for settlement, and established an operational shared ledger infrastructure that enables financial institutions to test the settlement of tokenised financial assets using wholesale CBDC.Ecosystem Strengths and Market InfrastructureSingapore’s dense concentration of global asset managers, banks, and wealth platforms makes it possible to test tokenisation across the full value chain, including issuance, distribution, servicing, and settlement, observes Justin Christopher, head of Asia at Calastone.“Crucially, Singapore understands tokenisation isn’t about experimenting with technology; it’s about building efficient, cross-border market infrastructure,” he says. “This pragmatic mindset has kept the focus on real outcomes.”The ecosystem works because policymakers, banks, asset managers, and fintechs sit at the same table and move from whitepaper to pilot quickly. There is also deep capital markets expertise, which means tokenisation is approached as market infrastructure reform rather than crypto speculation. That is the view of Alvin Chia, head of digital assets innovation Asia Pacific for Northern Trust, who agrees that Singapore understands that interoperability and cross-border use cases rather than domestic scale alone will define success.Regulatory Support and CollaborationSingapore’s leadership in asset tokenisation reflects a deliberate push to modernise capital markets infrastructure, agrees Huan Kiat, fintech director at PhillipCapital.“The MAS has created space for experimentation while maintaining strong regulatory guardrails, which has given market participants confidence to test real-world use cases,” he adds. “At the same time, Singapore’s ecosystem of banks, asset managers, and fintech firms has been willing to collaborate on pilots involving real assets and real capital.”Efficiency and AdoptionTokenisation exists to improve market infrastructure rather than chase temperamental price swings, as the ecosystem is compact and decision-makers are accessible.“Because of this, pilot programmes can move into production relatively quickly and adoption across the board becomes easier,” suggests Chetan Karkhanis, SVP, digital asset partnership development at Franklin Templeton.The high level of crypto asset activity across Asia has translated into a deeper institutional comfort with blockchain‑based products among investors, founders, and financial firms, adds Duncan Trenholme, managing director, TP ICAP Fusion Digital Assets.“At the same time, Singapore’s position as a global financial hub gives it the kind of ecosystem where new market plumbing can be tested at scale rather than in isolation,” he says.Varied Adoption Across Asset ClassesThe broad scope of applications and fragmentation of models/systems means that the pace of adoption for tokenisation differs for each financial asset, notes Hubert Grignon Dumoulin, digital assets senior expert at CACEIS.“The biggest and most obvious use case is stablecoins (tokenisation of fiat money), followed by intra-day repo operations with issuance of non-native securities tokens representing custody positions of government bonds and short-term papers,” he says.Scaling Challenges and InteroperabilityAccording to Danny Chong, co-chair of the Digital Assets Association Singapore, the path to scaling tokenisation rests on overcoming the adoption gap, specifically the challenge of achieving interoperability across networks and harmonising global regulatory standards.“The focus must shift toward democratising access through frameworks that reduce operational complexity, ensuring that the next wave of financial innovation delivers efficiency and liquidity for both institutional and retail participants,” he says.The biggest constraint is not technology—it is aligning legal finality, accounting treatment, and regulatory clarity across jurisdictions so institutions can commit balance sheets at scale, says Chia. Liquidity is another hurdle, because tokenised assets must plug into existing distribution and collateral frameworks rather than operate in isolated pools. Operationally, firms need robust custody, lifecycle servicing, and risk controls that mirror traditional markets.Ankur Kanwar, head of transaction banking & cash management, Singapore and ASEAN, and global head of cash structured solutions development, Standard Chartered, agrees that the challenges are less about the availability of the technology and more about institutional and structural factors.“Variations in regulatory frameworks, the high friction across settlement infrastructures, and limited adoption of digital trade solutions and standards can all affect the scalability of tokenisation,” he says. “As tokenisation scales, cybersecurity risks and operational resilience will also become increasingly important considerations, and the long-term risks need to be carefully managed.”Market Awareness and EducationClient adoption, demand, and uptake by traditional incumbents are not fully there yet, and education and awareness are also not fully at scale, as cryptocurrencies, virtual native assets, and tokenised products are all lumped into one definition, in some cases preventing meaningful mass adoption and understanding, reckons Karkhanis.Risk Management in Tokenised MarketsAs more lifecycle logic, margining, and settlement migrate into smart contracts reliant on external data feeds, the system also inherits new points of failure, warns Trenholme.“Traditional markets are slow, but latency often functions as a circuit breaker,” he explains. “In tokenised markets, an inaccurate oracle print or flawed contract can propagate instantly—so building resilience through standards, safeguards, and fail‑safe architecture is as important as improving efficiency.”Interoperability is another constraint. Markets will ultimately require ‘write once, run anywhere’ infrastructure so assets can move seamlessly across public and permissioned networks.Christopher notes that tokenised assets must plug seamlessly into custody, administration, compliance, and reporting frameworks, and that institutions will not compromise on governance, auditability, or investor protection.“Without established connectivity between issuers and distributors, tokenised products remain niche,” he adds. “Real adoption requires infrastructure allowing assets to move safely and efficiently across established and digital-native venues.”Kiat cautions that scaling tokenisation remains complex, and while the underlying technology can enhance settlement efficiency and programmability, adoption depends on more than just technical capability.“Interoperability across platforms, liquidity depth, custody arrangements, and cross-border regulatory alignment all need to evolve in parallel,” he concludes. “Secondary market readiness will also be critical, as tokenised assets require reliable distribution channels and consistent two-way liquidity for investors to enter and exit with confidence.” This article was written by Paul Golden at www.financemagnates.com.

XRP price had its moment on Tuesday. It climbed to $1.60 per coin, the highest price since February 15, and for a few hours it looked like the six-week consolidation was finally breaking upward. Then the sellers arrived. By the end of Tuesday's session, XRP had given back the gains and closed down 1.6%. Wednesday, March 18, brought a further 3.3% decline. On the chart, the result is a textbook bearish pin bar forming precisely at the upper boundary of the range that has defined XRP since late January. In this article, I will break down the technical analysis of the XRP/USDT chart, examine what the Fed decision means for the token today, and compile the most significant XRP price predictions for 2026: from the measured to the extraordinary. Based on my over 15 years of experience as an analyst and retail investor, here is what I am watching.Follow me on X for real-time crypto market analysis: @ChmielDk.Why XRP Is Falling Today? The Pin Bar SignalThe price action on Tuesday and Wednesday is telling a clear technical story. XRP tested $1.60 - the upper boundary of the consolidation range that has been in place for over a month and a half - and was immediately and forcefully rejected. The resulting bearish pin bar on the daily chart is one of the cleaner reversal signals I have seen on this chart in 2026. It mirrors what happened approximately a month ago at the same level, when an identical rejection sent XRP back toward the lower boundary. The pattern is repeating.That rejection also has a macro component. Paul Howard, Senior Director at Wincent, frames the broader environment precisely ahead of today's Fed decision: "The macro pendulum is swinging towards a rising inflationary environment, thus slimming the chance of rate cuts." He notes that Polymarket assigned over 90% probability to rates staying unchanged at Wednesday's meeting - and crucially, adds that "certainty helps those borrowing dollars to invest," making the hold itself broadly positive for crypto pricing even without a cut. The issue for XRP specifically is that a hold without dovish language leaves the dollar firm and rate cut expectations subdued, which removes one of the key tailwinds that lifted XRP from its February lows toward $1.60.XRP Price Technical Analysis: Targeting the Lower BoundaryAs my chart shows, the bearish pin bar rejection at the upper boundary of the consolidation is a clear swing trading signal. In the context of this range, the natural target is the lower boundary at $1.13-$1.26 - defined by the October 2025 flash crash lows at $1.26 and the February 2026 lows just below $1.13. From Wednesday's price, that represents a decline of approximately 23% and would push XRP to its lowest levels since November 2024.To invalidate this bearish scenario, XRP needs to do two things on my chart: break above $1.60 and hold above the 50-day MA on a closing basis. That has not happened. Every attempt at the upper boundary - both a month ago and again this week - has been sold. The pattern of lower-high formations remains intact.If XRP does break higher convincingly, the next resistance levels are $1.80 (the November-December 2025 lows that acted as a floor during that period) and ultimately $2.00 - a level that is not only a round psychological number but also where the 200-day EMA is running.The 200 EMA is the level that separates the downtrend from a genuine trend reversal. XRP has been trading below it continuously since November 2025. Until that changes, every rally is a counter-trend move operating against the primary direction of the market.XRP Price ForecastsEGRAG Crypto: Zone 1 Is the Trigger, Zone 2 Is the PrizeOne of the most followed XRP technical analysts on X, EGRAG Crypto, published a detailed chart analysis today that maps the exact zone my own chart identifies as critical. He sees an ascending triangle forming under Zone 1 at $1.65-$1.70, characterised by higher lows building buying pressure against a flat resistance ceiling - "classic breakout fuel" in his framing.#XRP - #BTC Structure vs Trigger: #XRP Not Confirmed, #XRP/#BTC Holding & #BTC EMA Battle Begins1⃣ #XRP – The Bottom Structure Is NOT Confirmed Yet ? (3D Time Frame):Link?: https://t.co/N6iTfJmy5u2⃣ #XRP / #BTC - Bullish Rectangle Is STIL Holding ?(Update):Link?:… pic.twitter.com/xLCpiyG914— EGRAG CRYPTO (@egragcrypto) March 18, 2026His probability breakdown is worth noting directly: he assigns a 65% probability to a break above Zone 1 supported by momentum compression, and a 35% probability to a rejection or fakeout, particularly if the Clarity Act is postponed. The catalyst he identifies for Zone 1 is precisely the same regulatory story that Paul Howard flagged: "Clarity Act unlocks breakout above Zone 1." But he is equally clear that Zone 1 alone is not enough - to breach Zone 2 at $2.60+, XRP needs "institutional flows and ETF-style exposure, BTC stability or dominance drop, and sustained weekly closes above $1.85-$2.00." His summary is elegant: "Triangle = Pressure. Zone 1 = Trigger. Zone 2 = Expansion."XRP Price Predictions 2026: From $5 to $1,000The forecast range for XRP in 2026 spans a remarkable spectrum, and it is worth presenting both the technically grounded and the community-driven extremes honestly.CryptoBull2020 lays out the most structured bull roadmap, mapping a five-wave broadening pattern: Wave C is complete, Wave D targets $5, followed by a correction to $0.78 before a final Wave E move to $27XRP. The $27 target implies XRP surpassing its entire 2026 market cap multiple times over - achievable only in the most favourable tokenization and regulatory scenario.Okay people. Here is the exact path for #XRP in 2026. We are in a five wave broadening pattern. Wave C is finished and we are about to start wave D to $5. Next will be a correction to $0.78 before a move up to $27. pic.twitter.com/Ca0XJiui75— CryptoBull (@CryptoBull2020) March 8, 2026Archie_XRPL represents the XRP Army's community consensus with characteristic confidence: "$10 minimum, $100 realistic, $1,000 if the stars align." The $10 target requires roughly a 600% rally from current levels. The $100 target would put XRP's market cap above Bitcoin's current valuation. The $1,000 scenario would make XRP the largest financial asset on the planet by a wide margin - a scenario that requires both the full $200 trillion tokenization thesis materialising on the XRP Ledger and a simultaneous collapse in every competing asset.XRP Army prediction for 2026?$10 minimum, $100 realistic, $1,000 if the stars align.Like + RT if you believe we're just getting started ? #XRP #Ripple pic.twitter.com/eUMWRxUuer— Archie ? (@Archie_XRPL) March 2, 2026The institutional consensus sits considerably lower. Standard Chartered's Geoffrey Kendrick maintains an $8.00 target for 2026 contingent on Clarity Act passage and XRP ETF approval. 21Shares' base case of $2.45 remains the most credible near-term institutional forecast. The gap between the community's $100-$1,000 and the institutions' $2.45-$8.00 is itself the story of where XRP sits in 2026 - a token with extraordinary structural potential and an equally extraordinary distance between current reality and bull case fantasy.The January analysis covering XRP outperforming both Bitcoin and Ethereum demonstrated what that institutional re-rating can look like when sentiment aligns. The March DTCC analysis covering Ripple's Hidden Road integration showed that the structural infrastructure connecting Wall Street's post-trade clearing to the XRP Ledger is already being built. The market has not priced either development fully. Whether it does in 2026 depends on the Clarity Act timeline more than any other single variable.FAQ, XRP Price AnalysisWhy is XRP falling on March 18, 2026?XRP formed a bearish pin bar rejection at the $1.60 upper consolidation boundary on Tuesday March 17, the same level that rejected the rally approximately one month earlier, and is falling 3.3% on Wednesday March 18 in a classic swing-trade reversion toward the lower range boundary. How low can XRP go in the near term?As shown on my chart, the swing trade target from the bearish pin bar rejection is the lower consolidation boundary at $1.13-$1.26 - defined by the October 2025 flash crash lows ($1.26) and the February 2026 lows just below $1.13. That represents approximately 23% downside from Wednesday's price and would push XRP to its lowest level since November 2024. The bear scenario is invalidated by a sustained daily close above $1.60 and the 50-day MA.How high can XRP go in 2026?EGRAG Crypto's ascending triangle maps the immediate path: Zone 1 at $1.65-$1.70 is the breakout trigger (65% probability), with Zone 2 at $2.60+ requiring institutional ETF flows and BTC stability. My chart shows $1.80 and then the 200-day MA at $2.00 as the key levels above the consolidation. Standard Chartered's $8.00 remains the institutional bull case target contingent on Clarity Act passage, while CryptoBull2020's Elliott Wave analysis projects $27 as the Wave E target after a correction to $0.78.What is the XRP price prediction for the rest of 2026?The range runs from 21Shares' base case of $2.45 to the community consensus of $10-$100, with the structural differentiator being Clarity Act passage and XRP ETF approval. EGRAG Crypto's Zone 2 at $2.60+ is the most technically grounded near-term bull target. CryptoBull2020's $5 Wave D target and Standard Chartered's $8.00 represent the institutional-to-optimistic middle ground. The previous XRP price analysis targeting $315 via the tokenization thesis requires the XRP Ledger capturing a proportional share of the $200 trillion tokenized asset market - a multi-year scenario rather than a 2026 price target. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

GlobalBlock, part of the GCEX Group, has launched its UK crypto offering. The service provides professional clients with access to crypto trading, portfolio tools and settlement solutions under the UK’s financial promotions regime.GCEX Group acquired GlobalBlock last year to expand the digital prime broker’s reach into wealth management for high-net-worth clients. The acquisition moved GCEX beyond its traditional over-the-counter trading business into managing digital assets for affluent investors.In Wednesday's announcement, the digital prime broker said the latest move would help it combine its regulatory licenses in the UK, Denmark and Dubai with GlobalBlock’s established crypto-focused client base.FCA Approval and Regulatory Scope“Having GlobalBlock's UK financial promotions approved by Archax, alongside our MiCA authorisation, VARA licence and FCA registration for FX and CFDs, reflects the multi-jurisdictional regulatory framework within which different GCEX Group entities operate,” commented Lars Holst, the Founder and CEO of GCEX Group.Keep reading: GCEX Group Buys GlobalBlock to Expand Wealth Management ServicesBefore the acquisition, GlobalBlock, co-founded by David Thomas, had carved out a niche serving wealthy individuals seeking direct crypto exposure. The firm offered AI-driven fund management tools, including its GB10 portfolio tracking the top ten cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, and provided customized trading strategies through its mobile app.Join the inaugural Finance Magnates Singapore Summit 2026, which will bring together brokers, fintechs, banks, EMIs, wealth managers, and hedge funds across APAC.Commenting about the move Thomas said: “Backed by GCEX Group’s depth of relationships, liquidity and infrastructure, GlobalBlock can now deliver that proposition at scale, within a framework designed to meet UK financial promotions requirements and supported by GCEX Group’s regulated entities and controls in relevant jurisdictions.”Expansion Under GCEX IntegrationThe FCA-authorized firm Archax Limited approved GlobalBlock’s crypto asset financial promotions, allowing the company to communicate its services to UK audiences. While crypto assets themselves remain unregulated in the UK, this approval ensures GlobalBlock operates within the FCA’s promotion rules. Since the acquisition, GCEX has been expanding its commodities and digital assets shelf with a gold-focused push. It added tokenized gold trading just two months after rolling out gold futures CFDs for institutional and professional clients. The prime brokerage now offers on-chain access to Pax Gold (PAXG) and Tether Gold (XAUt) against USDC, USDT and USD, alongside CFD equivalents that give price exposure to gold without requiring clients to hold the tokens directly. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed new rules aimed at improving how firms, including CFD brokers, report operational incidents and issues involving third-party providers.The regulator said the changes are designed to make reporting “clearer, more consistent, and easier for firms to follow.” The updated framework is intended to help authorities respond more quickly to disruptions such as cyber attacks or power outages. It also aims to give CFD brokers and other financial firms greater certainty on what to report and when.Join the inaugural Finance Magnates Singapore Summit 2026, which will bring together brokers, fintechs, banks, EMIs, wealth managers, and hedge funds across APAC.The move comes as cyber threats increase in frequency and complexity. The FCA said that in 2025, more than 40% of reported cyber incidents involved third parties. Recent disruptions, including outages affecting services linked to Cloudflare and Amazon Web Services, have highlighted the sector’s reliance on external providers.Single Portal Introduced for Reporting RequirementsThe FCA said firms have not always reported incidents consistently and industry participants requested clearer guidance. In response, the regulator launched a consultation in December 2024 and refined rules to reduce burden while ensuring key information is received early.Under the new framework, the FCA, the Prudential Regulation Authority, and the Bank of England will operate a single reporting system. Most directly supervised firms can submit short-form reports, with clearer guidance on thresholds, definitions, and responsibilities, and duplicative requirements have been removed for payment service providers and credit rating agencies.Cyber and Third-Party Risks MonitoredMark Francis said “resilience is being tested like never before,” noting “growing cyber threats” and firms’ increasing reliance on third parties. He added the changes give “clearer rules and practical guidance” and help the FCA “spot risks, share insights and strengthen sector-wide resilience.”The regulator said it will use reported data to identify trends and share insights with the industry. Where incidents involve third-party providers, the information will help assess supply chain risks, highlight the most exposed services, and identify potential critical third parties within the UK financial system.Guidance and Implementation TimelineAlongside the rules, the FCA has published finalised guidance on incident and third-party reporting, including examples, thresholds, and form instructions. Firms, including CFD brokers, have 12 months to prepare before the rules take effect on 18 March 2027. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The SEC has clarified its position on how crypto assets should be classified. For brokers, that clarity comes with a new layer of responsibility. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins presented the long-awaited token taxonomy, developed in coordination with the CFTC. The new rules confirm that tokens meeting the definition of investment contracts remain subject to securities regulation, while other categories, such as payment stablecoins, digital commodities, and collectibles, fall outside securities rules.For much of the brokerage industry, this framework defines where brokers can participate without triggering full securities rules. But the guidance also shifts how risk is managed. After more than a decade of uncertainty, this interpretation will provide market participants with a clear understanding of how the SEC treats crypto assets under federal securities laws.This is what regulatory agencies are supposed to do: draw clear lines in clear terms. https://t.co/wij5cA7N2i— Paul Atkins (@SECPaulSAtkins) March 17, 2026From Legal Uncertainty to Operational Responsibility For years, the main risk for brokers was unpredictability. A token could be listed and later reclassified, exposing firms to enforcement action. That risk has now moved into day-to-day operations. The SEC made clear that a token’s status can change depending on how it is marketed and used. An asset initially treated as a non-security may fall under securities rules if it is presented as part of an investment offering with an expectation of profit. This means classification is no longer fixed. A token’s regulatory status can evolve as its ecosystem develops or as its positioning changes. In practice, this turns classification into a continuous process rather than a one-time listing decision. Brokers will need to monitor how assets are used and be able to explain their classification if regulators question it.Safe Harbor Raises the Stakes The proposed four-year “safe harbor” for crypto startups adds another layer. The idea is to allow projects to launch and raise capital under lighter requirements for a defined period, provided they meet certain conditions. If implemented, this could increase the volume of new token issuance.As Atkins framed it: “Such a safe harbor would provide crypto innovators bespoke pathways to raise capital in the US while providing appropriate investor protections.” For brokers, that means more assets entering the market at an earlier stage, when classification is less settled. Participation in such offerings may also require closer tracking of how projects evolve over time. If a token later meets the definition of a security, earlier assumptions may come under review. A Shift in Where Risk Sits The SEC’s approach gives the market more structure. It also changes where decisions are made. Previously, much of the uncertainty sat with regulators. Now, more of it sits with market participants. Brokers will have to move from reacting to regulatory action toward making and defending classification decisions in real time. The rules are clearer. The margin for error may be narrower. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Trading 212, an early disruptor of zero-commission trading in the UK and Europe, has secured authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to offer self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs). The expansion in the trading platforms’ product suite has been some time in the making. According to the Financial Times, the FCA had granted approval in February 2026. Yet, Trading 212 had indicated as early as April 2020 on its community forum that it intended to launch such accounts within a year.The Do-It-Yourself Pension BoomSIPPs, a flexible form of pension that allows individuals to choose and manage their own investments, have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional, provider-led retirement plans. In the UK alone, industry estimates suggest more than 6.5 million users collectively manage some £650 billion assets in SIPPs by late 2025.Competitors have taken note. CMC Markets, for instance, introduced its own offering for the UK market through CMC Invest, its equities platform, in 2024.A similar trend is evident elsewhere in Europe. In Poland, tax-advantaged retirement wrappers such as IKE (Indywidualne Konto Emerytalne) and IKZE (Indywidualne Konto Zabezpieczenia Emerytalnego) have attracted growing interest. XTB, a retail broker, added 63,500 accounts in December 2025 alone, bringing its total to over 820,000 – roughly a third of all securities accounts registered with the country’s central depository. The surge was driven in part by intensified marketing of these retirement products.Trading 212 Is Pushing the Crypto Envelope Trading 212’s expansion into SIPPs also follows a recent brush with the UK regulator. Earlier in 2026, it ran into difficulty after the FCA found it had offered crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs) without proper authorisation. The company subsequently applied for, and obtained, the necessary permissions. ETNs – debt instruments linked to the performance of underlying assets – were previously barred from inclusion in SIPPs, but the regulator reversed that stance in October 2025.Meanwhile, the trading platform has already moved to expand its crypto footprint. In October 2025, it introduced crypto trading via its Cypriot entity, established the previous year under a CASP licence from the local regulator.For all its geographic spread, though, the UK remains central to the company’s business. In 2024, Trading 212 reported a net profit of £43.7 million on revenues of £194.1million, with its UK operations contributing £150 million. This article was written by Adonis Adoni at www.financemagnates.com.

Devexperts has pushed a new round of changes to its DXtrade trading platform, touching the trader-facing interface on both web and mobile as well as back-end tools available to broker clients. The company says the update, which includes a redesigned sidebar order-entry panel, a new fixed home workspace, an overhauled mobile order-entry screen, and REST API settings management, will improve usability and reduce manual work for brokers running the platform.“We are always looking at ways we can evolve and improve DXtrade,” said Jon Light, Senior Director of Product Management, “guaranteeing that both our clients and their traders are receiving a market-leading experience at all times.”One Panel Meant to Rule the Web TerminalThe most visible change on the web side is the sidebar order entry redesign. Devexperts says the update consolidates all trading workflows: new orders, modifications, closes, and cancellations into a single panel on the right side of the web terminal, arguing this removes the need for traders to navigate multiple areas of the interface to carry out basic actions.The new sidebar purportedly supports Market, Limit, Stop, and OCO order types, with Stop Loss and Take Profit settings delivered through what the company calls a "four-parameter logic" system. Devexperts also claims the Positions and Orders widgets are now connected to the platform's color-coded instrument linking system, keeping instrument displays synchronized across linked widgets. “The relationships we form with our clients are for the long term and ensuring the platform is supported and optimized with the latest updates is absolutely part of this process,” Light added.[#highlighted-links#] “We hope firms and traders alike enjoy this latest new and improved iteration of DXtrade, and look forward to introducing further updates in due course.” Alongside the sidebar, DXtrade is introducing what the company calls a fixed home workspace for the web terminal, which Devexperts says will provide a cleaner default environment built around essential widgets only, with the stated goal of reducing interface clutter for newer traders.Earlier this month, Devexperts also partnered with theScreener to embed market research data directly into the platform, and separately opened its DXcharts library to custom JavaScript indicators built by broker development teams.Mobile Order Entry Pitched as a Single-Screen ExperienceOn the mobile side, Devexperts has redesigned the trade and order entry screen for its native app. The company says opening an instrument from the watchlist will now launch a single dedicated screen combining both the chart and the order entry panel, rather than requiring traders to switch between views.The redesigned view reportedly presents order type selection, volume, margin impact, spread, and order value in one place. Stop Loss and Take Profit inputs sit behind expandable controls to keep the default screen uncluttered, while landscape mode now purportedly offers a split-screen layout with the chart and order panel side by side, Devexperts said.The mobile push is arriving in a period of broad activity across rival platforms. cTrader Mobile 5.6, released in January, introduced a series of retail-focused improvements around transparency and visual clarity, while DXtrade refreshed its own mobile app in March 2025.The previous July, Devexperts rolled out a mobile web interface for DXtrade that the company said would let traders access core functions through a phone browser without needing the native app installed.REST API Access Targets Broker OverheadThe update most likely to attract attention from larger operations is the new REST API support for settings management. Devexperts claims this will allow firms to automate profile configuration and settings changes across multiple environments without manual input from dealing teams, a pain point the company says affects brokers managing several concurrent setups. The firm also says the API opens the door to more complex automation scenarios, such as scheduled profile switches, though it offered no specifics on how many clients currently face that bottleneck.Devexperts has been steadily adding broker-facing integrations to DXtrade. In January, the company connected the platform to Arizet Labs' PropTech suite, saying it would give prop firm clients access to CRM, risk management, and payout automation tools from within the same environment. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Finance Magnates is moving its monthly Compliance Report from PDF format to the FM Intelligence Portal, a digital intelligence hub that provides financial firms with ongoing access to regulatory, compliance, risk, and governance updates.The March 2026 Compliance Report is the final edition that will be released as a PDF. Going forward, all compliance updates and intelligence coverage will be published inside the FM Intelligence Portal, where users can access free daily updates and monitor key regulatory changes in a more timely format.This move marks an important step in how Finance Magnates delivers compliance intelligence to the market. Instead of relying solely on periodic reports, firms can now access a more up-to-date stream of insights through the portal.What is the FM Intelligence Portal?The FM Intelligence Portal is Finance Magnates’ online platform for intelligence-led coverage across compliance, regulation, risk, governance, and related market developments.It is designed to support decision-makers who need a reliable view of regulatory activity and its business impact. Through the portal, users can access daily updates, track key developments, and stay informed about issues affecting product structures, internal controls, licensing, and strategic planning.For compliance teams, legal teams, senior management, and business leaders, the portal offers a more practical way to stay close to market and regulatory change.What the March 2026 Compliance Report coversThe March 2026 edition focuses on several important issues now affecting brokers, trading firms, compliance teams, and senior executives.1. Crypto perpetual futures and ESMA classificationOne of the main topics in this edition is ESMA's classification of crypto perpetual futures as CFDs. This is a major regulatory point for firms active in digital assets and leveraged trading products.The report examines what this change may mean for product oversight, internal review, and platform readiness in a market with very high global trading activity.2. Leverage changes and risk control pressureThe report also reviews changes in retail leverage, including the gap between EU retail leverage levels and offshore offerings.For firms operating across multiple regions, this brings added pressure on risk controls, client treatment, disclosure standards, and broader operational readiness. The report helps readers assess how these shifts may affect existing structures and future planning.3. Investor protections, licensing, and compliance exposureAnother key section covers mandatory margin close-out, negative-balance protection, risk warnings, and potential MiCA-related gaps.These issues continue to shape the compliance agenda for firms serving retail clients or expanding their regulated product offering. The report highlights the areas that may require closer legal and operational review.4. AI oversight and governance expectationsThe March edition also examines AI oversight, with a focus on the FCA’s attention on systemic AI risk, vendor concentration, and board-level governance.As firms continue to bring AI into compliance workflows, internal operations, and client-facing functions, expectations around governance, accountability, and control are becoming more important. This section is especially relevant for senior teams reviewing how AI is being used across the business.Why this matters for B2B financial firmsThe March 2026 Compliance Report is designed for a professional audience seeking clear, business-focused insight into regulatory change.This includes:C-level executivesCompliance officersLegal and regulatory teamsRisk managersDepartment heads and business leadersFor these groups, the value is not only in understanding what has changed, but also in identifying what action may be needed across business lines, controls, governance, and product strategy.[#highlighted-links#] From static reports to ongoing intelligenceThe move from PDF reports to the FM Intelligence Portal reflects a wider shift in how firms consume compliance information.Regulatory change is continuous, and many businesses now need more frequent updates rather than waiting for monthly or periodic reports. The portal is built to meet that need by providing users with free daily intelligence in an easier-to-follow, easier-to-use format.This makes the FM Intelligence Portal not just a content destination but an ongoing resource for firms that want to strengthen awareness, support internal planning, and respond more quickly to regulatory developments.Access the final PDF report and start using the portalUsers can now create a free account to download the March 2026 Compliance Report, which is the last edition available in PDF format, and begin using the FM Intelligence Portal for free daily access to compliance and risk intelligence.Trusted by compliance teams, legal advisers, and financial executives, Finance Magnates’ compliance coverage continues through a format designed for more frequent access and greater business use. This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

On St. Patrick's Day, as 2 million spectators flood the streets of New York City, USA₮ (https://usat.io/), a digital dollar issued by Anchorage Digital Bank, is taking over Times Square. The brand activation combines synchronized digital billboards with a street-level campaign designed to introduce digital dollar payments to a mainstream audience. The activation coincides with the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade, the world's oldest and largest, drawing more than 150,000 marchers through the heart of the city.The campaign will feature coordinated imagery across several of Times Square's most recognizable digital screens, culminating in a synchronized share-of-voice takeover that transforms multiple screens into a single, unified visual, showing how digital dollars move between people in an instant.** At street level, brand ambassadors will distribute 25,000 promotional postcards throughout Times Square and along the parade route, inviting passersby to scan a QR code to download the Rumble Wallet and claim $10 in USA₮, free, right from their phone. The activation kicks off at 10 AM ET and ends at 11:59 PM ET.The activation reflects a growing shift in fintech marketing toward experiential campaigns that translate complex financial technology into tangible consumer experiences, using high-traffic cultural moments and large-scale digital displays to capture public attention.The mechanic is simple by design. Scan. Download. Receive. It is the same technology that already moves money for more than 550 million people worldwide, now available to anyone walking through Times Square with a smartphone in their pocket.Stablecoins are blockchain-based digital dollars designed to maintain a stable value while enabling instant, internet-native payments between digital wallets. They combine the price stability of traditional currency with the speed and programmability of blockchain networks.“USA₮ builds on the principles that made USD₮ the most widely used stablecoin in the world,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “Today, USD₮ is used by more than 550 million people globally, helping move digital dollars across the internet instantly and reliably. USA₮ brings those same foundations to a new audience, making it easier for people to experience how digital dollars can function in everyday life.”"Times Square on St. Patrick's Day is one of the most electric environments in the world," said Bo Hines, CEO of Tether USA₮. "We are not just running ads, we are handing people the future of money and letting them use it on the spot. This activation invites people to experience the next generation of money right on their smartphones. By pairing digital billboards with a dynamic street activation, we are turning a complex technology into something people can see, experience, and use for themselves."Digital dollars no longer require a tutorial. They require an opportunity. Large-scale activations like this have become an increasingly common strategy for fintech and technology brands looking to bridge the gap between digital infrastructure and mainstream awareness - and USA₮ is making that bridge as short as a QR code scan.USA₮ is a digital dollar designed to maintain a 1:1 value with the U.S. dollar while enabling instant digital payments through blockchain networks. Send it, receive it, spend it - globally, in seconds, using compatible wallets and applications**. Moving money should feel as simple as sending a message. With USA₮, it does.About USA₮USA₮ is a U.S.-regulated dollar-backed stablecoin that Tether, the global leader in stablecoin technology, is supporting. Purpose-built to serve the U.S. market and support American regulatory standards, USA₮ is the foundational rail for the next generation of American commerce, trade, and finance.Tether’s support for USA₮ underscores its commitment to driving U.S. dominance and leadership in the evolving digital asset economy. As part of the broader Tether ecosystem, USA₮ will set a new benchmark in the U.S. for utility-driven stablecoins designed to deliver long-term value, strong governance, and real-world applications.Important Note:USA₮ is not legal tender (as described in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code) and is not issued, backed, approved, or guaranteed by the U.S. government. USA₮ is not subject to the insurance protections of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), or any other government agency. The press release is published by Tether Operations, S.A. de C.V. for informational purposes only.Tether Operations, S.A. de C.V. is not the issuer of USA₮. The issuer of USA₮ is Anchorage Digital Bank, N.A. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.