Ghana's Securities and Exchange Commission confirmed this week that it has approved 11 crypto trading platforms to participate in the country's brand new regulatory sandbox program, giving the platforms a controlled environment to pilot products under direct SEC oversight according to CoinDesk. This Ghana story matters if you are watching Pepeto because when regulators set clear crypto rules, risk drops and adoption jumps. More retail and institutional players enter the market, and projects with real infrastructure become essential. Pepeto already has three products close to launch, $8.1 million raised, and exchange listings approaching fast. Ghana's VASP Sandbox signals 2026 crypto boom Ghana's SEC greenlit 11 crypto platforms under a structured VASP sandbox framework with a six month pathway to full licensing according to Cointelegraph. When new markets get regulatory clarity, retail floods in and institutions accelerate. Bitcoin surged past $75,000 on March 17, ETH jumped 10% to $2,314, and the broader crypto market is heating up as the next wave of global adoption takes shape. Every day the presale stays open at ground floor pricing is a day closer to the listing that closes this entry permanently. Next Pepe coin: Pepeto exchange listings are the last shot to get in at the ground floor 1. Pepeto Pepeto's exchange listings are approaching, and if you have not positioned yet, then you are missing out on what could be the next Pepe coin to explode. Pepeto is not just another meme coin with nothing behind it. The team has announced three real products that are close to being ready. PepetoSwap will let holders trade tokens directly within the ecosystem, creating constant utility and demand from the moment it goes live after listing. That is the exact kind of infrastructure that every meme coin trader needs but almost no meme coin actually builds. Pepeto Bridge will connect multiple blockchains, so tokens can move freely and liquidity flows in from every corner of the market. Pepeto Exchange will serve as a full trading platform for the meme coin economy, something no other meme token has attempted at this scale. The SolidProof audit has verified every contract, giving investors real security that most presales skip entirely. And 196% APY staking is compressing supply every day while the presale stays open. All three products are announced and close to being ready, and the PEPE cofounder who built PEPE Coin is steering the entire build. Over $8.1 million has been raised by holders who positioned early and believe in what is coming. With the presale still at $0.000000186, Pepeto is the kind of entry that could change your financial future if you act now. Anyone searching how to buy Pepeto should move while the window is open and the price is still at six zeros. If Pepeto follows even a fraction of the trajectory DOGE and SHIB had after their early days, the returns from $0.000000186 could be the kind of story people tell for years. 2. Sky Protocol update for 2026 Sky Protocol is the rebranded evolution of MakerDAO, one of the most battle tested DeFi protocols in crypto history. SKY sits around $0.080 after touching its all time high of $0.10 in late 2024, trading approximately 28% below its peak while fundamental metrics accelerate. Analysts set a 2026 high target of $0.23, which is more than 3x from here if USDS supply doubles and buybacks continue compressing supply on schedule. 3. Hyperliquid update for 2026 HYPE is trading around $40 on March 17 according to CoinMarketCap, approximately 38% below its all time high. It entered the top 15 of all crypto assets by market cap with a $10.3 billion valuation despite the broader market sitting in extreme fear territory. The 2026 target sits at $90 with an average price of $50 as platform adoption expands into regulated markets. The people who got rich moved before everyone else Sky Protocol and Hyperliquid are solid positions for the institutional cycle, but they do not have the same entry math as Pepeto at six zeros. The people who got rich in crypto did not wait for certainty. They moved early on exactly this kind of project. Pepeto at $0.000000186 with three products and the PEPE cofounder is that same moment happening right now. Once exchange listings land, the presale price is gone forever. Do not be the person who watches this moment from the sidelines and wishes they had moved when it mattered. Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale FAQs Is there any extension on the Pepeto presale? No. Exchange listings are approaching and the presale closes when trading begins. How does Ghana's regulatory news connect to Pepeto? Regulatory clarity brings new users into crypto. Projects with real infrastructure like Pepeto benefit most from adoption waves. Why stack Pepeto alongside SKY and HYPE? SKY and HYPE are strong holds but Pepeto at six zeros has the steepest return math by far.

Bybit EU has integrated PayPal as a funding and withdrawal method for users across the European Economic Area, a move that expands fiat access to the crypto trading platform under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework. The integration allows users to deposit funds into Bybit EU accounts or withdraw proceeds through PayPal without relying on traditional bank transfers. The companies said the cooperation aims to simplify the process of moving between fiat currencies and digital assets for European users. Digital asset platforms have increasingly focused on payment integrations that allow retail clients to fund accounts using familiar payment methods. Payment networks and digital wallets have become an important gateway between traditional finance and crypto markets. PayPal Integration Expands Crypto Funding Options Bybit EU users across the European Economic Area can now fund accounts through PayPal or withdraw funds using the same payment service. The integration allows customers to move money into their trading accounts using an existing PayPal account rather than opening new banking relationships or waiting for traditional transfer processing times. The addition of PayPal reflects a broader effort by crypto platforms to lower barriers for new users entering the digital asset market. For many retail investors, one of the first obstacles to accessing crypto markets is the process of converting fiat currency into digital assets. Payment integrations aim to reduce friction at this stage. Mazurka Zeng, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Bybit EU, commented, “Integrating PayPal is an important milestone in our mission to offer secure, compliant and intuitive access to digital assets.” Zeng added, “This collaboration aligns trusted payments with a regulated trading environment and gives users even greater confidence when entering the crypto space.” Takeaway Bybit EU has added PayPal as a funding and withdrawal method, allowing users across the EEA to move funds between fiat and crypto using a widely used payment platform. MiCA Framework Shapes Crypto Access in Europe The integration takes place within the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulatory framework, which introduced a unified licensing regime for crypto asset service providers operating across the bloc. Bybit EU operates from Vienna and serves customers across the European Economic Area except Malta under this regulatory structure. The MiCA framework requires crypto firms operating in Europe to meet standards covering custody, client protection, operational transparency and regulatory reporting. Regulated payment integrations have therefore become an important component of the European crypto market as platforms attempt to align digital asset trading with established financial infrastructure. Payment providers are also exploring opportunities in the digital asset ecosystem as demand for crypto services continues to expand among retail and institutional users. Samba Natarajan, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Europe at PayPal, commented, “As more consumers engage with crypto, trusted payment experiences are key to driving broader use of digital assets.” Natarajan added, “By providing a fiat payment and withdrawal option to enable crypto transactions on Bybit EU, we’re giving our users seamless access to the growing digital assets ecosystem with the same security and confidence they know PayPal for.” Takeaway The integration reflects how crypto platforms operating under the EU’s MiCA framework are connecting regulated digital asset services with established payment networks. Crypto Platforms Focus on Simplifying Market Entry Access to digital assets has often required new users to navigate unfamiliar onboarding processes, including external crypto gateways or specialized payment methods. Integrating widely used digital wallets allows platforms to simplify account funding and make the entry process more similar to everyday online payments. To accompany the launch, Bybit EU and PayPal will run a promotional campaign offering incentives for users who fund their accounts through PayPal. Users participating in the campaign may receive up to €30 in bitcoin rewards when topping up their accounts using the payment service. Bybit EU also said that, for a limited period, the platform will waive its own fees on fiat deposits made through PayPal. The promotion coincides with an update to the latest version of the Bybit EU mobile application. Crypto exchanges increasingly rely on payment integrations, promotional incentives and simplified onboarding processes to attract retail investors entering digital asset markets. As regulatory frameworks expand across major jurisdictions, these integrations may play a larger role in connecting traditional financial systems with digital asset platforms. Takeaway Crypto exchanges are increasingly partnering with established payment providers to simplify account funding and reduce barriers for new users entering digital asset markets.

Apex Group has released a research report examining how artificial intelligence is being adopted across private credit operations, with findings indicating that most firms now integrate AI tools into investment decision-making, risk monitoring, and operational workflows. The report, titled AI-powered private credit, draws on responses from 105 senior industry leaders, most of them C-suite executives representing institutional-scale private credit platforms across the Americas, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Apex Group said the research aims to assess how the industry is deploying AI and where operational transformation still remains incomplete. Private credit has expanded rapidly over the past decade as institutional investors search for yield outside traditional public markets. As assets grow, managers increasingly rely on data-driven tools to analyze credit risk, process large volumes of financial data, and monitor portfolios. Private Credit Firms Move AI Into Core Investment and Risk Functions The research indicates that artificial intelligence now plays a central role in the private credit sector’s operational environment. According to the report, 85% of respondents said AI is fully embedded within their private credit activities. Investment decision-making and risk management emerged as the areas where firms report the greatest value from AI adoption. Around 76% of respondents said AI supports investment decisions, while 67% cited benefits for risk monitoring and credit analysis. These tools are often used to analyze borrower financial statements, monitor credit exposure across portfolios, and evaluate macroeconomic factors that may influence loan performance. Automated analysis can also help managers process information across large loan portfolios that would otherwise require extensive manual review. The report also found that the technology may play a role in expanding the investor base for private credit. Approximately 94% of respondents said AI is critically or very important to making private credit more accessible to non-institutional investors. Access to private credit markets has historically been limited to institutional investors such as pension funds and insurance companies. Technology platforms that automate reporting and risk analysis may help firms distribute these investments to a broader audience. Takeaway The Apex Group report shows widespread AI adoption across private credit firms, with most respondents using the technology in investment analysis and risk management. Technology Adoption Outpaces Operational Transformation Despite widespread adoption, the research suggests that many firms have not yet redesigned operational processes to fully integrate AI systems. The report describes a gap between deploying AI tools and restructuring workflows to take advantage of them. While firms report embedding AI in their operations, fewer have modified the underlying data infrastructure, governance structures, and decision processes required for AI systems to influence daily activity. Helen Wang, Chief AI and Data Science Officer at Apex Group, commented, “Governance cannot be treated as an overlay once AI becomes part of core operating workflows.” Wang added, “It has to be designed in from the outset, so that controls scale alongside capability. This approach supports regulatory readiness and investor confidence without slowing decision-making, and it becomes especially important for firms operating across jurisdictions or serving a broader investor base.” The report suggests that private credit firms increasingly recognize this gap. Over 60% of respondents expect technology investment in operations to rise between 20% and 50% during the next three years. Nearly half of the surveyed firms said they expect between 50% and 75% of their technology budgets to be directed toward AI capabilities during that period. Eddie Kelly, Global Head of Product for Private Debt at Apex Group, commented, “AI is now part of how private credit firms operate, but embedding technology and embedding operating discipline are not the same thing.” Kelly added, “The firms that close that gap will be best positioned to scale with confidence.” Takeaway The report highlights a gap between AI adoption and operational transformation, with firms expected to increase technology spending significantly to integrate AI more fully into workflows. Middle Office Operations Emerge as Key Area for AI Deployment The research identifies middle-office functions as one of the most active areas for AI implementation within private credit firms. Approximately 63% of respondents said they are deploying automation or AI tools within middle-office operations. Common applications include extracting data from financial documents, processing borrower financial statements, and analyzing credit agreements. These tasks traditionally require significant manual effort and often involve reviewing large volumes of documentation. Respondents said the most noticeable benefits from these tools include improved data accuracy and faster processing times. Around 37% of firms cited better data quality as a key advantage, while 30% reported reduced processing time for operational tasks. The report also highlighted investment priorities across the industry over the next three years. Risk monitoring and analytics ranked first among planned technology investments at 27%. Other areas receiving attention include retail distribution platforms at 20%, valuation and pricing systems at 17%, and data infrastructure and integration at 14%. Governance also remains a major consideration as firms expand AI usage in financial decision-making. More than 60% of respondents said they have implemented formal policies governing the ethical use of artificial intelligence within credit analysis and portfolio management. As private credit markets continue to grow, firms increasingly rely on data-driven infrastructure to manage loan portfolios, monitor borrower performance, and provide reporting to investors. Takeaway Private credit firms are increasingly deploying AI in middle-office operations to automate data extraction, financial analysis, and credit agreement processing while improving operational efficiency.

Why Are Lawmakers Targeting Prediction Markets Now? Two Democratic lawmakers have introduced new legislation aimed at restricting prediction market activity tied to sensitive government actions, following concerns that traders may be profiting from non-public information. Texas Representative Greg Casar and Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy announced the Banning Event Trading on Sensitive Operations and Federal Functions (BETS OFF) Act on Tuesday. The proposal comes after several accounts on prediction markets platform Polymarket placed what lawmakers described as “highly unusual bets” on whether a conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran would escalate. Murphy had previously said it was likely that some traders were acting on inside knowledge related to potential US military decisions. Casar framed the issue in stark terms, warning about the risks of financial incentives intersecting with national security decisions. “We shouldn’t live in a country where someone sitting in the situation room making decisions about whether to invade or to bomb, decisions about war and peace, life and death, that those decisions could be driven by the fact that they have hundreds of thousands of dollars riding on the decision,” he said. Investor Takeaway Political and war-related contracts are becoming a regulatory flashpoint, increasing the risk that entire product categories could be restricted or removed in the US. What Would the BETS OFF Act Restrict? The proposed legislation targets event-based contracts tied to government operations and national security decisions, particularly those involving war, military actions, and federal policymaking. While details of enforcement remain to be clarified, the bill reflects a broader effort to prevent financial markets from intersecting with sensitive state decisions. The move follows a separate proposal introduced last week by California Senator Adam Schiff, known as the DEATH BETS Act, which aims to block prediction markets from listing contracts related to war, terrorism, assassinations, and individual deaths. Together, the bills point to growing bipartisan concern over how far prediction markets should extend into real-world events. At the center of the debate is whether these platforms function as forecasting tools or as unregulated betting venues. Lawmakers appear increasingly focused on the potential for misuse, particularly where contracts relate to events that could be influenced by insiders or carry ethical and security implications. How Platforms Like Polymarket and Kalshi Are Responding Prediction markets platforms continue to offer contracts across a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, and sports. However, markets tied to geopolitical events have drawn the most attention from regulators and policymakers. As of Tuesday, Polymarket still listed contracts linked to the US-Israel conflict involving Iran, including outcomes related to military escalation, ceasefire timelines, and leadership changes. The platform has defended its model as a tool for aggregating information and improving public understanding of uncertain events. “The promise of prediction markets is to harness the wisdom of the crowd to create accurate, unbiased forecasts for the most important events to society,” Polymarket said in a note. “That ability is particularly invaluable in gut-wrenching times like today.” Kalshi, by contrast, has taken a narrower approach, offering contracts tied to broader geopolitical outcomes rather than specific military actions. This difference in product scope may become more relevant as regulatory pressure increases. Investor Takeaway Platforms with exposure to politically sensitive or real-world crisis events face higher regulatory risk, which could lead to product limitations or forced restructuring. What Risks Are Driving Regulatory Pressure? The current push from lawmakers reflects two overlapping concerns: insider information and market impact. If traders with access to confidential government plans can take positions ahead of public announcements, prediction markets risk becoming channels for information leakage rather than neutral forecasting tools. There are also concerns about real-world consequences. A report from a military correspondent indicated that individuals had received threats linked to the timing of an attack report, reportedly tied to attempts to resolve prediction market outcomes. Such incidents have added urgency to calls for clearer boundaries around what types of events can be traded. For regulators, the challenge is defining where to draw the line. While prediction markets can provide signals about expectations, their expansion into areas like war and national security raises questions that go beyond market structure and into ethics and public safety. What Comes Next for Prediction Markets in the US? The introduction of the BETS OFF Act adds to a growing list of legislative and legal actions targeting the sector. While it remains uncertain whether the bill will pass, the direction of travel is becoming clearer: lawmakers are moving to restrict contracts tied to sensitive or high-risk events. For platforms, this could mean narrowing product offerings, strengthening monitoring of user activity, or engaging more directly with regulators to define acceptable use cases. For investors and users, it introduces uncertainty about which markets will remain available and under what conditions. As scrutiny intensifies, the distinction between prediction markets and traditional betting platforms is likely to face further testing, particularly in areas where financial incentives intersect with real-world decision-making at the highest levels.

TradingHub has agreed to a strategic investment from Nordic Capital, a deal that will see the private equity firm become the company’s majority shareholder as the trade surveillance technology provider prepares for its next stage of expansion. The transaction positions Nordic Capital as the primary investor while existing backer Summit Partners and TradingHub co founder Neil Walker retain minority stakes. Financial terms were not disclosed. Completion of the transaction is expected during the second quarter of 2026. TradingHub develops trade surveillance software used by financial institutions to monitor trading activity and detect potential market abuse across multiple asset classes. Nordic Capital Investment Supports Global Expansion The investment comes as financial institutions increase spending on surveillance technology in response to rising regulatory expectations and more complex trading activity across global markets. TradingHub plans to use the capital to expand its presence across international markets and continue developing its surveillance platform across additional asset classes, including equities. The company processes more than four billion trades and orders each day through its platform. Clients include investment banks, asset managers, hedge funds, commodity trading firms and brokerage houses that rely on surveillance systems to identify suspicious trading behaviour. Mike Coats, Chief Executive Officer of TradingHub, commented, “This investment represents an exciting moment for TradingHub and a strong endorsement of the strategy we have been building over the past several years.” Coats added, “We are delighted to welcome Nordic Capital as our new partner. They share our ambition for the future and bring valuable experience supporting high growth technology businesses. Together, we look forward to accelerating our growth, continuing to innovate for our customers and expanding our presence across global markets.” TradingHub will continue operating under its existing leadership team following the completion of the transaction. Takeaway Nordic Capital will become the majority shareholder of TradingHub, backing the company’s plans to expand its trade surveillance technology platform across global markets. Surveillance Technology Gains Importance in Modern Markets Trade surveillance systems have become a central component of market infrastructure as regulators increase scrutiny over trading activity and potential market manipulation. Financial institutions must monitor large volumes of transactions across multiple markets and asset classes while detecting patterns that may indicate insider trading, spoofing or other forms of market abuse. Technology platforms capable of analysing large datasets in real time have therefore become increasingly important for compliance teams at banks and asset managers. TradingHub’s software analyses trading behaviour across instruments and markets, aiming to detect suspicious patterns while limiting false alerts that can overwhelm compliance teams. Fredrik Näslund, Partner and Head of Technology and Payments at Nordic Capital, and Mohit Agnihotri, Partner at Nordic Capital Advisors, commented, “TradingHub has developed a highly differentiated technology platform at a time when market manipulation is becoming increasingly complex and cross product.” They added, “Nordic Capital’s focus will be on further investment in product innovation and supporting the existing team in building a global category leader in trade surveillance technology across all asset classes.” The expansion of electronic trading and the growing interconnectedness of markets have increased the need for systems capable of analysing behaviour across different instruments simultaneously. Takeaway Financial institutions increasingly rely on advanced surveillance platforms to detect complex trading patterns and meet regulatory expectations across global markets. Private Equity Interest in Financial Market Technology Continues The investment also highlights ongoing private equity interest in financial market infrastructure and compliance technology companies. Nordic Capital has built a portfolio of technology and financial services companies focused on data, payments and market infrastructure. The firm manages approximately €34 billion in assets and has invested in more than 150 companies since its founding. Within financial markets technology, the firm has previously invested in companies including Itiviti, ActiveViam, Duco, Macrobond, Regnology and BMLL. Summit Partners, which previously invested in TradingHub, will remain a shareholder following completion of the transaction. Antony Clavel, Managing Director at Summit Partners, commented, “We believe TradingHub is setting a new standard for trade surveillance technology. We are proud to continue supporting the team alongside Nordic Capital.” TradingHub was founded in 2010 and operates offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sydney. The company’s technology platform is designed to help market participants identify trading activity that may pose financial or reputational risks in increasingly complex financial markets. Takeaway The deal reflects continued private equity investment in financial market infrastructure and compliance technology as trading activity becomes more complex and data intensive.

US Democratic senators want to oversee the reported probe into Binance. The largest crypto exchange could face a potential lawsuit regarding sanctions violations, and the Democrats want to ensure the Department of Justice conducts a serious investigation according to CoinDesk. At the same time, the Pepeto presale window is closing fast and driving serious FOMO as exchange listings approach. Currently, Pepeto is at $0.000000186 with $8.1 million raised. This meme coin is grabbing attention because of its three real products close to launch and the PEPE cofounder behind the build. With Bitcoin surging past $75,000 and ETH jumping 10% to $2,314, the broader market is heating up and capital is flowing into early stage opportunities. US Democrats vow to oversee proposed probe into Binance Senators Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and Ruben Gallego vowed to ensure the DOJ conducts a serious probe into Binance following allegations of violating sanctions according to Cointelegraph. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the DOJ is reportedly considering investigating Binance for allowing Iran to use the exchange to circumvent US sanctions. Bitcoin hit $75,800 on March 17 before pulling back to $74,000, triggering $485 million in short liquidations. Best crypto presale: Pepeto leads as exchange listings near 1. Pepeto: three products close to launch and a founder who already proved it The best crypto presale Pepeto has been featured across crypto chatter lately, and for good reason. This meme coin is delivering real infrastructure that everyday traders actually need. Pepeto boasts a growing ecosystem with three products announced and close to being ready: PepetoSwap, Pepeto Bridge, and Pepeto Exchange. These products will work together to let holders trade tokens, move assets across blockchains, and access a full trading platform built for the meme coin economy. Infrastructure like this plays a big part in whether a meme coin survives after listing. Having real products ready to go is what separates Pepeto from every other presale running right now. The math behind Pepeto is very interesting. At $0.000000186, even a modest entry buys billions of tokens, and the 196% APY staking compounds your position every single day while the presale is still open. If Pepeto reaches even a fraction of where DOGE and SHIB went after their listings, early holders could be looking at life changing returns. That kind of upside is unseen across most meme coin presales, but considering Pepeto's three products and the PEPE cofounder behind the build, the pepeto price prediction conversation is getting very real. Currently, Pepeto has raised $8.1 million at $0.000000186, with the SolidProof audit verified. Exchange listings are approaching and the price could go vertical once trading begins. 2. Remittix raises $29 million but can it match Pepeto's upside Remittix is now in its final presale stages, priced at $0.13 with $29.7 million raised and a $250,000 giveaway attracting new investors to the project. The project's core platform and iOS wallet went live in early February 2026. However, Pepeto has significantly more upside potential as it approaches exchange listings. While Remittix has delivered a working product, matching the explosive trajectory of a meme coin at six zeros with the PEPE cofounder behind it and three infrastructure products close to launch could be extremely difficult for any project at Remittix's current valuation. 3. SpyDoge's narrative is not convincing enough The SpyDoge presale is currently active, positioning as a utility backed meme coin themed around Shiba Inu's narrative. SPYD is priced at $0.0012 with just $118K raised, which is a tiny fraction of what Pepeto has achieved. With investors focused on how to buy Pepeto before exchange listings begin, attention around SpyDoge is fading fast. SPYD may not live up to the potential that Pepeto offers with three products, the PEPE cofounder, and $8.1 million in investor backing. The window is closing The Pepeto presale is still open at $0.000000186, but exchange listings are approaching fast. Once the window closes, this ground floor price is gone forever and trading begins. This means now is the time to get in if you want to be positioned before the rest of the market catches on. The window is closing with every passing day, and failure to move now could prove to be deeply regrettable once Pepeto hits exchanges and the price is set by the open market. Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale FAQs Is now the right time to buy Pepeto? Exchange listings are approaching. The presale at $0.000000186 is the last chance to enter before price discovery begins. Is the Pepeto presale ending soon? Yes. Exchange listings are approaching and the presale window will close permanently once trading begins. How to buy Pepeto? Visit the Pepeto official website, connect your wallet, and enter the presale at $0.000000186.

What Is the SEC’s New Crypto Interpretation? The US Securities and Exchange Commission has outlined how it intends to treat “non-security crypto assets” under federal securities laws, in one of its first actions following a memorandum of understanding with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The move sets out a framework aimed at clarifying which digital assets fall under SEC jurisdiction and which do not. In a formal notice, the SEC said its interpretation would act as an “important bridge” while lawmakers in Congress work toward a broader market structure bill that will define regulatory responsibilities across agencies. The guidance introduces a token classification system covering digital commodities, stablecoins, collectibles, and other crypto categories. According to the SEC, most of these categories do not fall under securities laws. The commission stated that only one class remains subject to those rules: traditional securities that have been tokenized. That distinction reflects a narrower scope compared with previous enforcement-heavy approaches. Investor Takeaway The SEC’s framework narrows the range of crypto assets treated as securities, reducing regulatory risk for large parts of the market while shifting more oversight toward the CFTC. How Does the Token Taxonomy Work? The interpretation introduces a structured classification system designed to separate crypto assets into functional categories. These include digital commodities tied to the operation of a blockchain system, stablecoins, and digital tools, all of which the SEC said are generally not securities. The framework also addresses how a non-security crypto asset could fall under securities laws. The SEC said this would occur when an issuer promotes the asset in a way that leads buyers to expect profits based on managerial efforts, aligning with the long-standing Howey Test used to define investment contracts. In addition, the guidance clarifies how securities laws apply to common crypto activities such as airdrops, protocol mining, and staking. These areas have historically been a source of uncertainty for both developers and investors, particularly when enforcement actions have varied across cases. By laying out these definitions, the SEC is attempting to draw clearer boundaries between functional blockchain assets and investment products, while still preserving its authority over offerings that resemble traditional securities. Why Coordination With the CFTC Matters The announcement comes alongside closer coordination with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which joined the SEC in releasing the guidance. The two agencies are working to clarify how regulatory responsibilities will be divided as crypto markets continue to expand. Congress is currently negotiating legislation that is expected to give the CFTC a larger role in overseeing digital assets, particularly those classified as commodities. The SEC’s interpretation appears aligned with that direction, narrowing its own scope while encouraging market participants to better understand jurisdictional boundaries. The agencies said the framework is intended to provide market participants with clearer expectations after years of uncertainty. The guidance also reflects an effort to align regulatory treatment with how crypto assets function in practice rather than applying a single classification across the entire sector. Investor Takeaway A clearer split between SEC and CFTC oversight could reduce legal ambiguity, but it also introduces a dual-regulator environment that firms will need to manage carefully. What Has Changed From the Previous Approach? The new interpretation contrasts with the stance taken under former SEC leadership, when the agency pursued multiple enforcement actions against crypto firms and often argued that a large share of tokens qualified as securities. The updated framework points toward a more defined, rules-based approach rather than case-by-case enforcement. SEC Chair Paul Atkins said the goal is to provide clarity after years of uncertainty. “This is what regulatory agencies are supposed to do: draw clear lines in clear terms,” he said. He added that the interpretation recognizes that most crypto assets are not securities and that investment contracts can end over time. Atkins also indicated that the agency no longer views itself as responsible for regulating all aspects of the crypto market. “We’re not the ‘securities and everything commission’ anymore,” he said at the DC Blockchain Summit. At the same time, internal changes at the SEC have drawn criticism. The recent departure of enforcement division director Margaret Ryan prompted a sharp response from former SEC official John Reed Stark, who questioned the agency’s direction and approach to investor protection. What Comes Next for Crypto Regulation in the US? The SEC’s interpretation is not a final rule, but it sets a reference point for how the agency will approach crypto assets while Congress works on formal legislation. The outcome of that process will determine how authority is divided between regulators and how consistently the framework is applied. In the near term, firms are expected to review the guidance to assess how their products fit within the new taxonomy. Areas such as staking, token distribution, and platform design may see adjustments as companies align with the clarified definitions. The broader direction suggests a move toward separating functional blockchain assets from investment contracts more explicitly. Whether that approach holds will depend on how courts, lawmakers, and regulators interpret and apply the framework in practice.

Pepeto is emerging as the strongest point of interest among presale buyers in 2026 as investors become more selective about where they place capital. In a market still full of empty promises and roadmap heavy launches, Pepeto is gaining traction by offering something most meme coins cannot: three real products close to launch, the PEPE cofounder, and $8.1 million in presale funding according to CoinDesk. That distinction is becoming increasingly important. Early stage crypto buyers are paying closer attention to whether a project has real infrastructure, verified audits, and a team with a track record. On that basis, Pepeto is starting to stand apart from every other presale in the market, including projects like AlphaPepe according to Cointelegraph. Why Pepeto is resonating more strongly with investors 1. Pepeto A major part of Pepeto's appeal is that it does not ask buyers to trust a team with no track record. The PEPE cofounder who built PEPE Coin is behind this project, which gives participants real confidence in what they are buying. The difference may sound minor at first, but it changes the entire investment case. Instead of putting money into a meme coin with nothing behind it, buyers get three real products approaching launch and a SolidProof audited contract. That makes Pepeto feel more like a real investment and less like a gamble, even though it still sits firmly in the high upside segment of the market where the next Dogecoin will come from. Investors are also responding to the fact that Pepeto has built 196% APY staking directly into the presale phase, compressing supply every single day. Rather than limiting the experience to buying and waiting, Pepeto has created an ecosystem where PepetoSwap, Pepeto Bridge, and Pepeto Exchange will keep holders engaged long after listings begin. That makes the ecosystem easier to believe in and gives the presale more momentum than a typical meme coin launch. One reason Pepeto is drawing more attention than competing presales is that $8.1 million raised and three products close to launch present it as an active ecosystem, not a static fundraise. The broader structure, including PepetoSwap, Pepeto Bridge, Pepeto Exchange, and 196% APY staking, gives buyers the impression that this token is attached to a growing ecosystem instead of a one dimensional meme coin pump. 2. AlphaPepe AlphaPepe offers instant token delivery and a participation model that keeps buyers engaged after the initial purchase. The project includes features like reward claims and rank progression that give the presale more activity than a typical token sale page. For investors who want immediate visibility over their position, AlphaPepe delivers on that front. But AlphaPepe does not have the infrastructure depth that Pepeto brings with three announced products, a SolidProof audit, and the PEPE cofounder behind the entire build. 3. Kaspa Kaspa holds at $0.035 as of March 17 with a loyal community and consistent on chain transaction volumes that reflect real usage. But analysts project a potential dip toward $0.027 by mid April before any meaningful recovery comes through. The fully diluted valuation already bakes in significant adoption, and the returns from here are measured in modest single or low double digit percentages. For investors looking for the next Shiba Inu level entry, Pepeto at six zeros offers a fundamentally different opportunity category with far more upside potential. Do not be the person who watches from the sidelines Pepeto is gaining an edge over every other presale because it offers something no other meme coin has: three real products, the PEPE cofounder, and $8.1 million in proof that investors believe in it. The people who hesitated on DOGE at fractions of a penny and SHIB before it exploded know exactly what it feels like to miss a life changing entry. That regret is what drives smart investors to act early on projects like Pepeto. They can see the $8.1 million raised, the three products approaching launch, and the SolidProof audit, and they know this is the kind of setup that creates the next wave of crypto millionaires. Do not be the person who watches Pepeto list on exchanges and realizes they should have bought when it was still at six zeros. Visit the Pepeto official website and enter the presale today. Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale FAQs Why are investors choosing Pepeto over other presales? Three products close to launch, the PEPE cofounder, SolidProof audit, and $8.1M raised set it apart. What makes Pepeto the next Pepe coin? The same cofounder who built PEPE Coin is behind Pepeto, with real infrastructure this time. Could Pepeto have stronger upside than rival presales? At $0.000000186 with three products approaching launch, Pepeto has the steepest trajectory in the presale market.

Why Is Vietnam Targeting Offshore Crypto Trading? Vietnam’s finance ministry is drafting rules that would prohibit citizens from trading on overseas cryptocurrency platforms, according to a Reuters report, as authorities move to tighten control over one of the world’s most active digital asset markets. The proposal comes alongside a government-backed push to launch domestically licensed exchanges, with a pilot scheme expected to roll out soon. Officials are increasingly concerned about the growing use of crypto and stablecoins, particularly the risk of capital moving خارج the country through platforms that fall outside local oversight. Vietnam maintains strict controls on cross-border capital flows. In that context, unrestricted access to offshore exchanges presents a gap in the financial system, allowing funds to move in ways that are difficult to monitor or regulate. Investor Takeaway Vietnam is prioritizing control over capital flows and market supervision, even at the cost of limiting access to global crypto liquidity. How Big Is Vietnam’s Crypto Market? Vietnam ranks among the most active crypto markets globally. Chainalysis data places the country fourth on its Global Crypto Adoption Index, with local traders moving more than $200 billion in digital assets in the 12 months through June 2025. Crypto usage in Vietnam extends beyond speculation. Activity is tied to remittances, savings, and gaming, making digital assets part of everyday financial behavior rather than a niche investment product. This level of integration increases the stakes for regulators, as crypto intersects directly with household finance. At the same time, traditional investment channels remain limited. The domestic stock market is still classified as frontier, while the corporate bond market remains underdeveloped. As a result, many households allocate savings to gold and real estate, both of which have shown periods of volatility and pricing distortions. Against that backdrop, crypto has filled part of the gap, offering liquidity and access that local markets do not fully provide. The government’s latest move suggests it wants that activity to migrate into regulated domestic channels. Who Is Competing for Crypto Licenses? The planned restrictions on offshore platforms coincide with a licensing race among domestic financial institutions. According to Reuters, five firms have already passed an initial qualification round, including affiliates of Techcombank, VPBank, LPBank, stockbroker VIX Securities, and conglomerate Sun Group. At least 10 banks and securities firms have expressed interest in participating in the pilot program. The requirements are demanding, including a minimum charter capital of 10 trillion dong, or close to $400 million, and a foreign ownership cap of 49%. These thresholds point to a tightly controlled market structure, where only well-capitalized domestic players are able to operate licensed exchanges. The model suggests authorities are not aiming for open competition, but for a contained ecosystem aligned with existing financial institutions. Investor Takeaway High capital requirements and ownership limits indicate Vietnam is building a controlled crypto market dominated by domestic financial players rather than global exchanges. What Happens to Offshore Exchanges? Most Vietnamese crypto users currently rely on overseas centralized exchanges such as Binance, OKX, and Bybit, as digital assets are not recognized as legal tender within the country. The proposed rules would directly disrupt that access, forcing users toward licensed domestic alternatives once available. The transition may not be immediate or frictionless. Offshore platforms offer deep liquidity, a wide range of products, and established infrastructure. Domestic exchanges will need to match at least part of that offering to retain user activity within the country. Phan Duc Trung, chairman of the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Assets Association, said locally licensed exchanges could help retain economic value domestically. “This would not only contribute to state budget revenues but also promote the growth of the domestic digital economy,” he said, while noting that gaps remain in areas such as supervision, taxation, and risk management. What Comes Next for Vietnam’s Crypto Framework? The draft rules targeting offshore trading are part of a broader effort to define how crypto fits within Vietnam’s financial system. While ownership of digital assets is not banned, the lack of legal recognition has left the market operating in a grey area, with users relying heavily on external platforms. The licensing pilot, combined with restrictions on overseas access, points to a model where crypto activity is allowed but tightly channeled through approved domestic entities. The success of that approach will depend on whether local exchanges can offer competitive services while meeting regulatory expectations. Vietnam’s approach reflects a wider trend across emerging markets: allowing crypto to exist, but within a framework that prioritizes capital control, oversight, and domestic value capture. How effectively that balance is implemented will determine whether activity stays onshore or continues to flow outward through alternative channels.

This preview of weekly data examines USOIL and XAUUSD, with economic data expected later this week as the primary market drivers of the near-term outlook.  Highlights of the week: US PPI, Fed & Bank of England’s interest rate decision, British unemployment, and ECB rate decision Tuesday Reserve Bank of Australia Interest rate decision at 3:30 AM GMT is expected to increase from 3.85% to 4.10%. If this is confirmed, it would be the first rate hike since November of 2023 and could create some gains for the Aussie against its pairs.  Wednesday U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) at 12:30 GMT. Market participants are expecting the figure to come in at 0.3%, down from 0.5% in the previous reading. If this is confirmed, then it could hint at lower inflation figures in the coming months. Bank of Canada Interest rate decision at 13:45 GMT is expected to remain stable at 2.25%. A surprise hike in interest rates would support the loonie in the short term, while an unlikely rate cut might create some turmoil for the currency. The Fed interest rate decision at 18:00 GMT is broadly expected to remain steady at 3.75%, with the probability of a cut below 1%. Participants are closely focusing on what the central bankers will say in the subsequent press conference to get hints about the future direction of monetary policy. Thursday Bank of Japan Interest rate decision at 03:00 AM GMT. The market consensus is that the rates will remain static at 0.75%, and any shift away from this figure will most certainly create volatility in the yen pairs. British unemployment at 07:00 AM GMT for January is expected to hold steady at 5.2%, while the claimant count is expected to decrease to 24,500 in February, down from 28,600 in the previous month.   Bank of England interest rate decision at 12:00 PM GMT. The general expectation is that the central bank will hold its rate stable at 3.75%, but in the event that we witness another rate cut it could put some pressure to the quid in many of its pairs, especially against the US dollar whereas in the unlikely event of a hike it might give some support on the British pound in the aftermath of the release. ECB Interest rate decision at 13:15 GMT. The market consensus is that the European Central Bank will keep the rates stable at 2.15%. If there is a surprise rate hike, then the Euro might find support against other major currencies, while a cut might create some losses in the short term. Investors and traders are rather focused on the subsequent press conference following the release, which will focus on getting possible insights on the monetary policy steps ahead. USOIL, daily Oil prices climbed as tensions in the Middle East escalated after a second attack on the Port of Fujairah, a major oil export hub near the Strait of Hormuz. Oil loading at the port was suspended while damage was assessed following the strike, which further disrupted shipments from the UAE’s main export route. At the same time, the United States carried out strikes on Kharg Island, the key terminal for Iran’s oil exports. The International Energy Agency says the conflict has already caused the largest supply disruption in global oil market history, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz largely halted. Governments are responding by releasing strategic reserves, including a record 400-million-barrel release coordinated by the IEA, while the United States and Japan begin distributing part of their emergency stockpiles to help offset supply shortages.  On the technical side, crude oil found sufficient support at the 38.2% monthly Fibonacci retracement level and has since corrected to the upside. Currently, it is testing the $100, which combines the psychological resistance of the round number with the 61.8% Fibonacci level. The Stochastic oscillator is not indicating any overbought or oversold conditions, suggesting the recent bullish correction could continue into the upcoming sessions, while the moving averages are still validating the overall bullish trend in the market. The overall picture, at least from a technical perspective, suggests a rather bullish short-term outlook for crude oil, as there are no major signs of a significant bearish correction just yet.  Gold-dollar, daily Gold has been volatile as the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran continues. Prices briefly fell before stabilizing, supported by a weaker dollar but pressured by rising oil prices and inflation concerns. The conflict is disrupting energy markets, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz largely halted. Recent US strikes on Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, and ongoing attacks on regional energy infrastructure have increased fears of prolonged supply disruptions. Higher energy prices are also raising inflation risks and reducing the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates soon. While this limits gold’s upside in the short term, ongoing geopolitical tensions and stagflation risks could still support the metal over the longer run. From a technical point of view, gold tested lower around $5,000, where, for the time being, this level is a major technical support area comprising the 38.2% daily Fibonacci retracement level, the lower band of the Bollinger Bands, and the 50-day simple moving average. At the same time, the Stochastic oscillator is in extreme oversold territory, suggesting a near-term bullish correction. This might take some time, since volatility seems to be running low ( as shown by the contracted Bollinger Bands); therefore, it might take some time before any significant moves show up on the gold chart. The sideways move that has been ongoing since early March seems to be the dominant scenario for the next few days, if no significant catalyst comes into play, so the boundaries of $5,000 and $5,200 might be the major support and resistance areas, respectively.   Disclaimer: The opinions in this article are personal to the writer and do not reflect those of Exness or Finance Feeds.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on March 18 is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched events in recent months. Traders are trying to figure out how the Federal Reserve will react to rising inflation pressures caused by rising energy prices. Because of rising geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf, which are stopping oil from flowing around the world and pushing crude prices above $100 a barrel, markets are entering the decision in a cautious and very reactive state. Elev8 broker says that the Fed's top priority is still clear: keeping inflation in check, even if it means hurting short-term market sentiment. Inflation Pressures Grow Stronger Policymakers' biggest problem is still inflation. The Fed's favorite measure, the PCE Price Index, is still above its 2% target, even though rates rose by 525 basis points between 2022 and 2023. Recent changes in the world have made the problem worse. Oil prices have gone up more than 40% year over year because of the rising conflict in the Middle East. This has made fuel more expensive and added to inflation in other goods and services. Higher energy costs are like a tax on consumers, which makes it harder for the Fed to change its policies. Because of this, expectations for rate cuts have changed a lot. Markets are now expecting fewer and later cuts than they did before. 'Energy is your hidden ingredient in the price tag of almost everything. Since businesses usually pass those extra costs down to consumers rather than eating the loss, a spike at the pump quickly turns into a price hike across your entire shopping cart. The Fed cannot ignore the conflict in the Persian Gulf. To cut rates now would be to risk letting the inflation fire burn out of control again,' says Kar Yong Ang, Elev8 broker's financial analyst. [caption id="attachment_198644" align="aligncenter" width="1095"] Source: Refinitiv[/caption] What Traders Should Keep an Eye On Elev8 broker points out three important factors that will affect how the market reacts: The dot plot shows whether Fed officials still think rates will go down in 2026. The FOMC statement and Powell's press conference give us an idea of how long the Fed thinks the oil shock will last. Updates to GDP growth and unemployment forecasts for the economy Even small changes to the dot plot could have a big effect on rate expectations. If just a few policymakers changed their minds, the planned rate cuts could be canceled. 'The hard landing that economists feared in 2023 didn't happen, but the risks are reappearing,' argues Kar Yong Ang, adding that the economy doesn't necessarily need tight policy to slide into recession—even a reduction in monetary easing might be the tipping point. Hawkish Hold Expected Some economists still think that rates will go down later this year, but Elev8 broker is more cautious. The company thinks the Fed will keep rates steady at 3.50% to 3.75% while sending a message that rates will stay high for a long time. The data doesn't yet support easing policy because the U.S. economy is still growing faster than its non-inflationary rate. At the same time, higher energy costs make it more likely that inflation will pick up again in the next few months. This combination suggests a hawkish hold, where rates stay the same but forward guidance gets stricter. What the Market Is Watching: Gold and the Dollar The meeting's results are likely to cause fluctuations in important asset classes, especially gold and the U.S. dollar. If the Fed keeps being hawkish: The Dollar Index (DXY) could go up even more if yields go up. The AUDUSD may go down because it is too high. The USDJPY could test the 160.00 level. On the other hand, a dovish surprise, which is thought to be less likely, could make the dollar weaker and support risk assets. The British pound could benefit from a rebound. Gold may be under short-term pressure because yields are going up and the dollar is getting stronger. However, geopolitical risks and its role as an inflation hedge could limit the downside. Around $4,900 is where key support is found. [caption id="attachment_198643" align="aligncenter" width="1096"] Source: CFTC, Ele8 broker calculations[/caption] Uncertainty Makes the Market More Tense The upcoming change in leadership at the Fed adds to the uncertainty. As Chair Jerome Powell's term comes to an end and new leadership may be coming, the FOMC's internal divisions are becoming more clear. Markets don't like uncertainty, and different opinions within the Fed could make stocks, currencies, and commodities even more volatile. End The March FOMC meeting probably won't change interest rates, but it will give important information about the future direction of monetary policy. Traders should get ready for fewer rate cuts and a longer period of restrictive policy because inflation risks are rising and oil prices are going up. Elev8 broker tells people in the market to pay close attention to the dot plot and Powell's comments, as these will affect how they trade in the coming weeks. 'The market may be hoping for a sign of relief, but the Fed is looking at the geopolitical map. I expect a 'hawkish hold' that will provide a strong tailwind for the U.S. Dollar while putting the brakes on the recent rally in stocks,' notes Kar Yong Ang. Warning This article does not give advice on how to invest. There is risk involved in trading, so people should make decisions based on their own financial situation. About Elev8 Elev8 is a global broker that gives traders access to a full trading ecosystem that includes multi-asset instruments, analytical tools, educational materials, AI-driven solutions, and customer support that is always available. As part of its social responsibility efforts, the company also supports charitable projects around the world.

Orbs is betting that the next phase of DeFi won’t be manual. The company has introduced Orbs Agentic, a new execution layer designed to support autonomous trading agents with built-in verification and execution controls. The idea is straightforward: as AI-driven systems start handling trades, portfolio management and strategy execution, the infrastructure behind them needs to do more than just pass transactions through. It needs to check them. Agentic sits between the agent and the blockchain, acting as a filter before anything goes onchain. Instead of trusting the agent entirely, transactions are validated against predefined rules before they are allowed to execute. What Orbs Agentic actually does At its core, Agentic is an execution layer built on Orbs’ Layer-3 infrastructure. It allows automated systems to carry out common DeFi actions — swaps, limit orders and structured strategies like TWAP — using standardized tools rather than custom-built execution logic. These tools include: Autoswap and execswap for token swaps Autolimit for limit order execution Additional flows designed for controlled execution Instead of letting an AI agent send transactions directly, parameters are routed through Orbs’ infrastructure. There, they are checked before being approved for execution. This design separates strategy from execution. The agent decides what to do, but it does not have the final say on whether the transaction goes through. Investor Takeaway As AI trading grows, execution layers could become a key part of DeFi infrastructure. Projects that control how trades are validated — not just initiated — may capture an important position in the stack. Why verification matters for AI-driven trading The biggest risk in agent-based trading is not the strategy — it is execution. Giving an automated system direct control over a wallet introduces obvious problems, especially when private keys and real funds are involved. Orbs is addressing this with what it calls a cosigned oracle mechanism. Before a transaction is sent onchain, it is checked against a set of objective constraints. These include: Slippage limits Reference price checks Trigger conditions If the transaction passes, it is cosigned and allowed to proceed. If it does not, it is rejected. This creates a second layer of control that does not rely on trusting the agent itself. It also reduces the need to expose private keys or rely on centralized infrastructure like server-side execution environments. In practical terms, it turns execution into a shared responsibility between the agent and the network. Built on existing DeFi infrastructure Orbs is not starting from scratch. The new layer builds on its existing execution stack, which already supports products like dTWAP, dLIMIT and Liquidity Hub across multiple decentralized exchanges. According to the company, that infrastructure has processed more than $2.2 billion in onchain volume, giving it a track record before extending into agent-based workflows. The goal now is to make that same execution logic accessible to developers building AI-driven systems, without forcing them to recreate the underlying infrastructure. Agentic is designed to plug into common agent frameworks, allowing developers to integrate structured trading tools with relatively minimal setup. Investor Takeaway The combination of proven execution tools and AI compatibility could give Orbs an edge if agent-based DeFi usage grows. Infrastructure that is already battle-tested tends to scale faster than new, unproven systems. What comes next for agent-based DeFi The rollout of Agentic will happen in stages. The first version is already live as a proof of concept, allowing agents to execute swaps and orders using existing infrastructure. Future updates will introduce a more complete version of the architecture, including executor wallet contracts, a hybrid multisignature model and an onchain trust score system designed to formalize how agents are evaluated. Zooming out, Orbs is positioning itself as a backend layer for automated finance — not by building the agents themselves, but by controlling how they interact with DeFi protocols. If autonomous systems start handling a larger share of trading activity, the question will not just be which strategies work, but which infrastructure is trusted to execute them. That is where Orbs is placing its bet.

What Does the Crypto.com–KG Inicis Partnership Enable? Crypto.com has partnered with South Korean payment gateway KG Inicis to roll out crypto payment options for foreign visitors, opening access to a wide domestic merchant network. The integration will allow international travelers to pay for goods and services using digital assets across both physical stores and online platforms. KG Inicis processes hundreds of millions of transactions each year and supports around 190,000 merchants, giving Crypto.com Pay immediate reach across a large portion of South Korea’s retail infrastructure. Merchants in the network will be able to receive payments either in fiat or digital assets, with settlement handled through the platform. “KG Inicis boasts an unrivalled merchant acceptance network with 40% market share and we’re proud to partner with this fintech powerhouse to make digital asset payments easier for travellers to Korea,” said Eric Anziani, president and chief operating officer of Crypto.com. Investor Takeaway Crypto payment expansion is increasingly tied to tourism, where regulatory flexibility and cross-border demand create clearer use cases than domestic retail adoption. Why Focus on Foreign Visitors? South Korea has strict identity verification requirements for financial services, which can make it difficult for foreign visitors to access local payment systems. To address this gap, regulators have introduced special arrangements tailored to tourists. Earlier this year, the Financial Services Commission approved a sandbox program that includes a prepaid electronic payment instrument designed specifically for foreign visitors. The framework increases the anonymous prepaid payment limit from 500,000 won to 1 million won, giving tourists more flexibility in how they spend during their stay. Crypto-based payments fit into this structure by offering an alternative route for visitors who may not be able to complete domestic onboarding processes. By linking digital asset wallets to a widely accepted merchant network, the partnership creates a bridge between international users and local commerce. How Does This Fit Crypto.com’s Broader Expansion? The deal comes as Crypto.com continues to expand its regulatory and infrastructure footprint. In February, the company received conditional approval for a US national bank charter, a step that would allow it to operate as a federally regulated digital asset custodian if finalized. The platform has also pursued operational certifications, including ISO standards for AI systems management, reflecting a broader effort to align with institutional requirements as it grows beyond retail trading into payments and financial services. The partnership with KG Inicis adds a distribution layer to that strategy, focusing on real-world usage rather than custody or trading. By embedding crypto payments into an established payment processor, Crypto.com can test transaction flows in a live retail environment without building a merchant network from scratch. Investor Takeaway Partnership-led distribution remains a core path for crypto payment adoption, with exchanges relying on existing payment rails rather than direct merchant onboarding. Is Crypto Becoming a Viable Payment Tool for Tourists? South Korea is not alone in exploring crypto payments for tourism. In May 2025, Bhutan launched a system enabling travelers to pay for hotels, tickets, and services using more than 100 cryptocurrencies through a partnership involving Binance Pay. Thailand has also outlined plans for an 18-month program allowing tourists to convert crypto into local currency for spending. These initiatives share a common pattern: crypto is positioned as a tool for cross-border spending rather than everyday domestic payments. Tourists represent a contained user group with specific needs, including currency conversion and limited access to local banking infrastructure, making them a natural entry point for digital asset payment systems. Even so, broader adoption remains limited. Surveys indicate that while some crypto holders have used digital assets for purchases, usage tends to be occasional and concentrated in online or cross-border transactions. In markets that have formally adopted crypto for payments, routine retail use remains low. What Comes Next for Crypto Payments in Korea? The rollout through KG Inicis will test whether crypto payments can scale beyond niche use cases in a regulated environment. Much will depend on user experience, merchant acceptance, and how smoothly conversions between digital assets and fiat are handled at the point of sale. Further expansion will likely depend on regulatory clarity. The two companies said they are exploring additional areas of cooperation, including joint marketing and product development, subject to approval. That leaves room for broader integration if early usage meets expectations. For now, the focus remains on enabling tourists to spend rather than encouraging domestic crypto payments. Whether that model expands to local users will depend on how regulators balance innovation with existing financial controls.

PayPal is significantly broadening the reach of its branded stablecoin, PYUSD. Starting this month, customers in 70 countries—a subset of the roughly 200 markets where PayPal operates—can hold PYUSD in their wallets, according to May Zabaneh, senior vice president and head of crypto at PayPal. New countries include Uganda, Colombia, Peru, and other additions across South America, Africa, and Asia. Previously, the stablecoin was only accessible to users in the U.S. and U.K. Along with holding and transferring PYUSD, international users can earn rewards on their stablecoin balances. In the U.S., existing holders earn 4% annually. Zabaneh emphasized that the expansion is not just about access, but also about easing cross-border transfers, particularly in regions where transaction costs are traditionally high. Stablecoin Adoption Reduces Fees and Improves Wallet Utility Stablecoins, pegged to real-world assets like the U.S. dollar, are often promoted for their ability to lower fees on international transfers. Before this expansion, users in countries such as Peru could only withdraw funds in their local currency, incurring conversion costs. Now, PYUSD allows recipients to retain value in U.S. dollars, cutting cross-border fees. In countries like Malawi, where PayPal previously required transfers to go directly to bank accounts, PYUSD enables users to hold funds within their PayPal wallets, offering both balance and earnings potential. The fintech is also integrating PYUSD into its wider business products, including payouts for platforms like YouTube and internal international transfers across PayPal entities. Since its launch in summer 2023, PYUSD’s market capitalization has grown over fivefold to $4.1 billion, following a temporary pause due to regulatory scrutiny of its launch partner in New York. PayPal Leverages PYUSD for Global Payments and Developer Innovation As the company expands PYUSD access to 70 countries, the stablecoin is increasingly powering real-world use cases beyond consumer wallets. Through a partnership with TCS Blockchain, carriers can now settle trucking invoices same-day on-chain, reducing costs and speeding cash flow. At the same time, developers can issue PYUSDx tokens, U.S. dollar–pegged digital currencies backed by PYUSD reserves, enabling faster deployment of branded stablecoins with cross-chain capabilities. These moves come amid reports that Stripe is exploring a potential acquisition of PayPal, reflecting intensifying competition in digital payments. Together, these initiatives highlight PayPal’s strategy to make PYUSD not just a global wallet asset, but a versatile tool for business, developers, and cross-border transfers.

Mastercard launched its Crypto Partner Program earlier this month with more than 85 companies including Ripple, Binance, PayPal, Circle, and Crypto.com. The initiative connects blockchain settlement with global payment rails for cross-border transfers and business-to-business payments. Ripple's role focuses on cross-border settlement using the XRP Ledger. This is as institutional as crypto gets: the world's second-largest card network formally partnering with the industry's biggest names. XRP trades at $1.44, the same price it has held for six weeks despite this, the DTCC integration, and $1.44 billion in ETF inflows. Partnerships do not move price if the market has already priced them in. Taurox is a decentralized hedge fund where returns come from AI trading agents using tamper-proof market data, not from waiting for the next partnership headline. How Taurox Uses Oracle Infrastructure to Protect Your Capital Taurox agents do not rely on a single price source. The protocol integrates Chainlink as its primary oracle, using multi-provider aggregation to produce USD-denominated pricing across all supported assets. Pyth Network serves as a high-frequency fallback with institutional-grade pricing data. Each asset has its own staleness threshold. If price data is older than the threshold, the system pauses trading for that asset automatically. No stale data, no manipulated feeds, no single point of failure. TWAP (time-weighted average price) from on-chain liquidity pools provides an additional validation layer. If the oracle price and the TWAP diverge beyond a set threshold, trading pauses until the discrepancy resolves. This matters because AI agents execute trades continuously across multiple venues. If one exchange reports a manipulated price, the oracle system catches it before the agent can act on bad data. Mastercard partnerships are about branding. Taurox oracle infrastructure is about protecting your capital at the execution level. Once the pool goes live, stakers keep 80% at the standard tier. Agent creators earn 15%. The protocol takes 5% only on realized gains, on a high-water mark. That 5% gets converted to TAUX and 30% is burned permanently. Zero management fees. Traditional hedge funds charge 2% annually whether they deliver or not. Taurox earns nothing unless agents produce real returns. A $100 staker gets the same proportional exposure to every agent in the pool as someone staking $100,000. How Agents Prove They Belong Every agent trades with the creator's own capital first. Live order books, real slippage, and the creator absorbs losses. Sharpe above 1.5, drawdowns under 15%, positions capped at 5%. After promotion, each agent runs under a 2% daily stop-loss. No agent holds more than 2% of the pool. Your funds sit in smart contract vaults. Agents trade but cannot withdraw. Only you control your capital, backed by a 15% stablecoin reserve. The TAUX Presale: Why Early Entry Matters TAUX unlocks pool access. Hold 1% of the supply, stake up to 1% of the pool. The presale runs 19 phases from $0.01 to $0.07, listing at $0.08. Phase 1 locks in an 8x markup at listing. Supply is fixed at 2 billion, non-mintable. Vesting follows a 1-month cliff with linear unlocks through month 6, and staking activates at the end of the presale, so your tokens start producing as soon as the pool goes live. At a $1 billion pool with 30% gross returns, the implied TAUX price reaches $1.85. That is 185x from Phase 1. What XRP Holders Should Consider Mastercard just added Ripple to an 85-company crypto program. The price did not move. Taurox does not need partnership announcements to generate returns. When the pool goes live, AI agents will trade using tamper-proof price feeds from Chainlink and Pyth while you keep 80% of the profits. The presale is live at $0.01 and Phase 1 allocations are limited. Learn More Buy TAUX: https://taurox.io/ Whitepaper: https://docs.taurox.io/ Official Telegram: https://t.me/tauroxlabs

XRP trades near $1.51. Traders eye $2.00 while playnance GCOIN TGE on March 18 sparks early staking and ecosystem momentum. TLDR XRP trades near $1.51, down 40%; 2027 outlook shows cautious potential for recovery. Technical signals hint at a rebound; XRP could test higher levels through 2027. Playnance sees strong early GCOIN staking ahead of the March 18 TGE. XRP price prediction for 2026 shows the token trading near $1.51, down roughly 40% over the past year. This XRP price forecast highlights key levels traders are watching as the market seeks signs of recovery. Technical readings offer some hope. The RSI has pushed up from near-oversold territory to around 59. The MACD is also shifting direction. Yet price action alone has not confirmed that the downtrend is over. While established tokens like XRP navigate market uncertainty, playnance is gaining investor attention in the crypto space, a Web3 entertainment platform whose GCOIN token presale is set to launch on March 18, 2026. The presale gives early participants a chance to get involved before the token goes live, with the platform planning to use GCOIN as the foundation of its ecosystem, including a staking program where users can earn rewards by locking up their tokens. XRP Price Prediction 2026: Key Technical Levels to Watch The $1.60 to $1.70 range is the first real test. XRP has struggled to clear this zone. A decisive move through it could set up a run toward $2.00 and eventually $2.30. Failure at this ceiling raises the risk of a return toward $1.11, which marked the recent low. [caption id="attachment_198627" align="aligncenter" width="1132"] XRP/USD Daily: Bullish bounce from $1.11, RSI 59, MACD shows early bullish crossover. TradingView[/caption] In the near term, most analysts' XRP price forecasts expect XRP to move between $1.30 and $1.70. Volume during the current bounce has been underwhelming. Buyers are present, but they are not pushing hard. That kind of low-conviction recovery rarely produces breakouts without a fresh catalyst. If that catalyst arrives, momentum could shift quickly. For now, the market is in a wait-and-see mode. Institutional Demand and Regulatory Support for XRP Price Prediction in 2026–2027 Behind the price charts, a quieter shift is happening. Big investors are starting to take more interest in XRP. For example, Grayscale Investments has an XRP Trust that is getting more attention. This allows investors to gain exposure to XRP in a regulated way, without needing to buy or store the token themselves. Analyst XRP Queen pointed out that most retail investors remain fixated on Bitcoin. Meanwhile, institutions are positioning ahead of anticipated regulatory developments. Her view is that once clear crypto legislation passes in the United States, markets could reprice digital assets across the board, with XRP among the primary beneficiaries. If that plays out, some analysts see XRP reaching $2.00 by 2026. A stronger institutional push combined with favorable regulation could push the token toward $3.00 or higher entering 2027. Those targets assume a confirmed breakout above the $1.70 resistance zone and sustained buying volume. However, progress on regulation has been slow before. If legislation stalls or institutions hold back, XRP may struggle to move beyond $2.00 in the near term. The $1.30 to $1.70 range could remain the trading zone for much of 2026 in that scenario. playnance GCOIN Staking Gains Momentum Ahead of March 18 Token Launch  XRP traders are still looking for a clear sign that the market has finally shifted, but momentum is picking up elsewhere in the Web3 space. One project getting a lot of attention right now is playnance.  The team launched a staking program for its GCOIN token just ahead of the March 18 Token Generation Event. It launched on PlayW3, playnance’s social gaming app, and the reaction was almost instant. In just a few hours, users had already locked more than 250 million GCOIN, showing that early supporters are confident in the project even before the token goes live. The staking system is straightforward. Users must have at least 1,000 GCOIN to participate and can select a lock-up period of 6, 9, 12, or 18 months. The longer the tokens are locked, the bigger the rewards.  Rewards start building 24 hours after staking and can be claimed when the chosen period ends. Leaving early is an option, but doing so means giving up whatever rewards have accumulated, a design choice that clearly encourages people to stay in. Beyond staking, GCOIN sits at the center of a broader set of products, including social gaming, prediction markets, and crypto trading environments. Adding a staking layer on top of that gives existing users more reason to stay engaged while also helping manage token supply in the lead-up to the TGE. For anyone watching early trends in Web3, playnance stands out. The strong staking numbers show the community is already on board, and with the token launch coming up, the next few weeks will reveal if that early excitement turns into real growth. XRP Price Prediction Through 2027: Insights from Crypto Prediction Markets XRP price prediction 2027 carries limitations that do not disappear with a favorable regulatory environment. The token cannot be mined. The XRP Ledger does not have built-in support for smart contracts. Because of this, it has stayed out of the fast-growing decentralized app space led by networks like Ethereum. Instead, XRP mainly focuses on cross-border payments. But in this area, it is facing more competition from stablecoins, which many users prefer since they are less affected by price swings. That competition is not going away. For XRP to build a credible case above $3.00 through 2027, the market needs volume to back the move, a series of higher highs to form, and RSI to hold consistently above 60. Without those, rallies are likely to fade before they gain traction. More Information More information on XRP can be found here >> https://ripple.com/xrp More details on playnance GCOIN TGE event >> https://playw3.com/gcoin

Cango Inc. posted a net loss of $452.8 million for 2025, its first full year operating as a Bitcoin miner, even as revenue rose sharply to $688.1 million on the back of scaled mining activity. Bitcoin mining contributed $675.5 million to total revenue, with the fourth quarter alone generating $179.5 million, including $172.4 million from mining operations. The figures reflect rapid expansion in output, but also highlight the financial strain tied to costs and balance sheet adjustments during the company’s transition. Cango mined 6,594.6 BTC during the year, averaging just over 18 Bitcoins per day, with 1,718.3 BTC produced in the fourth quarter. Since entering the sector, total production has reached 7,528.4 BTC as of December 2025. Costs and Accounting Adjustments Drive Losses Despite strong revenue, profitability remained under pressure. The company reported an average mining cost of $79,707 per Bitcoin for the year, excluding machine depreciation, rising to $84,552 in the fourth quarter. On an all-in basis, costs climbed to $97,272 per Bitcoin for the year and exceeded $106,000 in Q4. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $24.5 million for the full year, but the fourth quarter recorded a loss of $156.3 million, pointing to margin compression as the year progressed. According to Michael Zhang, the net loss was largely driven by non-recurring transformation expenses and market-driven fair-value adjustments, rather than core mining operations alone. He added that the company has taken steps to strengthen its balance sheet through liquidity management, adjustments to its Bitcoin treasury strategy, and new equity funding to better navigate volatility. AI Pivot Emerges as Next Phase Alongside its mining operations, Cango is accelerating a shift toward AI infrastructure, positioning its computing and energy capacity for broader use cases beyond Bitcoin. CEO Paul Yu described 2025 as a year of rapid execution, marked by asset restructuring and the buildout of a globally distributed mining footprint. Moving into 2026, the company is focusing on improving efficiency and cost resilience while advancing its EcoHash platform for AI inference workloads. Initial site retrofits are underway, with deployment readiness in progress, as the company seeks to diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on mining alone. Cango also completed the termination of its ADR program and transitioned to a direct listing on the NYSE, a move aimed at improving transparency and potentially expanding its investor base as it repositions for its next phase of growth.

Crypto platforms spend a lot of time competing on features, but a new report from Paybis suggests they are losing users for much simpler reasons. According to the study, when money is actually moving — especially across borders — users care less about innovation and more about whether the transfer is predictable, transparent and confirmed. The report, based on a small but focused set of interviews with active users, looks at a specific group Paybis calls “Fund Movers” — individuals and small businesses that regularly shift money between banks, cards, wallets and exchanges. These are not casual users. They rely on platforms to get funds from point A to point B, often in environments where traditional banking is slow or unreliable. What stands out is how quickly trust breaks. One bad transfer, one unclear fee, or one missing confirmation is often enough for users to abandon a platform entirely — and tell others to do the same. What actually drives users away? The report points to three recurring problems that consistently push users to switch platforms: unexpected costs, unclear timelines and weak proof of completion. None of these are new issues. What is new is how strongly users react to them when money is on the line. In time-sensitive transfers, especially cross-border ones, small frictions become deal-breakers. Users are not experimenting in these moments — they are trying to complete a task. If something goes wrong, they move on quickly. Investor Takeaway For exchanges and on/off-ramp providers, retention may depend less on features and more on execution quality. Payments infrastructure, not trading tools, is where trust is won or lost. Fee surprises break trust fast One of the clearest findings is how users interpret pricing. High fees are not necessarily the problem — unexpected fees are. Participants said they treat the quoted price before confirmation as a commitment. If the final amount changes due to spreads, hidden charges or discounts that fail to apply, it is often seen as a breach of trust rather than a pricing adjustment. In practice, this means transparency matters more than competitiveness. A platform that clearly explains costs, even if they are higher, is more likely to retain users than one that appears cheaper upfront but changes the final amount. In this segment, pricing is not just about cost — it is about credibility. Users want proof they can actually use Another weak point is transaction proof. In crypto, a transaction hash is often treated as sufficient evidence that a transfer has been completed. But for many users, especially those sending money to other people or businesses, that is not enough. The report shows that users want something more familiar: a receipt, a clear status update, or something they can share with a counterparty to confirm that funds have been sent. In real-world scenarios, transfers are often tied to payments, obligations or deadlines. A technical identifier does not always satisfy the person on the receiving end. This gap between on-chain confirmation and real-world proof creates friction — and in some cases, disputes. Speed matters — but predictability matters more Interestingly, users in the study did not prioritize raw speed as much as expected. What they wanted was clarity. Knowing how long a transfer would take — and seeing that expectation met — mattered more than shaving off a few minutes. When timelines were vague or changed without explanation, frustration built quickly. Status updates played a big role here. Clear, step-by-step progress reassured users that the transfer was moving forward. Generic messages or silence had the opposite effect. Support interactions also shaped the experience. When something went wrong, users expected concrete answers. Responses that simply blamed external providers often made things worse rather than better. Investor Takeaway Predictability is emerging as a key differentiator in crypto payments. Platforms that clearly communicate timelines and provide reliable updates may outperform faster but less transparent competitors. How traders and fund movers choose platforms When deciding where to send or receive funds, users in the study focused on a small set of practical factors: Availability of payment methods and currency corridors Speed to usable funds at the destination Certainty of total costs before confirming Reliability during high-pressure situations Clear rules around holds and risk flags Responsive support when something fails These priorities reflect a shift away from platform loyalty. Users are willing to switch tools depending on the transaction, choosing whichever option feels most reliable in that moment. According to Paybis, that makes every transfer a test. A single failure does not just lose a customer — it can ripple through networks of users who rely on shared recommendations. The takeaway is straightforward: in crypto payments, trust is not built through features. It is built through consistency — one successful transfer at a time.

Blue Ocean Technologies has appointed Chinmay Patel as Chief Technology Officer of Blue Ocean ATS and Marcus Chan as Sales Representative for Hong Kong and China, strengthening both its technology leadership and Asia-Pacific commercial presence. The appointments come as the firm expands its infrastructure around overnight trading in US equities and develops additional capabilities related to tokenization and market data services. Blue Ocean Technologies operates the Blue Ocean Alternative Trading System, which enables trading in US National Market System stocks outside traditional US market hours. Through the Blue Ocean Session, market participants can trade US equities between 8:00 pm and 4:00 am Eastern Time from Sunday to Thursday. Technology Leadership Added as Platform Development Expands Chinmay Patel will lead the company’s technology strategy and engineering operations as Chief Technology Officer of Blue Ocean ATS. Based in Toronto, he will oversee platform infrastructure development, engineering teams, and the company’s blockchain roadmap. The role places Patel at the center of Blue Ocean’s effort to scale technology infrastructure supporting extended trading sessions. After-hours trading systems must handle global connectivity, real-time market data processing, and order routing across time zones. Patel brings more than 15 years of experience in building technology platforms for financial services and fintech companies. His background includes leadership roles across product development, engineering strategy, and financial technology startups. Prior to joining Blue Ocean ATS, Patel served as Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of PERCS and previously co-founded API Garage, also known as BlockX Labs. He also held the role of Chief Technology Officer at Dossiya. Technology leadership plays a central role for firms operating alternative trading systems, where platform performance and stability directly influence execution quality for market participants. Takeaway Blue Ocean Technologies appointed Chinmay Patel as CTO of Blue Ocean ATS to lead technology strategy, engineering operations, and infrastructure development supporting the firm’s overnight US equities trading platform. Asia-Pacific Sales Expansion Targets Global Investors Marcus Chan has been appointed Sales Representative for Hong Kong and China, a newly created role focused on expanding Blue Ocean Technologies’ commercial presence across Asia-Pacific markets. Based in Hong Kong, Chan will oversee business development, client relationships, and regional growth initiatives. The role reflects the company’s focus on attracting trading firms and institutional participants across Asian markets that require access to US equities during local business hours. Asia-Pacific investors often face challenges accessing US equity markets because of time zone differences. Overnight trading sessions allow participants in Asia to trade US stocks during their daytime hours without waiting for the traditional US market open. Chan brings more than two decades of experience in financial technology and capital markets sales. He previously held roles at Bloomberg, Refinitiv, Sungard, and FlexTrade, where he worked with institutional trading firms and financial market infrastructure providers. Expanding regional sales coverage can play an important role in building liquidity for alternative trading venues, particularly when those venues operate outside conventional market hours. Takeaway Marcus Chan will lead business development for Blue Ocean Technologies in Hong Kong and mainland China, supporting the firm’s effort to expand access to overnight US equities trading among Asia-Pacific investors. Overnight US Equities Trading Gains Global Attention Blue Ocean Technologies launched its alternative trading system to allow global investors to trade US equities outside the traditional trading window. The Blue Ocean Session operates between 8:00 pm and 4:00 am Eastern Time, enabling market participation across different time zones. Extended-hours trading has become increasingly relevant as capital markets globalize. Investors located outside the United States often seek the ability to respond to overnight economic developments, corporate news, or geopolitical events affecting US-listed companies. Alternative trading systems provide an infrastructure framework for such activity. These venues operate alongside traditional exchanges but often focus on specialized trading sessions or institutional order flow. Blue Ocean Technologies said the new appointments support its broader strategy to expand technological capabilities and global participation in overnight trading. Brian Hyndman, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Ocean Technologies, commented, “During this pivotal time of growth and diversification for our company, we are thrilled to welcome Chinmay Patel as our new Chief Technology Officer and Marcus Chan as our Sales Representative for Hong Kong and China.” Hyndman added, “Chinmay's proven track record in scaling technology teams and driving product innovation will accelerate our technology roadmap, while Marcus's deep Asia-Pacific expertise will unlock significant growth opportunities in these new vital markets.” The firm also continues to explore technology initiatives related to tokenization and market data services as it expands its platform for after-hours trading. Takeaway The appointments support Blue Ocean Technologies’ strategy to expand its overnight US equities trading platform while increasing participation from global investors, particularly across Asia-Pacific markets.  

On 10 March, a review of the EUR/USD chart revealed: → the long-term downward channel remains intact and provides context for current price action; → the previous sequence of lower lows (A–H) was broken by the emergence of a higher peak, I, with resistance likely near 1.1680. At peak I, bullish momentum waned: after a brief consolidation around the channel’s median, bears regained control, pushing the pair to a fresh yearly low, driven by prevailing macroeconomic pressures. Looking ahead, the Fed’s interest rate decision tomorrow and ECB commentary the following day could significantly influence market sentiment. Price action suggests that bulls may attempt to regain the upper hand in response. Technical Review of EUR/USD Key observations include: → Monday’s opening saw a strong recovery, largely offsetting the previous week’s bearish move. → Last week’s downward trendline has been broken, with the pair holding above the breakout level at 1.14560. → The currency is rebounding from oversold conditions near the lower boundary of the channel, with the psychological level 1.1500 likely to act as support. Traders should remain alert to scenarios where early-week bullish activity could be reinforced by upcoming central bank announcements. FXOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips and commissions from $1.50 per lot (additional fees may apply). Enjoy trading on MT4, MT5, TickTrader or TradingView trading platforms! The FXOpen App is a dedicated mobile application designed to give traders full control of their accounts anytime, anywhere. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.