What New Protection Did Trust Wallet Introduce? Trust Wallet has introduced a new screening feature designed to help users avoid sending cryptocurrency to scam wallets that mimic legitimate addresses. The noncustodial wallet provider said the protection automatically checks destination addresses against a database of known scam and lookalike wallets before a transaction is completed. The feature launches across 32 Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible blockchains, including Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, Polygon, Optimism, Arbitrum, Avalanche and Base. By scanning addresses before users confirm transactions, the tool is intended to intercept one of the most common phishing techniques used in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Address poisoning attacks rely on deception rather than technical exploits. Scammers send victims small transactions from addresses that resemble legitimate ones, hoping the recipient later copies that malicious address from their transaction history when making a payment. Once funds are sent, they are typically impossible to recover. Trust Wallet said address poisoning has become one of the fastest-growing threats affecting crypto users, citing more than 225 million attacks and roughly $500 million in confirmed losses linked to the tactic. Investor Takeaway Wallet-level transaction screening is emerging as a frontline defense against phishing-style attacks that rely on user behavior rather than smart-contract exploits. Why Address-Poisoning Attacks Are Spreading Unlike traditional hacks that require breaching software or exploiting vulnerabilities, address poisoning works by manipulating how users interact with their wallet history. Attackers send tiny transfers from addresses designed to resemble those a victim frequently interacts with, often differing by only a few characters. If the victim later copies the fraudulent address from their transaction list rather than verifying it independently, funds are sent directly to the attacker’s wallet. Because blockchain transactions are irreversible, the mistake typically results in a permanent loss. The scale of the problem has grown alongside rising crypto adoption. Recent incidents illustrate how costly these attacks can be. Two victims recently lost a combined $62 million through address poisoning schemes, including a case where $50 million in USDT was transferred to a malicious wallet in December 2025. The incident drew renewed attention from industry figures who argued that wallet interfaces should do more to detect and block suspicious addresses before transactions are completed. Industry Pressure for Better Wallet Security Calls for stronger safeguards have been growing after several high-profile incidents exposed how easily address poisoning can bypass user vigilance. Commenting on the problem last year, former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao wrote: “All wallets should simply check if a receiving address is a poison address, and block the user. This is a blockchain query.” Security researchers have also highlighted that the problem extends beyond filtering spam transactions. Analysts from blockchain security firm Hacken recently warned that copying wallet addresses from transaction histories remains one of the most common mistakes made by crypto users. Several wallet providers have already introduced tools designed to reduce this risk. Rabby Wallet, Zengo Wallet and Phantom Wallet all provide preemptive filtering or address-verification tools intended to detect suspicious or malicious transaction targets. Investor Takeaway As phishing tactics become more sophisticated, wallet providers are under growing pressure to integrate automated safeguards that reduce reliance on user vigilance alone. Trust Wallet’s Security Efforts After Recent Incident The new protection arrives months after Trust Wallet faced its own security challenge. In December 2025, the platform’s Chrome browser extension was compromised after malicious code was inserted into an update, leading to roughly $7 million in losses for affected users. Trust Wallet released a patched version of the extension that removed the malicious code and later said that users impacted by the breach would be reimbursed. The introduction of address-poisoning detection suggests wallet providers are responding to growing pressure to strengthen user protections at the interface level. As phishing techniques continue to target everyday wallet activity rather than software vulnerabilities, preventative screening tools may become a standard feature across the crypto wallet ecosystem.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 10th, 2026, FinanceWire The initiative provided Iftar meals to workers in Dubai’s Al Quoz district during the holy month of Ramadan. STARTRADER reaffirmed its commitment to giving back to society during Ramadan through an Iftar meal distribution initiative near Al Anbiya Masjid in Al Quoz 4. Organized through STAR Foundation, the company’s charitable arm focused on community welfare initiatives worldwide, the program provided meals to workers in the surrounding area with the support of 30 STARTRADER employee volunteers. The initiative took place in Al Quoz 4, a residential community with an estimated population of over 23,000 residents, and in close proximity to industrial areas that house thousands of essential workers and labor communities who play a vital role in supporting Dubai’s industrial and service sectors. Such communities often have limited access to organized Ramadan assistance, making outreach efforts during the holy month particularly meaningful. Preparations began at 3 p.m., as employee volunteers coordinated logistics, set up a temporary tented area, and organized the meal distribution to ensure timely service. With the sunset and the call for prayer, labor workers from the surrounding neighborhoods gathered to share not only food but also the spirit of unity and generosity under the beautiful tent that reflected the new branding of STARTRADER. The tent provided a covered and orderly space for attendees during the meal service. The initiative concluded at approximately 6:00 p.m., following the completion of meal distribution. The event was documented to commemorate the initiative and its community impact. This CSR initiative reflects the core values of compassion, unity, and generosity associated with Ramadan while reaffirming STARTRADER’s dedication to creating positive social impact in the communities where it operates. “Moments of prosperity are also moments of responsibility,” said Peter Karsten, CEO of STARTRADER. “When an organization is fortunate enough to grow, it should extend that fortune outward, especially to those who contribute quietly to the fabric of society. Ramadan offers a meaningful opportunity to put that responsibility into action.” About STARTRADER STARTRADER is a global broker that provides its clients with opportunities to trade financial instruments online. STARTRADER services both Partners and Retail Clients, who can trade using the MetaTrader Platform, the STAR-APP, and using STAR-COPY. As a global broker, STARTRADER holds a client-first approach as its core principle. Regulated in 5 jurisdictions (ASIC, FSA, FSC, FSCA, and CMA), STARTRADER upholds strong governance alongside sustainable growth. STARTRADER's team comprises dedicated professionals working collaboratively to deliver quality service to its Partners and Clients. Contact Global PR Manager Janna Magabilen STARTRADER janna.magabilen@startrader.com

In last week's edition, we wrote that the price of oil would now be calling the shots and thus determining the performance of global financial markets. The last few days have confirmed this thesis – and with more force than we ourselves would have expected. Since the publication of the last Thoughts, the price of oil has shot up by no less than 60%. With such a development on the energy markets, one might have expected the stock markets to take a double-digit hit. But that was far from the case. The S&P 500 has lost a maximum of 3% since then. On the contrary, it was striking that the Wall Street index was able to recover surprisingly quickly after the initial sell-off at the start of trading. As mentioned in the last issue, investors had hedged themselves very broadly against the risk of a conflict with Iran – with futures or put options. When such hedges are established, it is usually the market maker on the stock exchange who sells these instruments to investors. To neutralize his own risk, he hedges in return: when selling futures with the corresponding shares, with options with futures on the underlying index. If the market begins to correct and investors unwind their hedges, the opposite happens: the market maker also unwinds his hedge positions. He buys back futures or shares – and suddenly the market begins to recover again. We can therefore assume that numerous hedge positions have been unwound during the past few trading days. Experienced investors are particularly inclined to take such steps when sentiment becomes extremely gloomy – exactly as the fear indicator is currently showing. This composure, which may come as a surprise to many, is also reflected in our sentiment indicator. Investors clearly assume that the stock markets will soon calm down again – which, historically, they have often done after five to ten days when wars have broken out. In fact, it is worth taking a step back and asking who will be particularly affected if the world's most important maritime energy route is blocked for an extended period of time. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that several countries that normally export their oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz have already reduced or even completely halted production. These include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Iran itself. In Bahrain, restrictions are in place due to damaged infrastructure. The US, on the other hand, is likely to be among the least affected. Thanks to its fracking industry, it has long since become a net exporter. With production costs of around $65 per barrel, the industry can also ramp up production relatively quickly at current market prices. Some of the energy supplied through the Strait of Hormuz is exported to Europe. Russia, once one of the most important suppliers, is largely out of the question as an alternative for Europe. In recent years, around 10% of European imports have come from African countries such as Nigeria and Angola. Europe is therefore increasingly dependent on its own North Sea sources and on supplies from North America. However, reserves only last for around 60 days and are also heavily regulated and spread across many countries – which does not exactly make political decisions any easier in an emergency. However, a considerable proportion of exports through the Strait of Hormuz go to Asia. Despite the sanctions, India has received permission from the US government to continue purchasing oil and gas from Russia. China has a similar option, even if the relevant infrastructure is still limited. To this end, Beijing has massively expanded its strategic reserves in recent months and is now covered for around 120 to 140 days. The situation is even more comfortable in South Korea and Japan, which have oil reserves sufficient for around 200 and even 250 days of daily consumption, respectively. The fact that the global economy is no longer as dependent on supply disruptions from the Middle East as it was fifty years ago should contribute to a certain degree of calm sooner or later. In fact, the stock markets already have now reached an oversold level, which is why a medium-term low can already be expected in the coming days. The smart investors' indicator for the S&P 500 already shows a clear “exaggeration” with the red area. As also explained in last week's edition, the selling pressure on precious metals came as no surprise. In stressful situations, the first assets to be sold in order to raise liquidity are those that are particularly liquid – especially if they are still in profit. However, as soon as this phase subsides, geopolitical uncertainty comes back into focus, and with it the demand for safe investments. This is exactly what is likely to happen again this time. The selling pressure of the last few days has been absorbed surprisingly well by precious metals – a sign of what is often referred to as ‘inner strength’. Once the selling pressure eases, gold and silver bugs are likely to take the helm again. This can already be seen for gold in the same chart as before. And, of course, the same applies to silver. Particularly impressive in this chart is the light blue area representing the distribution pressure that has weighed on silver over the last six weeks. This cannot be compared to previous correction phases. The starting position for silver appears particularly exciting because sentiment has suffered significantly in recent weeks and remains negative. Let's remember: peak prices usually occur in moments of collective euphoria, while troughs occur in phases of pronounced fear. However, the oil market will continue to set the pace in the medium term, even if it should see a short-term calm. In the medium and long term, however, unless the geopolitical situation eases soon, it will have a significant impact on the development of inflation.

If you work or trade in the crypto space, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE). You may even be familiar with some of the projects utilizing it to deliver onchain privacy by allowing computation to be run on encrypted data. But beyond that, you likely draw a blank. That’s understandable. Many of the technologies we use on a daily basis, from TCP/IP to ZKPs, are barely understood by all but their designers and the engineers tasked with implementing them. But you don’t need a degree in cryptography to understand how FHE works. And gaining an insight into its design will help you appreciate why the technology is so versatile and thus so valuable. Instead of decrypting information before computation, FHE allows calculations to occur directly on encrypted data, producing a result that can only be decrypted by the owner of the key. The implications of this are significant. It means that cloud providers can analyze data without seeing it, for example, and that financial systems can process private transactions without exposing sensitive details. Understanding why this matters requires unpacking how FHE works and the problems it aims to solve. What Is Fully Homomorphic Encryption? Standard encryption works like a locked box. You put your data inside, lock it with a key, and send it to someone. For that person to work with the data, they must unlock the box, exposing the contents. FHE works more like a lead-lined glove box – the sort that are used to handle radioactive materials. You can put materials inside and lock the box, but the built-in gloves allow someone on the outside to access the contents without ever actually touching them or letting the fumes escape. Only the person with the original key, however, can open the box to see the final outcome. Metaphors can only carry us so far, though. To gain a deeper understanding of how FHE works, we need to delve into the technicals. At a high level, FHE is a form of encryption that allows mathematical operations to be performed on ciphertexts. When the result is eventually decrypted, it matches the result of the operations as if they had been performed on the original, unencrypted data. Imagine sending encrypted financial data to a cloud server, for instance. Using a conventional system, the server must decrypt the data to analyze it. With FHE, the server performs the analysis without ever seeing the underlying information. This property is what makes FHE so powerful because it enables secure processing across the entire lifecycle of data. How Fully Homomorphic Encryption Works FHE relies on mathematical structures that preserve relationships between encrypted values. We can simplify the process into three stages. First, data is encrypted into ciphertext using a public key. The encrypted form contains additional mathematical “noise,” which is essential for security but must be carefully managed. To address this, many FHE systems use a technique called bootstrapping, which effectively refreshes the encrypted data by reducing accumulated noise so further computations can continue. Second, computations are executed directly on the ciphertext. FHE schemes support basic arithmetic operations such as addition and multiplication, and these can be combined to represent virtually any computation as a mathematical circuit. Third, the result of the computation remains encrypted until the data owner decrypts it with a private key. Most modern FHE schemes rely on lattice-based cryptography, a mathematical framework believed to be resistant even to quantum attacks. This makes FHE not only privacy-preserving but also relevant to the emerging era of post-quantum cryptography. And that’s about as technical as we need to get in describing how FHE works. All that’s left is examine how it’s currently being used in Web3 to deliver onchain privacy and encrypted data processing. How FHE Delivers Private DeFi The applications for FHE are broad, ranging from healthcare to AI. In the case of the former, patient records can be analyzed without breaching patient confidentiality, while the latter allows vast datasets to be used for model training. One of the most immediate and transformative use cases for FHE, however, is in decentralized finance. It’s here that you’re likely to have your first encounter with FHE. As everyone knows, public blockchains are transparent by default. Every wallet balance and liquidation threshold is visible to everyone, which creates several problems ranging from MEV sniping to liquidation hunting whereby traders can see exactly when a whale’s collateral is about to hit a liquidation price and manipulate the market to force that liquidation. However, arguably the greatest problem that total transparency presents on public blockchains is the lack of institutional privacy. Most major financial institutions can’t use public chains because they’re unwilling to broadcast their entire balance sheet and strategy to the world. Which is quite understandable. FHE is now being used to address this by enabling solutions such as encrypted lending on Ethereum. This ensures that collateral is kept private, allowing participants to prove they have enough assets to back a loan without revealing exactly how much they have. It also eliminates “liquidation hit lists” because the exact trigger prices are encrypted. It’s an elegant solution to one of Web3’s most pressing problems. Why FHE Is Gaining Attention Now Given that FHE was invented in the late 70s, you might be wondering why you’re only starting to hear about it now. In short, because for most of its existence, it’s been largely theoretical because the computations involved were extremely slow. Running even simple calculations on encrypted data could take thousands of times longer than processing plaintext. However, advances in FHE algorithms coupled with specialized hardware acceleration have begun to narrow that gap. As a result, developers are starting to explore practical applications for FHE, not just in DeFi but also across cloud infrastructure and AI. At the same time, the volume of sensitive data being processed in third-party environments – particularly cloud platforms – continues to increase. That shift has made privacy-preserving computation more attractive, creating the perfect storm for FHE to thrive. Where Next for FHE? When we zoom out, the key takeaway from all this is that Fully Homomorphic Encryption radically reshapes the trust model of computing, which has empirically required either trusting the operator of a system or relying on hardware isolation techniques. FHE offers a third path, providing cryptographic guarantees that data remains private even while being used. FHE moves encryption from a protective wrapper around data to a framework that allows computation itself to occur in a private state. It’s hard to name an industry that wouldn’t benefit from this capability. The only thing stopping FHE from becoming the default model for data computing is the performance challenges that remain. Encrypted operations still require significantly more processing power and memory than plaintext equivalents, which can make large-scale deployment expensive or slow. But performance is improving rapidly, and the latest FHE implementations are much faster and more affordable than anything that’s gone before. Recent breakthroughs in FHE coprocessors (specialized hardware accelerators designed to perform computations on encrypted data) and parallelized threshold decryption have increased throughput by orders of magnitude – up to 20,000 times faster than previous baselines. As these performance barriers fall, FHE is becoming a practical tool. No longer theoretical tech, it represents the next evolution of the internet. The endgame is a “blind” web where services can provide us with insights and financial tools without ever actually seeing our private data. In the near future, you’ll use FHE just like you use TCP/IP without even being conscious of it. Which is a sure sign that a technology is working exactly as it should.

Why Is Kalshi Entering Brazil? Prediction market platform Kalshi has expanded into Brazil through a partnership with brokerage firm XP, marking its first move outside the United States. According to a Bloomberg report, the arrangement will allow certain Brazilian clients to access event-based contracts tied to economic indicators. The rollout will begin with users of Clear Corretora, a brokerage brand owned by XP. Through the platform, investors will be able to trade contracts tied to developments in Brazil’s economy, including outcomes related to inflation and interest rates. “We see Brazil the way the U.S. was years ago with prediction markets,” Kalshi co-founder Luana Lopes Lara said, according to Bloomberg. “It’s our second country, so we will be able to go a lot faster than we did in the U.S. when starting.” The expansion gives Kalshi access to one of the largest retail trading markets in Latin America at a time when prediction markets are attracting growing interest from investors and policymakers alike. Investor Takeaway Brazil offers a large retail investor base and active derivatives trading culture, making it a natural testing ground for prediction markets outside the United States. How Do Prediction Markets Work in Practice? Prediction markets allow traders to buy and sell contracts linked to the outcome of real-world events. Prices fluctuate as participants update their expectations about the probability of a given event occurring, effectively turning the market into a real-time forecasting tool. Contracts can cover a wide range of topics, from elections and economic policy decisions to sports results and geopolitical developments. Participants receive a payout if the outcome specified in the contract occurs. The model has gained traction among investors who see prediction markets as a way to hedge exposure to political or macroeconomic risks, while critics argue that some contracts resemble betting products rather than financial instruments. How Fast Has Kalshi Grown? Kalshi has expanded rapidly over the past two years as demand for event-linked trading products increased. In October, the company announced that its global prediction markets exchange was available to traders in more than 140 countries. “Prediction markets have always had worldwide relevance,” the company said in a press release at the time. “Events don’t stop at borders, and now, neither does trading on them. Whether it’s elections, central bank decisions, sports or climate, users across continents can trade directly on the outcomes that shape their world.” The company said in the same announcement that it had raised $300 million in a Series D funding round, valuing the firm at $5 billion. That figure represented a sharp increase from the $2 billion valuation attached to a Series C round completed three months earlier. “Kalshi has become one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the United States, and the fastest-growing company outside of the AI industry,” the company said in the release. “In the past year alone, trading volume has grown 200x and the user base has grown 20x.” Investor Takeaway Rapid growth and rising valuations show strong investor appetite for prediction markets, but expansion into new regions will test how the model holds up under different regulatory frameworks. Why Regulation Remains a Key Question Despite rising investor interest, prediction markets continue to face regulatory scrutiny. In the United States, several states have challenged event-based contracts that resemble sports betting or other wagering products. At the federal level, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission argues that it holds jurisdiction over prediction markets structured as derivatives contracts. That position has not prevented legal disputes, leaving the regulatory environment fragmented. The push into Brazil therefore arrives at a moment when the sector is both expanding globally and facing legal pressure at home. Whether international growth accelerates or slows may depend on how regulators in different jurisdictions interpret the boundary between financial forecasting markets and betting activity.

Crypto trading platform Blockchain.com has announced its expansion across Africa with a new launch in Ghana. Following its rapid success and significant user growth in neighboring Nigeria, Blockchain.com is eyeing a West African market share. According to reports, the crypto platform saw its activity in Nigeria surge by more than 700% over the past two years, making the country one of its fastest-growing markets globally and a key driver behind its decision to deepen its African footprint. The Blockchain.com Ghana launch represents the latest step in a broader strategy aimed at capturing rising demand for digital asset services across emerging markets, especially after Ghana’s new crypto regulatory framework that legalizes cryptocurrency in the country. Nigeria’s Crypto Boom Fuels Blockchain.com Expansion Strategy According to Blockchain.com’s figures, user activity in Nigeria increased by over 700% in the past two years, and it was solely the driver for the company’s expansion strategy. With surging demand for digital assets among retail users and businesses across popular African countries, it was only a matter of time before Blockchain.com spread its net beyond Nigeria’s borders.  With a strong demand for cryptocurrencies among Africans looking to leverage blockchain for cheap cross-border transactions, remittances, investments, and to hedge against inflation, the African crypto market offers businesses like Blockchain.com diverse opportunities. Also, Nigeria has consistently ranked among the top countries globally for crypto usage, particularly for peer-to-peer payments, remittances, and stablecoin transactions.  Like in Nigeria, economic factors such as inflation, currency depreciation, and restrictions on foreign exchange access have pushed many Ghanaians to explore digital assets as a hedge against local currency volatility. Blockchain.com said the growth has not only come from retail traders but also from small businesses and freelancers using crypto to receive international payments and move funds across borders more efficiently. These real-world use cases have turned Africa into a proving ground for crypto adoption in emerging economies. Africa Remains a Hot Hub for Crypto Firms Blockchain.com’s move shows a broader trend of global crypto companies increasingly targeting Africa as one of the industry’s next major growth locations. While North America and Europe remain large markets, adoption rates in parts of Africa have been accelerating faster due to structural financial challenges. Across the continent, cryptocurrencies are increasingly used for remittances, cross-border payments, and inflation hedging. Stablecoins in particular have gained traction as a way for users to access dollar value online without facing the challenges of local banking infrastructure. Countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa have become hot hubs for crypto firms. While local startups are building payment infrastructure and exchanges with local currency access, global platforms like Blockchain.com have been expanding in the region to compete for market share. Based on the prevalent trajectory, it’s safe to say that the Blockchain.com Ghana launch is just the beginning of its expansion across African crypto users.

Why Quadcode Is Moving Into Proprietary Trading Technology Quadcode, the fintech group behind the retail trading platform IQ Option, has acquired a stake in Game 7, the company operating FPFX Technologies, PropAccount.com, and the trading competition platform BullRush. The deal connects one of the largest retail trading infrastructure providers with the fast-growing proprietary trading sector. Quadcode built its reputation through IQ Option, a Cyprus-based trading platform launched in 2013 by entrepreneur Dmitry Zaretsky. The platform grew quickly during the global surge in binary options trading in the early 2010s, attracting millions of retail users looking for simplified access to financial markets. In 2014, IQ Option obtained authorization from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, enabling it to offer financial instruments to clients across the European Economic Area. At its peak, the platform reported millions of registered users worldwide and became one of Europe’s most widely used consumer trading applications. Regulation later transformed the business landscape. European authorities introduced strict limits on binary options, culminating in a full ban on the marketing and sale of these products to retail investors across the European Union in 2018. Platforms built around the product had to adapt quickly. IQ Option responded by expanding into contracts for difference, cryptocurrency trading, and other financial instruments. Over time the group broadened its technology operations under the Quadcode brand, focusing on providing trading infrastructure and brokerage systems to financial companies worldwide. Investor Takeaway The investment gives Quadcode exposure to the technology layer behind proprietary trading firms, a sector that has attracted a large share of retail trading interest in recent years. How Game 7 Became Part of the Prop Trading Ecosystem Game 7 operates several platforms tied to the proprietary trading industry. Its best-known subsidiary, FPFX Technologies, develops software used by firms running funded trader programs. Prop trading firms offer a model where traders pay an entry fee to participate in trading challenges. Participants operate on simulated accounts and must meet performance targets and risk limits before gaining access to accounts backed by the firm’s capital. The model expanded rapidly during the pandemic-era boom in retail trading. Firms such as FTMO and FundedNext attracted large numbers of traders seeking access to capital without depositing large sums with traditional brokers. FPFX built technology specifically designed for this model. Its systems allow firms to run evaluation programs, monitor trader performance, enforce drawdown rules, and automate payouts to successful participants. According to the company, the software has been used to launch hundreds of proprietary trading firms around the world. Why Discovery Platforms and Trading Competitions Matter Game 7 also operates PropAccount.com, a marketplace where traders compare funding programs offered by different prop firms. The platform aggregates details about trading rules, evaluation structures, and payout models, giving traders a way to assess competing programs before entering a challenge. Alongside that marketplace, the company runs BullRush, a trading competition platform that blends elements of gaming with financial markets. The platform hosts tournaments where participants compete in simulated environments and rankings depend on profit and risk metrics. These products form a broader ecosystem around proprietary trading. Funding programs attract traders, discovery platforms help them compare offers, and competition environments create additional engagement around trading performance. Investor Takeaway Infrastructure providers operating at the center of the prop trading ecosystem gain visibility across multiple firms, which can create a scalable technology business even as individual prop firms come and go. Why Brokers Are Paying Attention to the Prop Firm Model Many retail brokers have been watching the rise of proprietary trading programs closely because they attract the same audience of active retail traders. Instead of depositing funds with brokers, many traders now pay entry fees to participate in funding challenges that promise access to larger trading accounts if performance targets are met. This approach has created a parallel segment of the online trading industry operating alongside traditional brokerage models. Regulatory Attention Is Increasing Across the Sector The prop trading industry has also drawn attention from regulators. In 2023, U.S. authorities shut down the proprietary trading firm MyForexFunds, alleging the company misled customers and operated a fraudulent scheme. The case raised questions about how funded trading programs structure their operations and represent trading activity to participants. Technology platforms used by prop firms have become more relevant in that environment because they standardize trading rules, risk controls, and evaluation frameworks used across different programs.

Bitcoin just bounced back above $68,500 with volume surging 53%, XRP climbs alongside the recovery, and the XRP news today is about far more than price action. Barclays, a 336 year old banking giant, is building a blockchain platform for stablecoin payments and tokenized deposits, following JPMorgan and HSBC into crypto infrastructure.  The XRP news shows banks adopting blockchain for payments, but the presale building a full exchange with cross chain bridge and zero tax trading captures a different kind of opportunity, it is the Pepeto project, and it might shock the crypto community this year, we will soon understand exactly why. Barclays Building Blockchain Platform for Payments and Tokenized Deposits Barclays is consulting technology providers to build a blockchain platform for stablecoin payments and tokenized deposits, aiming to select providers by April, according to Bloomberg. The move follows JPMorgan’s JPM Coin and HSBC’s tokenized deposit expansion.  The XRP news cycle keeps proving that traditional banks are embedding blockchain into core infrastructure, and the presale building exchange tools where those tokenized assets get traded across chains without friction is positioned to capture the volume that bank adoption creates before the listing reprices everything. XRP News and the Presale That Captures What Banks Are Building Toward Pepeto Fills the Gap That XRP News Shows Banks Cannot Fill for Retail Investors Investors are getting very interested in what banks are doing with blockchain, and the XRP news confirms why. The first reason why Pepeto is shocking everyone is the way it keep accelerating during this red market, Financial backing has moved past $7.8M because retail investors need a platform that lets them trade across every blockchain, not wait for bank permission, and whales see the future of crypto trading building here. At $0.000000186, the entry sits at six decimal zeros while the XRP news covers Barclays building blockchain platforms and XRP trading near $1.35. The SolidProof audit was done before the presale, a former Binance expert advises, and the cofounder built Pepe to $7 billion. Pepeto comes with a cross chain bridge that connects every blockchain, a zero tax trading engine, and risk scoring tools that automate what banks charge fees to provide. While Barclays consults technology providers and aims to select them by April, Pepeto’s exchange tools are nearly ready and the Binance listing approaches on a timeline the team says is further advanced than anyone realizes. For forward thinking investors, this is a closing opportunity. The XRP news proves banks see the future in blockchain payments, and Pepeto builds the exchange where those payments and trades flow across chains without the friction that bank platforms create by design.  The demand accelerated after the project announced the former Binance expert joining the advisory team, and every round fills faster because the whales entering understand the listing turns this price into a memory. Pepeto is a clear standout, and might shock us all when we read about people who bought early and made millions out of it after it launches, and according to the team, that moments looks very close. XRP Price News XRP trades near $1.36 according to CoinMarketCap after the XRP news showed it climbing above $1.44 earlier in the week before retracing.  StanChart cut its target to $2.80 but keeps $28 long term. XRP ETFs pulled $4 million daily, but the XRP news shows the token tracks BTC, and even $2.80 is 107% over months requiring macro cooperation. AVAX Avalanche sits near $9.21 as BlackRock launched BUIDL on its network. The XRP news shows AVAX benefits from tokenization, but $9.21 with a $6 billion cap needs massive fresh capital for meaningful gains compared to presale infrastructure offering multiples from ground floor. The Bottom Line Barclays is building blockchain payments, but you cannot buy Barclays stock and expect the kind of return that presale infrastructure delivers. Every 24 hours you wait is another day of 204% APY not compounding in your wallet, another stage filling without you, and the Binance listing getting one day closer while your position stays at zero.  The XRP news proves banks are coming, the exchange infrastructure Pepeto builds is where the volume they create gets traded, and the SolidProof audit confirms the architecture is clean.  The listing reprices this permanently, and once the banks finish building what they started, the presale price will be a number only early wallets will ever know. Visit the Pepeto official website and enter the presale before Pepeto takes off without you. Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale FAQs What is the latest XRP news today? The latest XRP news is Barclays building blockchain payments and XRP trading near $1.36 with ETF inflows. Pepeto at presale pricing captures the volume bank adoption creates. Visit the Pepeto official website. Will XRP price go up from bank adoption? XRP news shows bank blockchain adoption is growing, but Pepeto at presale pricing with exchange infrastructure offers stronger multiples than XRP’s 107% recovery target. What presale benefits from XRP news about banks? Pepeto with $7.8M raised and exchange infrastructure is the presale that benefits when bank adoption drives blockchain volume through cross chain exchanges.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS Crypto's combined market cap has reached approximately $3 trillion, reflecting a transition from speculative asset to established alternative investment class. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has declared the financial industry is at "the beginning of the tokenization of all assets," comparing its current stage to the internet in 1996. In 2024, stablecoin transfer volume surpassed the combined transaction volume of Visa and Mastercard, signaling a structural shift in global payments infrastructure. The U.S. GENIUS Act and OCC bank charter approvals for digital asset firms mark a turning point in regulatory acceptance of crypto as part of the formal financial system. Despite strong institutional momentum, expert opinion remains divided, underscoring the need for risk management and regulatory vigilance for anyone operating in this space. Cryptocurrency was a little part of the financial world for a long time. Central bankers ignored it, hedge fund managers made fun of it, and tech idealists saw it as a hobby. That time is over, as today, the world's biggest asset manager is rushing to put equities and bonds on a blockchain.  Stablecoins are processing more transactions than Visa and Mastercard combined, and regulators are working on legal frameworks to keep up. The question is no longer if crypto should be in finance. It is how quickly the change will happen. From Fringe Asset to a $3 Trillion Market The stats alone paint a story that would have sounded crazy ten years ago. There are millions of individual tokens in the crypto market, which has a total market capitalization of about $3 trillion. This makes crypto a mid-sized alternative asset class. That number isn't just based on guesswork by individual investors. A 2025 survey of institutional investors found that 86% already own digital assets or plan to buy them this year.  This change in institutional behavior is quite important. When sovereign wealth funds, pension managers, and global banks start investing in cryptocurrencies, the asset class moves from a trend to infrastructure. Corporate use of cryptocurrency is growing, which is boosting confidence on both sides of the market. This is happening as companies use custody, tokenization, and stablecoin settlement to make payments and manage their digital assets.  BlackRock's Bet: Tokenization Is This Generation's Internet Fink, the CEO of BlackRock, has done more than anybody else to change how Wall Street thinks about crypto. Fink was once a skeptic, but is now the most important institutional supporter of the business. His argument is based on how the market works, not on speculation. Fink has said that the financial industry is at "the beginning of the tokenization of all assets." He explained that this means turning assets like ETFs into digital formats to make them easier to use and more efficient. CoinCentral In a December 2025 editorial post for The Economist, Fink and BlackRock COO Rob Goldstein termed tokenisation the "next major evolution in market infrastructure." They stressed that it could move assets more quickly and safely than older financial systems.  The comparison they make is very interesting. Fink and Goldstein said that tokenisation is like the internet in 1996: it's still new, growing swiftly, and likely to grow faster than most people think, with a huge expansion over the next few decades. They also said that tokens representing real-world assets have risen by more than 300% over the last 20 months. The Block says that the change is not just a theory; it is actually speeding up. Fink has said that tokenization is the process of turning real-world assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate into digital tokens that can be traded online. Each token proves ownership of a certain asset, similar to a digital deed.  Stablecoins: The Quiet Engine Rewriting Payments Bitcoin gets all the attention, but stablecoins are doing the boring work of changing how money moves across the world at the transaction level. The numbers are mind-boggling. In 2024, the total amount of stablecoin transfers was $27.6 trillion, which was more than 7.68% more than the total amount of Visa and Mastercard transfers. Coinbase, that is not a prediction. That is settled transaction data, and it shows a change in the way money transfers across borders. A poll conducted for Coinbase found that 81% of small and medium-sized firms aware of crypto are interested in utilising stablecoins. The number of Fortune 500 organisations planning to utilise or interested in stablecoins has more than tripled since 2024.  The Council on Foreign Relations has said that stablecoins might be better than other cryptocurrencies for making payments because they can be sent right away, without the fees associated with credit cards or international remittance services. They also give millions of people without traditional bank accounts access to the financial system. Relations Regulatory Clarity Is Coming, And It Changes Everything  One of the most common arguments against crypto being a permanent part of finance has been the lack of clear rules. That argument is getting weaker. The U.S. is not moving away from a structured legal system for digital assets; it is going toward one. The GENIUS Act, which was passed in the middle of 2025, was the first U.S. law to focus directly on crypto assets. It was a big step forward for the sector, and it showed that legal certainty is becoming the key to the next chapter for crypto. Coinbase The banking perimeter is also getting bigger. The OCC granted conditional approval of five national trust bank charters for digital assets in December 2025.  These charters are for BitGo, Circle, Fidelity Digital Assets, Paxos, and Ripple. This moved stablecoin and custody infrastructure inside the federal banking perimeter. Silicon Valley Bank is getting these signals loud and clear. PitchBook says that VC investment in U.S. crypto firms bounced back strongly in 2025 after two quiet years. Investors put in $7.9 billion, which is 44% more than in 2024.  Silicon Valley Bank: DeFi Is Becoming a Real Financial Layer The ecosystem of blockchain-based lending, trading, and borrowing platforms, known as decentralized finance, has moved on from its early speculative phase. In 2025, DeFi apps gained significant traction thanks to technological advances and regulatory support. DeFi lending grew significantly, spearheaded by platforms such as Aave, Morpho, and Maple Finance.  Sebastian Mallaby from Greyscale CFR has made the structural logic clear: "You can imagine a new kind of financial system being built out of blockchain-based tokens that are better than the old, centralised kinds of money." You have faith in the code, the blockchain, and the decentralised ledger.  Decentralized finance is a good option for people who want to do finance directly on-chain because DeFi systems are becoming more liquid, interoperable, and connected to real-world prices. Greyscale The Risks That Still Need to Be Addressed A reporting-based perspective of the future of crypto can't overlook the arguments against it. Volatility is still a thing. Most places still don't have complete regulatory frameworks. And not all experts believe that crypto will take over the banking world. People have different ideas about what will happen to Bitcoin in the future. Some say it will double in value again, while others, including Nobel Prize winners, say it is nothing more than a financial black hole that will be worth nothing in ten years. First Command High-profile people like Larry Fink, Jamie Dimon, and Ray Dalio have all changed their public views on crypto more than once. This shows that even experienced market watchers don't all agree. The institutional architecture being constructed around the asset class has evolved, though. When BlackRock runs a $2.8 billion tokenised money market fund, when JPMorgan gets ready to accept Bitcoin as collateral, and when real-world assets on the blockchain reach $36 billion, it's tougher to ignore the infrastructure argument. The question is no longer whether crypto can work with regular finance. It's about how fast and on what terms integration happens. FAQs Why do experts believe crypto is the future of finance? Experts point to blockchain's ability to enable faster settlements, tokenize real-world assets, cut transaction costs, and expand financial access to the unbanked as reasons it could underpin tomorrow's financial infrastructure. What is tokenization, and why does it matter? Tokenization converts real-world assets such as stocks, bonds, and real estate into digital tokens on a blockchain, enabling faster, more transparent, and more accessible trading without traditional intermediaries. Are stablecoins more important than Bitcoin for finance? For payments and financial infrastructure, many experts consider stablecoins more immediately practical, as they offer price stability, near-instant settlement, and low-cost cross-border transfers at scale. Is crypto regulation improving? Yes, the U.S. GENIUS Act, OCC digital asset bank charters, and Europe's MiCA framework represent a meaningful shift toward structured oversight, though global consistency remains a work in progress. Is crypto still risky as an investment? Yes, volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and a wide range of expert opinions on long-term value mean crypto carries significant risk, and investors should approach it with appropriate caution and diversification. References Coinbase  Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)  The Economist / BlackRock (Fink & Goldstein op-ed) 

KEY TAKEAWAYS Trump signed an executive order titled "Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology" shortly after taking office in January 2025, marking a sharp shift in US crypto policy from the Biden era. The order directed federal agencies to promote dollar-backed stablecoins and called for the creation of a working group to evaluate a national digital asset stockpile, signalling federal-level legitimacy for crypto for the first time. In March 2025, Trump signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, sourced from assets already seized by the federal government through criminal and civil forfeiture proceedings. The SEC, under new leadership, began pulling back on high-profile enforcement actions against crypto firms, moving toward clearer regulatory frameworks through formal rulemaking rather than litigation. While the regulatory shift is significant, executive orders can be reversed by future administrations, meaning the long-term stability of US crypto policy still depends heavily on what Congress formally legislates. The crypto sector kept a close eye on Donald Trump as he returned to the White House in January 2025. Trump has been openly doubtful about digital assets throughout his first administration. But by his second campaign, his views had changed a lot.  He ran for office promising to make the United States the world's crypto capital, and after he was elected, he rapidly put policies in place to back that claim. Within weeks of taking office, Trump issued several executive orders to regulate digital assets.  These orders changed many of Biden's policies and showed that the federal government and the crypto business would have a very different relationship. If you're new to this and want to know what changed and why it matters, here's a detailed breakdown. What Is An Order From The President? It helps to know what an executive order is before getting into the details. An executive order is a piece of legislation that the President of the United States signs and that the executive branch must follow. It doesn't need Congress's approval, but it can be challenged in court or reversed by future administrations. In the world of cryptocurrency, executive orders give the president the power to direct federal agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Treasury Department on policy development, regulation, and enforcement of digital assets. What Was Signed in Trump's Crypto Executive Orders In January 2025, just a few weeks after taking office, Trump signed an executive order called "Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology." This order issued several important directives that were markedly different from those of the previous administration. The order told federal agencies to help develop dollar-backed stablecoins. This showed that the federal government supports US-pegged digital currencies as a way to keep the dollar on top in global banking. It also called for the formation of a working committee to explore the possibility of establishing a national digital asset stockpile, a collection of cryptocurrencies maintained by the federal government. The order also put a halt to "Operation Chokepoint 2.0," which the crypto industry used to characterise what it saw as coordinated governmental pressure on banks to stop doing business with crypto companies. The Biden administration said there was no such coordinated effort, but the crypto business said it had made it much harder for them to use traditional banking systems. Trump's order told agencies to stop doing things like that. The Bitcoin Reserve for Strategy The declaration of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve was one of the most important and widely discussed developments that followed Trump's push for broader crypto policy. In March 2025, Trump signed an executive order establishing a Bitcoin reserve that the US government would hold. This Bitcoin would come from assets that federal agencies had already acquired via criminal and civil forfeiture processes. The idea was compared to the United States' strategic petroleum reserve, which is a government stockpile of oil kept for national security reasons. Supporters said that keeping Bitcoin at the federal level shows people have faith in the asset for the long term and puts the US ahead of other countries that might try to do the same. Some people were against using public resources and worried about market manipulation and economic responsibility. What Changed in Crypto Rules In addition to the specific directives, Trump's overall policy approach led to major changes across federal agencies. After Gary Gensler, the former head of the SEC, left, the SEC's new leadership started to back off on a number of high-profile lawsuits against crypto companies. Gensler had been very active in punishing crypto companies. The change in the rules' tone was quick and clear. The SEC shelved or put on hold cases against big companies, and they said they wanted to make rules easier to understand through formal rulemaking rather than enforcement-led regulation. This was a major change in how the crypto sector operated. The CFTC also showed that it was more open to new ideas, saying it would rather foster innovation while still protecting the integrity of the market. What This Means for Regular Crypto Investors Trump's crypto executive actions have real effects on newcomers and regular investors. A more lenient regulatory framework usually makes it less likely that exchanges and projects will suddenly face enforcement measures, which has historically led to market volatility. It is also easier for banks, brokerages, and fund managers to offer crypto products and services to their customers when the rules are clearer. The quest for dollar-backed stablecoins might also lead more individuals to use digital dollars in their daily lives. This could bring more people into the digital asset ecosystem without them having to deal with the price swings that come with assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum. But beginners should still be careful. Future presidents can change executive orders, and the US's overall crypto laws are still not finalised. Regulatory news can still cause big changes in the markets, and what Congress does in the next few years will determine the long-term path of US crypto policy. A Landscape Full of Politics It is important to note that US crypto policy has become more political over time. Some people have criticised Trump for getting involved in the business by starting his own NFT collections and a crypto project called World Liberty Financial. They say the boundaries between personal financial interests and official policy are too blurry. These worries remain part of the broader public discussion about how his administration handles digital assets. One of the biggest changes in US government policy for the digital asset business is Trump's executive directives on crypto. The most important thing for newcomers to remember is that the rules in the US have been a lot better for crypto, at least for now. Anyone who cares about the market will need to keep up with changes in the law.   FAQs What was Trump's first major crypto executive order about? Trump's first major crypto executive order, signed in January 2025, was titled "Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology. What is the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve? The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is a stockpile of Bitcoin held by the US federal government, established by executive order in March 2025. It is sourced from cryptocurrency already seized by federal agencies through criminal and civil forfeiture cases. How did Trump's policies change crypto regulation at the SEC? Following a leadership change at the SEC after Gary Gensler's departure, the agency began withdrawing several enforcement actions against crypto companies. Do Trump's executive orders on crypto affect everyday investors? Yes, indirectly. A more permissive regulatory environment reduces the risk of sudden enforcement actions that have historically caused market volatility. It also makes it easier for traditional financial institutions to offer crypto products, broadening access for everyday investors. Can these executive orders be reversed? Yes. Executive orders are directives from the sitting president and do not require Congressional approval. A future administration can reverse, modify, or replace them. References Goodwin Law firm: Trump Signs Executive Order Outlining Pro-Crypto Policy Carlton Fields: Trump Administration’s Executive Order on Digital Assets: A Significant Shift in U.S. Crypto Policy

The Evolution of the Patos Digital Asset The cryptocurrency sector is currently witnessing a paradigm shift as Patos Meme Coin (PATOS) redefines the standard for presale transparency and performance. With the official release of its centralized exchange (CEX) listing metrics, the project has effectively removed the speculative ambiguity that typically accompanies early-stage token acquisitions. Investors who entered during the inaugural funding round at $0.000139999993 are positioned for a mathematically secure 108.33% return upon the project's public debut at this target. This clear value proposition has set a new benchmark for capital efficiency in the digital asset space, attracting a diverse range of participants from retail newcomers to seasoned institutional whales. Engineering a Guaranteed 108% Return The mathematical foundation of the Patos offering is designed to provide immediate clarity to the investment community. By anchoring the CEX listing price at $0.0002949999853, the development team has effectively created a performance floor that rewards early adopters who help drive initial project milestones. This predetermined price appreciation stands in stark contrast to the inherent volatility of decentralized launchpads, where opening prices are frequently subject to market manipulation. The resulting 108% ROI is not merely a theoretical projection but a cornerstone of the project's strategic roadmap, ensuring participants have a clear vision of their potential gain upon the presale's conclusion on June 26, 2026. Why Patos Meme Coin Is the Top Token Presale Prospect of 2026 Eminent 108% ROI: A fixed listing price of $0.0002949999853 provides an immutable profit trajectory for Round 1 investors. Zuckerfart’s Strategic Leadership: Marketing legend Mark Zuckerfart’s appointment as Lead Executive has injected unprecedented professional rigor into the project’s growth. Solana Ecosystem Supremacy: Engineered for the Solana network to ensure near-zero transaction fees and high-speed execution for retail investors. Functional Utility (GameFi): Unlike standard meme coins, the Patos.Games portal is already live, providing tangible P2E value and engagement.  This is causing‘investor drainage’ in meme coins, whereholders are rotating capital & moving into this SPL token presale for a higher ROI opportunity. Institutional-Grade Transparency: The project has secured confirmed listing agreements with 8+ centralized exchanges, mitigating the typical "vaporware" risks of presales. 500% Growth Velocity: Following the March 7th interview with Crypto.news, presale participation spiked by over 500%, signaling high market demand. "Liquidity Supernova" Strategy: The team is aggressively pursuing a roadmap of 111 exchange listings to ensure massive global accessibility and liquidity. Smart Money Accumulation: On-chain forensics reveal consistent, high-volume buying from "whales" and "sharks," validating the project's long-term security. Deflationary Pressure: The structured, multi-round presale design creates intentional scarcity, driving demand as each supply tranche is exhausted. Cross-Chain Capability: A hybrid architecture positions $PATOS for liquidity across both the Solana and Ethereum ecosystems, maximizing market reach. The Zuckerfart Effect and Market Acceleration The recent announcement that marketing pioneer Mark Zuckerfart has assumed the role of Lead Marketing Executive has transformed the project's growth trajectory. As a visionary known for scaling nascent meme brands into industry powerhouses, Zuckerfart has integrated professional, high-impact marketing strategies, directly contributing to a 500% surge in presale volume. His debut interview on Crypto.news, conducted on Saturday, March 7th, provided the critical catalyst for this shift, articulating a mission to blend pop culture, blockchain utility, and aggressive wealth generation. This leadership move has served as an institutional-grade signal, differentiating Patos from the myriad of low-effort tokens launched daily. Investment Tier Analysis To visualize the potential of this opportunity, one must examine the specific profit tiers generated by the delta between the initial round price and the confirmed CEX listing price. As the following table illustrates, the project scales linearly, providing identical percentage returns regardless of the capital commitment size. (The following data reflects the potential gains based on current presale pricing and the committed listing valuation.) Investment (USD) Initial Tokens Listing Value Net Profit $10 71,428 $21.07 $11.07 $100 714,285 $210.70 $110.70 $500 3,571,428 $1,053.50 $553.50 $1,000 7,142,857 $2,107.00 $1,107.00 $5,000 35,714,285 $10,535.00 $5,535.00 $10,000 71,428,571 $21,070.00 $11,070.00 Solana: The Technological Bedrock The deployment of $PATOS on the Solana network is a fundamental component of its long-term viability. By leveraging Solana’s high-throughput architecture, the Patos team has ensured the token remains accessible to global retail investors with minimal transaction fees. While alternative blockchains frequently suffer from congestion and exorbitant gas costs during peak-volume periods, Solana provides the speed required for immediate, frictionless trading. This technological advantage is vital for the upcoming CEX debut, where the ability to manage high-frequency buy orders will be critical to sustaining the token's price stability and ecosystem growth. The Roadmap to June 26, 2026 The project’s roadmap is defined by a series of precise milestones culminating in the public listing event on June 26, 2026. Following the successful launch of the Patos.Games portal and the recent surge in presale engagement, the focus has shifted toward finalizing the compliance and technical integration requirements for the exchange partners. The confirmed roster of trading platforms, which includes high-volume entities such as Biconomy and CETOEX, underscores the project’s commitment to liquidity and market availability. As the remaining Round 1 tokens are absorbed by the market, the transition toward the next phase of the project is being met with intense scrutiny and anticipation from both analysts and the “Patos Flock” community. [caption id="attachment_196378" align="aligncenter" width="1408"] Patos Meme Coin’s targted CEX Listing Price is 108% higher than opening round price[/caption] Leading The Solana, Binanace, and Ethereum Token Presale Spaces Patos Meme Coin has effectively outpaced the current token presale landscape by transitioning from a mere concept to a fully functional ecosystem ahead of its public launch. While the majority of competing presales—such as the emerging Solana-based NOCtura or Ethereum-centric projects like NanoChain—are currently confined to whitepaper promises, roadmaps, and ongoing development cycles, Patos has already deployed a live Play-to-Earn (P2E) GameFi portal, Patos.Games. This delivery of tangible utility, coupled with the "Magnificent Eight" confirmed centralized exchange (CEX) listings, establishes a verifiable foundation of liquidity and product-market fit that other pre-launch assets simply cannot demonstrate. By securing professional institutional-grade support and delivering actual, usable infrastructure on the high-speed Solana network, Patos has minimized the "vaporware" risk that plagues early-stage investments, making it the most defensible choice for investors prioritizing execution and performance over speculative hope. Project Network Status dApps/Utility Live? CEX Listings Confirmed Search Trend Volume  Patos Meme Coin Solana Active Yes (P2E Live) 8 (Incl. Biconomy) Very High Pepeto Ethereum Active No (Swap/Bridge Demo) None  High NOCtura Solana Active No (Wallet in Dev) None Medium NanoChain Ethereum Active No (Testnet Soon) None Medium DeepSnitch AI Arbitrum Active Yes (AI Agent Hub) None High [caption id="attachment_196379" align="aligncenter" width="728"] Join Patos Meme Coin presale today[/caption] Strategic Differentiation: Why Patos Leads the Field The primary distinction between Patos and other high-profile presales, such as Pepeto, lies in execution on native infrastructure. While Pepeto markets itself as a multi-chain aggregator, it remains fundamentally rooted in the Ethereum environment, which often inherits the high-latency and cost concerns of that network. Patos, by contrast, is built from the ground up on Solana, enabling native, high-frequency integration essential for the 2026 meme-trading cycle. Furthermore, Patos has secured concrete, multi-exchange listing commitments that provide a clear liquidity path, whereas many competitors—including those with high search volumes—are still in the conceptual or "planned" phase regarding formal exchange integration. ? Pushing the boundary of 900 million coins sold, the asset officially functions on the Solana chain. It dominates as the premier presale for platform acceptance, showcasing eight guaranteed CEX launches, two pending agreements, plus three DEX networks expected to provide… pic.twitter.com/OCUWOuR3Kq — Patos Meme Coin (@Patos_Meme_Coin) March 1, 2026

KEY TAKEAWAYS A clear exit strategy is just as crucial as buying decisions in crypto, as neglecting it often turns profits into losses in this highly volatile market. Investors should watch Bitcoin halving cycles, on-chain metrics such as high MVRV ratios, large exchange inflows, and macro shifts, such as rising interest rates, to help decide when to consider selling. Experienced traders prefer systematic approaches like scaling out in portions, setting predefined price targets, using stop-loss orders, or periodic portfolio rebalancing over trying to time the absolute top. To sell safely, choose high-liquidity exchanges or OTC desks for large trades, plan for tax implications, avoid panic-selling during crashes, and consider moving funds to stablecoins as an intermediate step. Emotional discipline is the hardest part. Stick to your written plan, regularly review your original investment thesis, and sell when fundamentals change, rather than chasing perfect tops driven by greed or FOMO. Most people who invest in cryptocurrencies spend most of their time deciding what to buy and when to buy it. People don't pay as much attention to the equally essential subject of when and how to sell. This inequality costs a lot. The crypto market is one of the most unstable asset classes in the world. Without a clear exit strategy, even profitable positions can fall apart quickly when prices change suddenly. Having a clear exit plan doesn't mean you're being pessimistic; it's just a normal component of disciplined investment. Knowing how to securely leave the crypto markets can mean the difference between locking in profits and watching them go, whether you are sitting on big gains, dealing with a loss, or just rebalancing your portfolio. Knowing When to Sell There is no one signal that tells all investors to sell at the same time. Markets are complicated, and each person's situation is different. But there are a few well-known signs that can help investors decide whether to exit a position. Being aware of market cycles is one of the most critical tools you have. In the past, crypto markets have moved in cycles that were usually linked to Bitcoin's four-year halving schedule. Prices usually reach their highest point between twelve and eighteen months after a halving event, and then bear markets last for a long time. Investors who look at these cycles and set realistic price targets within them are more likely to exit before the momentum dies down. On-chain data gives us even more information. When metrics like the MVRV ratio, which compares Bitcoin's market value to its realised value, reach high levels, they have historically been a hint that the market is too hot. In the same way, data showing large volumes of Bitcoin moving to exchanges can signal that big holders are getting ready to sell, which often happens before prices fall. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on changes in the macro environment. Historically, crypto prices have fallen as interest rates rise, liquidity conditions tighten, and the global market sentiment turns risk-off. When the stock market starts to have problems, crypto often does too. Common Ways That Experienced Investors Get Out Most experienced crypto investors don't aim to time a single ideal exit. Instead, they employ systematic methods that don't rely on guessing or emotion. Scaling out is one of the best ways to do it. Investors don't sell all of their shares at once. Instead, they sell them in parts.  For example, they might sell 25% of their shares at a target price, another 25% at a higher price, and so on. This method ensures that some profit is locked in no matter where the market ends up, while also letting you participate in more upside. Setting price targets in advance takes away the mental stress of having to decide when to sell. When investors set price levels that would be a good return before they buy, they are less likely to get greedy during rallies or panic during pullbacks. Writing down these goals and treating them like rules will help you stay on track. Stop-loss orders are another instrument that can help you manage negative risk. A stop-loss automatically sells a position if the price drops to a certain level. This limits losses without the investor having to keep an eye on the markets at all times. On centralised exchanges, you may usually set stop-loss orders right in the trading interface. Rebalancing your portfolio is another way to leave that isn't as reactive but is nonetheless valid. Investors who put a certain percentage of their portfolio into crypto, like 10% or 15%, and then periodically rebalance back to that aim, are systematically selling when prices are high and purchasing when prices are low. How to Sell Safely: Things to Think About The way you sell is just as important as your approach. Cryptocurrency markets can change very quickly, and if you don't sell at the right time, you could end up with lower pricing than you expected or even lose money. Pick the right exchange. Different platforms have quite different levels of liquidity. When you sell a lot of shares on an exchange with limited liquidity, you can lose a lot of money since the price you expect to pay is different from the price you actually pay. If you want to make a big trade, it's best to use a major exchange with substantial order books or an OTC (over-the-counter) desk. Be aware of your tax duties. In most places, selling cryptocurrency is taxable. Profits are subject to capital gains tax, and the rates might change based on how long the asset was held and where the investor lives. Before making big sales, it's a good idea to talk to a tax specialist. Selling at the wrong time of year might lead to unnecessary tax burden. Don't sell in a hurry. Some of the worst-selling choices in crypto history were made during short but dramatic price drops. For example, Bitcoin lost more than 50% of its value in a matter of days during the COVID meltdown in 2020. It then bounced back and reached new all-time highs. People who sold at the bottom lost money that the market later made back. Having a plan ahead of time can help you avoid making decisions like this. Think of stablecoins as a step in the right direction. Many investors move their money into stablecoins like USDC or USDT as a first step when they want to exit risky positions, rather than converting it immediately to fiat currency, which can be slow and may run into bank issues. This retains assets in the crypto ecosystem, which makes it easier to get back in if the market changes. Emotional Discipline: The Most Difficult Part of Leaving You can't follow through on any escape plan without discipline. The crypto markets are very emotional places. It can be very hard to sell, even when the logical argument for doing so is evident, because of social media excitement, fear of missing out, and the dopamine rush of watching numbers go up. Investors with extensive experience typically advise people to ignore short-term market changes and regularly check their positions against their original investment theses. If the reasons you bought an item are no longer valid, that alone can be enough to make you sell, no matter which way the price is going. Take Advantage of the Best Strategies Getting out of the crypto markets safely is both an art and a science. It takes a mix of knowing the market, having a plan, doing things right, and keeping your emotions in check. Investors who are just as careful about selling as they are about buying are much better able to protect their money and make money in one of the world's most unpredictable markets. The goal is not to sell at the highest price possible, but to sell wisely. FAQs Is there a single perfect time or signal to sell all my crypto? No, there's no universal signal that works for everyone. Decisions depend on personal goals, risk tolerance, and factors like market cycles, on-chain metrics (e.g., high MVRV indicating overvaluation), macro conditions, and your original reasons for buying. What does "scaling out" mean, and why is it recommended? Scaling out (or laddering) involves selling portions of your holdings gradually at different price levels (e.g., 25% at one target, another 25% higher up). It locks in some profits early, reduces regret if the market reverses, and lets you capture more upside if the rally continues. Should I use stop-loss orders in crypto? Yes, they're useful for automatically limiting losses when prices drop to a set level, especially since crypto moves fast and you can't monitor 24/7. Set them on centralized exchanges, but place them thoughtfully to avoid being stopped out by normal volatility. How do taxes affect when and how I sell crypto? Selling triggers capital gains tax in most places (rates vary by holding period—short-term vs. long-termand location). Consult a tax professional before large sales, as timing (e.g., end-of-year) or strategy (e.g., rebalancing) can impact your liability. Why move to stablecoins instead of directly to fiat when exiting? Converting to fiat can be slow, face bank issues, or miss quick re-entry opportunities. Stablecoins (e.g., USDT, USDC) provide a low-volatility "parking spot" within crypto, letting you reduce risk while staying liquid and ready to buy back in if conditions improve. What if I panic-sell during a big dip, how can I avoid that? Have a written plan with predefined rules (targets, stop-losses, rebalancing thresholds) and stick to it. Avoid reacting to short-term noise or social media. Historical examples, such as the 2020 COVID crash, followed by a recovery. References Crypto exit strategy: When and How to Sell Smart Crypto Exit Strategies: When & How Should I Sell My Crypto?

According to reports, South Korea’s FSC (Financial Services Commission) is moving to restrict the use of major US dollar-pegged stablecoins by corporate organizations. The move signals the country’s cautious approach as it prepares to open its crypto market to institutional participants. South Korea’s FSC is drafting new guidelines that would allow listed companies to invest in digital assets but exclude stablecoins such as Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC from the approved list. The proposal from South Korea’s FSC marks an unprecedented regulatory development in one of the world’s most active crypto markets. South Korea has been open to retail investors trading digital assets, but corporate participation has now been largely restricted. Stablecoins Excluded as South Korea FSC Regulates Crypto to Corporations Named the Corporate Virtual Currency Trading Guidelines, South Korea’s FSC is proposing a regulatory framework designed to define how listed companies and registered investment firms can participate in the digital asset market. Under the draft rules, companies may be allowed to allocate a portion of their capital to major cryptocurrencies through regulated exchanges. However, regulators are leaning toward excluding dollar-backed stablecoins from corporate investment portfolios. These include the two dominant global stablecoins, USDT and USDC. South Korea’s FSC says the decision is a cautious approach to introducing institutional crypto participation. Early discussions around the policy suggest companies may be allowed to allocate up to roughly 5% of their own capital to approved digital assets, which are yet to be clearly stated, but the final limits are under review. The move has sparked debate within South Korea’s financial sector. Some companies had hoped stablecoins would be included in the framework because they can serve as efficient tools for cross-border settlements, treasury management, and hedging currency risk. Legal and Monetary Concerns Lead to Stablecoin Restrictions The primary reason for the proposed stablecoin restriction is connected to South Korea’s Foreign Exchange Transactions Act, which currently does not recognize stablecoins as valid instruments for cross-border payments. As such, allowing corporations to invest in or use stablecoins could conflict with existing foreign exchange regulations. Under current law, international payments must pass through authorized banking channels instead of decentralized digital platforms. Regulators are also concerned about the broader implications of dollar-denominated stablecoins dominating corporate transactions. USDT and USDC together account for the vast majority of global stablecoin market share, and policymakers in several jurisdictions have expressed concern that widespread use could increase reliance on the US dollar instead of local fiat currencies. To tackle this challenge, South Korea has been exploring the development of Korean won-denominated stablecoins and other domestic digital payment solutions as part of its broader strategy to maintain monetary sovereignty while still supporting financial innovation. Still, South Korea’s FSC is bent on refining digital asset legislation and considering potential amendments to foreign exchange laws. While the industry awaits, the FSC’s proposal shows that institutional crypto adoption in the country will move forward cautiously with strict oversight as the market expands.

Solana did not become a top-five global crypto asset overnight. It earned that position through a launch phase that, at the time, set new standards for what a Layer 1 debut could look like,  strong early volume, rapid staking adoption, and a holder base that believed in the long-term thesis enough to lock capital rather than flip it. Those early metrics were the foundation for everything that followed. The traders who read that data correctly in Solana's first days captured returns that defined their portfolios for years. BlockDAG is 24 hours into its trading life. And across every metric that mattered during Solana's early phase, BDAG is already ahead. That statement deserves context. The broader market this week has been volatile and Bitcoin-dominated. BTC surged from $63,000 to test $74,000 before pulling back to $72,000 following a $2.68 billion options expiry and $167 million in long liquidations. Over $700 million has flowed into spot Bitcoin ETFs this month. But the Altcoin Season Index has dropped to 31, confirming that capital remains concentrated in Bitcoin,  traders are not yet comfortable rotating into smaller assets. Sentiment has flipped from Extreme Fear to Greed almost overnight, but that greed is narrow. BDAG is producing outlier data in an environment where altcoins are not supposed to be producing outlier data. That is precisely what makes the comparison to early Solana worth examining carefully. Volume: BDAG Is Not Just Matching Solana,  It Is Exceeding It Solana's early trading volumes were, at the time, a signal that something structurally different was happening. The demand was not speculative froth,  it was sustained, concentrated buying that indicated a holder base with genuine conviction. Those volumes became the first chapter of a story that eventually produced one of the largest returns in crypto history. BDAG's opening volumes across Coinstore, LBank, and BlockDAG's Direct Swap portal did not just match that benchmark. They exceeded the combined early trading volumes of both Kaspa and Solana. Combined,  not individually. That distinction matters because it removes the possibility of a favorable comparison built on narrow framing. BDAG's opening demand was larger than two of the most celebrated L1 launches in history added together. The volume is particularly significant given the current market environment. With the Altcoin Season Index at 31 and capital parked in Bitcoin, the default expectation for a newly launched altcoin would be modest opening activity. BDAG defied that expectation completely,  suggesting that its demand base is operating independently of broader altcoin sentiment rather than depending on it. Staking: Supply Is Leaving Circulation Faster Than Solana Managed Volume measures demand. Staking measures commitment. And BDAG's day-one staking participation is running ahead of where Solana stood at the equivalent point in its lifecycle. Every token staked is a token removed from the tradeable supply. When staking velocity is high from the first session, it signals that holders are not treating the launch as an exit opportunity; they are treating it as the beginning of a longer position. They are voluntarily locking capital, accepting illiquidity in exchange for yield, and in doing so, reducing the supply available to new buyers on the open market. The mechanical consequence is straightforward. Elevated buying volume against a contracting circulating supply creates directional pressure that resolves upward. This is not sentiment-driven price movement; it is the structural result of more capital competing for fewer available tokens. Solana experienced this dynamic in its early phase, and it became one of the key drivers of its initial price appreciation. BDAG is experiencing it faster. Market makers who modeled these dynamics have placed $0.20 as the near-term target, with $0.40 and $0.50 as subsequent levels. The staking velocity from the first 24 hours is compressing the timeline toward $0.20,  each session of continued lockups tightens the supply further and accelerates the point at which the market must reprice. Market Cap: Top 100 From the First Session Solana's climb through the CoinMarketCap rankings was a gradual ascent that took weeks and months of sustained activity. BDAG entered the Top 100 at the moment of listing,  10:00 AM PST on March 5, 2026. No waiting period. No slow build. Immediate ranking among the most valuable digital assets in the world based on the market cap calculated from its first live trading session. That changes the trajectory comparison significantly. Solana had to earn its ranking over time. BDAG arrived with it. The institutional visibility, the exchange partner credibility, and the algorithmic screening eligibility that come with a Top 100 ranking are all available to BDAG from day one,  an advantage that Solana did not have at the same stage. The Comparison Is Not a Guarantee,  It Is a Signal Drawing parallels between BDAG and early Solana is not a claim that BDAG will replicate Solana's exact trajectory. Markets do not repeat that cleanly. But the data from the first 24 hours is producing the same category of signal that early Solana generated,  the kind that, in hindsight, was the clearest possible indicator that something exceptional was underway. Volume exceeding early Solana. Staking outpacing early Solana. A market cap ranking achieved instantly that Solana took months to reach. A $0.05 launch price with market maker targets at $0.20, $0.40, $0.50, and a $1.2 billion Top 50 destination on the cycle roadmap.  Explore BlockDAG Now:  Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu   

KEY TAKEAWAYS CoinShares delivers low-fee, regulated ETFs tracking Bitcoin, Ether, altcoins, and mining stocks. Global crypto ETF inflows totaled $50.77 billion in 2025, significantly boosting total AUM. BRRR Bitcoin ETF maintains strong $447 million AUM with a competitive 0.25% expense ratio. Institutional ownership of Bitcoin ETFs increased 12% in Q3 2025 per 13F filings. ETFs combine accessibility, security, and compliance for all investor levels. CoinShares is one of the oldest and most well-known companies in Europe that invests in digital assets. The company was founded in 2013 and has its main office in Jersey, with offices in Stockholm, London, and New York.  It has earned a reputation as a reliable link between the traditional banking world and the cryptocurrency market. CoinShares manages billions of dollars in assets for both institutional and individual investors seeking to invest in digital assets in a regulated manner. CoinShares products provide investors with exposure to crypto values through well-known financial instruments, such as exchange-traded products listed on regulated European stock exchanges. This is different from buying Bitcoin directly through an exchange. This makes it easier for funds, pension managers, and individual investors who use regular broking accounts to get involved in the crypto market without having to deal with private keys or digital wallets. The CoinShares Physical Product Line The company's main product line is its CoinShares Physical line, which includes a set of exchange-traded products (ETPs) backed by real coins and tracking the current values of key cryptocurrencies. Each product holds the genuine underlying asset in cold storage, so investors hold real crypto indirectly rather than through a derivative or synthetic contract. The CoinShares Physical range of products currently includes: CoinShares Physical Bitcoin (BITC) follows the current spot price of Bitcoin. CoinShares Physical Ethereum (ETHE) tracks the market price of Ethereum. CoinShares Physical XRP gives you access to XRP. CoinShares Physical Litecoin follows Litecoin, and CoinShares Physical Staked Solana combines price exposure with staking rewards. CoinShares Physical Staked Cardano gives you exposure to Cardano and staking yield. CoinShares Physical Staked Tezos gives you Tezos staking benefits. Major regulated European exchanges, including Euronext Amsterdam, Xetra in Germany, and SIX Swiss Exchange, list these ETPs. This gives investors access to them in many different countries. What Do CoinShares ETPs Do? CoinShares Physical goods are structured as loans backed by the cryptocurrency behind them. When someone buys a CoinShares ETP, the company buys the same amount of the digital asset and keeps it in cold storage. This physical backing makes sure that the value of the goods goes up and down with the value of the underlying coin. Komainu is a licensed institutional-grade digital asset custodian that manages assets. It is a joint venture supported by Nomura, Ledger, and CoinShares itself. This custodial setup is a big aspect of trust because the funds are kept in separate, offline storage. This reduces the risk of exchange hacks or counterparty failures, which have harmed the crypto industry in the past. Every product has a yearly management cost. Fees usually range from 0.35% to 0.98%, depending on the ETP. This is still comparable with other European crypto ETP providers. Staked products may have slightly higher costs, but they make up for this by giving investors extra profit from on-chain staking rewards. Review of Performance CoinShares Physical goods are designed to closely track the price of the assets they are based on, so their performance naturally mirrors the ups and downs of the crypto market as a whole. Bitcoin declined by more than 60% from its 2022 peak, while Ethereum fell even more. CoinShares ETPs that tracked both assets bounced back strongly through 2023 and into 2024. Bitcoin hit its all-time high again in early 2024, thanks to renewed institutional interest, the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US, and excitement around the April 2024 halving event. CoinShares Bitcoin goods immediately showed these improvements. Ethereum-linked goods also benefited from the network's ongoing growth, including the rise of layer-2 solutions and the growing demand for decentralised banking and tokenisation use cases. The addition of staked ETPs for Solana and Cardano was a big step forward in product development. These tools let investors make money not just from rising prices but also from staking yields, which are profits earned by taking part in proof-of-stake blockchain validation. This extra yield component can make a big difference in total returns for people who hold their investments for a long time, compared to products that just track prices. CoinShares in the Bigger Picture of ETFs CoinShares competes in a burgeoning European market for crypto ETPs alongside companies such as 21Shares, ETC Group, and WisdomTree. CoinShares is different from other companies because it has been around longer than most of its competitors and has a vertically integrated approach that includes in-house research, custody infrastructure through Komainu, and a publicly traded company structure on Nasdaq Stockholm. The company also publishes a weekly digital asset fund flows report that is widely read. This research follows the activities of institutional investors in the worldwide crypto ETP market. This openness has helped CoinShares become a trusted voice in institutional crypto investment, lending greater credibility to its products. Who Should Think About CoinShares ETPs? The main purpose of CoinShares products is to: European institutional investors, like asset managers, family offices, and hedge funds, who need regulated and verified investment structures People in the EU and UK who want to buy Bitcoin using a regular brokerage account instead of a crypto exchange Long-term holders who want physical backing and safe storage without the hassle of self-custody Investors looking for yield who are interested in staking ETP products that pay out returns over time CoinShares works under the European regulatory framework; these products are not available to US ordinary investors. Things to Think About When It Comes to Risks CoinShares ETPs have the same basic risks as investing in cryptocurrencies, even though they are regulated. Price changes are still very large; in certain crypto markets, prices might change by double digits in a single trading day. Investors should also consider liquidity risk, as trading volumes on European platforms may be lower than on US exchanges. Another thing to think about is regulatory risk. The EU's MiCA framework is making it easier to understand how digital assets are regulated, but the situation is always changing, which could change how these products are made or sold in the future. If an investor's base currency is different from the ETP's denomination, they may also be at risk of currency risk. The Bottom Line CoinShares is now one of the most trusted and experienced crypto ETP providers in Europe. It offers a range of physically backed products, a safe custody infrastructure, affordable fees, and a growing selection of staking instruments, making it a great choice for investors seeking to invest in regulated digital assets.  The risks that come with investing in cryptocurrency remain, but the company's structure and history provide investors with a level of confidence that newer investors are still trying to build. CoinShares is a company European investors should consider if they want to add crypto to their standard portfolios.   FAQs What is the ticker for CoinShares' main Bitcoin ETF? BRRR provides direct spot Bitcoin exposure with a 0.25% annual fee. How many assets does the BRRR ETF manage? Around $447 million based on the most recent available figures. Are CoinShares ETFs backed by actual crypto? Yes, they hold physical Bitcoin or tokens in secure institutional custody. Can retail investors easily buy these ETFs? Absolutely, they trade like regular stocks in standard brokerage accounts. What drove 2025 crypto ETF inflows? A record $50.77 billion globally, led by Bitcoin products. Does CoinShares offer multi-asset options? Yes, including BTF for Bitcoin, Ether, and DIME for altcoins. Are these ETFs only for U.S. investors? They are listed and primarily available on U.S. exchanges. References CoinShares ETF Overview CoinShares Q3 2025 13F Institutional Report ETF Express 2025 Global Digital Assets Recap

The Futures Industry Association has released a whitepaper examining how exchange-traded derivatives markets could transition toward continuous trading and clearing. The document outlines operational, liquidity and risk management challenges that exchanges, clearinghouses and regulators must address before derivatives markets move to a full 24-hour, seven-day trading cycle. The industry group stated that interest in extended trading hours has increased among exchanges in recent years, particularly as financial markets adapt to the global and continuous nature of digital trading environments. However, the association argues that expanding trading hours requires corresponding changes in clearing infrastructure to maintain the stability of derivatives markets. The paper focuses on the structural adjustments needed to allow markets to operate continuously without weakening the protections that currently support derivatives trading. Growing Interest in Around-the-Clock Market Access Derivatives exchanges traditionally operate within defined trading sessions aligned with regional financial centers. Although many futures markets already trade across extended hours during the week, trading typically pauses on weekends and certain holidays. Recent developments in digital asset markets and global trading technology have increased attention on the possibility of continuous market access. Some exchanges have explored expanding trading into weekends and overnight periods as global participants demand greater flexibility. The FIA whitepaper addresses these developments by examining the operational requirements that would accompany such a shift. Walt Lukken, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Futures Industry Association, commented that the organization’s goal is to ensure that any expansion of trading hours preserves the safeguards that underpin derivatives markets. Walt Lukken, President and Chief Executive Officer of FIA, commented, “With growing interest among exchanges in expanding trading hours into weekends, nights and holidays, we want to ensure this happens in a measured way that safeguards customers and the marketplace.” He stated that clearing infrastructure must evolve alongside trading hours to maintain market stability. Walt Lukken, President and Chief Executive Officer of FIA, commented, “Chief among these safeguards, we must align clearing with trading as the markets move to 24/7. This will ensure extended trading hours won’t increase customer or market risk.” Clearing Systems Must Match Continuous Trading The whitepaper emphasizes that derivatives trading cannot operate continuously unless clearing systems also support round-the-clock operations. Clearinghouses act as central counterparties in derivatives markets. They manage risk by guaranteeing the performance of trades and requiring participants to post collateral known as margin. These institutions monitor positions and calculate margin requirements during defined operational cycles. If trading were extended to operate continuously while clearing systems remained limited to traditional schedules, risk monitoring and margin processing could lag behind trading activity. The association therefore argues that clearing and risk management systems must operate continuously alongside trading platforms. Continuous clearing would allow margin calculations, collateral adjustments and risk monitoring to occur in real time throughout the trading cycle. Such changes would require upgrades to infrastructure across exchanges, clearinghouses and member firms. Liquidity and Operational Risks Remain Key Considerations The whitepaper also discusses liquidity considerations that may affect continuous trading. Derivatives markets rely on active participation from market makers, hedgers and institutional investors to maintain efficient price discovery. If trading hours expand beyond traditional sessions, exchanges must ensure that sufficient liquidity remains available across those periods. Thin liquidity during overnight or weekend trading sessions could increase price volatility or widen bid-ask spreads. The report also highlights operational risks associated with continuous markets. Financial institutions typically schedule technology maintenance, system upgrades and operational resets during periods when markets are closed. Moving to continuous trading would require new operational procedures to manage system maintenance without interrupting market activity. Risk management teams would also need to adapt monitoring practices to ensure that trading exposures are supervised continuously rather than within limited time windows. Tokenised Collateral Could Accelerate the Transition One of the proposals discussed in the whitepaper involves the use of tokenised collateral. Tokenisation refers to the representation of traditional financial assets on distributed ledger technology systems. The report suggests that tokenised collateral could support continuous derivatives trading by allowing margin assets to move between participants at any time. Traditional collateral transfers often depend on banking systems that operate within fixed settlement windows. Tokenised assets could allow collateral to move instantly across blockchain-based systems, enabling margin adjustments to occur continuously. Such capabilities could shorten the timeline required to support 24-hour clearing operations. However, the report also notes that regulatory and operational frameworks for tokenised collateral remain under development. Wholesale Payment Systems May Need Extended Hours Another challenge involves large-value payment systems used by financial institutions to transfer funds associated with derivatives margin requirements. Clearinghouses and clearing members rely on these payment systems to move funds when margin calls occur. Most wholesale payment networks currently operate within defined hours aligned with central bank settlement systems. If derivatives markets transition to continuous trading, payment systems may also need to extend their operating hours to support real-time settlement of margin obligations. The whitepaper therefore calls for coordination between financial market infrastructure providers and payment system operators. Such coordination would ensure that margin payments and collateral transfers remain synchronized with trading and clearing operations. Five Recommendations for the Transition The report outlines five recommendations intended to guide the derivatives industry as it evaluates the possibility of continuous trading. First, trading and clearing operations must operate on the same schedule to maintain market stability and effective risk management. Second, the industry should explore tokenisation initiatives that allow collateral to move continuously in support of margin requirements. Third, wholesale payment systems may need extended operating hours so that margin payments can occur outside traditional settlement windows. Fourth, exchanges and regulators should identify which markets possess the liquidity and operational readiness necessary for continuous trading. The report suggests that some derivatives markets may already meet these conditions while others may require additional development. Finally, regulators and industry participants must work together to address regulatory and operational issues associated with the transition. These issues include supervisory oversight, infrastructure resilience and risk management frameworks. The whitepaper indicates that any shift toward continuous derivatives trading would likely occur gradually rather than through a single industry-wide change. Different markets may adopt extended hours at different speeds depending on liquidity conditions, infrastructure readiness and regulatory considerations. Takeaway The Futures Industry Association has outlined the operational and regulatory steps required for exchange-traded derivatives markets to move toward 24/7 trading. The report argues that clearing, risk management and payment infrastructure must operate continuously alongside trading platforms to maintain market stability. It also identifies tokenised collateral, extended payment system hours and regulatory coordination as key elements needed to support a transition to round-the-clock derivatives markets.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Exit Scam chronicles the $215 million loss at QuadrigaCX after founder Gerald Cotten's mysterious death. Episodes highlight persistent risks, such as single-key control and unverified team backgrounds. The series teaches self-custody and due diligence to avoid modern exchange scams. The storytelling style makes advanced scam patterns easier for beginners to understand. Lessons from 2018 directly apply to spotting red flags in 2026 crypto projects.  Cryptocurrency has opened up many new investment options, but it has also raised new concerns. Exit scams, in which founders or insiders vanish with investors' funds after building trust in a platform, are among the worst threats to the digital asset ecosystem. The Easy Prey Podcast episode featuring media producer Aaron Lammer includes one of the most interesting debates on this topic. Chris Parker hosts the episode, which explains how crypto exit scams work, why investors fall for them, and what warning indicators to look out for. The podcast teaches both new and veteran cryptocurrency users important lessons, such as how the market works, the risks of using different platforms, and how to invest safely. Here are some of the top episodes each investor needs. What You Need to Know About Crypto Exit Scams When the people running a cryptocurrency platform, like an exchange or investment scheme, abruptly take off with investors' money, this is called an exit scam. These scams usually gain trust over time before falling apart. Lammer says many of the crypto losses blamed on hacking may actually be due to insiders stealing money. He says, "Maybe the exchange wasn't hacked by outside forces, but insiders either took the money or had already taken it and lost it." This difference is essential. Even if external cyberattacks do happen, insider fraud can be harder to find because operators control both the story and the platform's architecture. It is also harder to enforce cryptocurrencies because they are not centralised. Lammer says that judicial systems across different places often struggle to deal with crypto-related fraud, which means scammers can sometimes get away with it. The Quadriga Case: A Story That Defines an Exit Scam The episode discusses the fall of QuadrigaCX, which was once considered the largest bitcoin exchange in Canada. Gerald Cotten, the platform's creator, was in charge of it. After Cotten's supposed death in 2018, investigators found that between $200 million and $250 million worth of cryptocurrencies was stolen. The investigation showed that the way things were done was not good. Lammer said that Cotten used phony trading accounts, which are also called "sockpuppet accounts," to make the exchange look busier than it really was. These fraudulent accounts often accounted for more than 30% of the exchange's trading volume, making it appear real and attracting more users. This trick let Cotten buy actual cryptocurrencies using fake balances, allowing him to move customers' money into accounts he controlled. Lammer concluded that, even if there were uncertainties surrounding Cotten's death, the platform showed clear indicators of long-term fraud, similar to a Ponzi scheme. Why Investors Trusted the Platform One of the most essential things I learned from the podcast is how psychological factors affect how much investors trust a company. Quadriga earned trust simply because it looked like it had been around for a while. A lot of people thought that the exchange must be safe because it had been around for a long time and had a lot of activity. Lammer points out this mistake. With new technologies like cryptocurrencies, a corporation might appear trustworthy after just a few years in business. This view becomes self-reinforcing: the more people use the platform, the bigger it seems, making it feel even more real. The Quadriga story, on the other hand, shows that being popular and lasting a long time doesn't mean that things are clear or that there are good financial controls. Common Signs of Exit Scams The episode also discusses common warning signs that appear in many cases of crypto fraud. Returns that aren't Real: Very high guaranteed returns are among the most common signs of fraud. Lammer says that Ponzi-style schemes generally promise big rewards, including daily or monthly percentage gains, to get people to contribute rapidly. He discussed the alleged fraud involving Africrypt and said that claims of 10% daily profits should raise suspicion right away. Platforms Controlled by Insiders: Platforms that rely heavily on centralised control can let someone with access move money without anyone watching. In the case of Quadriga, the exchange operated as a one-person system run by Cotten. Fake Volume or Growth That Isn't Real: Another sign of trouble is changing trade activity to make it appear popular. Cotten generated demand and gave the impression of liquidity by making phony accounts to trade with actual users. Hack Stories Without Proof: Another popular way to deal with losses is to blame them on hackers. Lammer says that this story is occasionally used to cover up theft or bad management by people on the inside. How Market Conditions Show Scams It's interesting that crypto exit scams seem to happen when the market is down. Lammer says that when prices go down, investors quickly pull their money out of exchanges. The problem is that the platform never really had enough assets, and the rapid demand for withdrawals shows this. This is like a typical bank run, where everyone tries to withdraw at once and platforms with insufficient reserves collapse quickly. Safer Approaches to Crypto Investing The podcast is mostly about fraud cases, but it also offers useful tips on trading cryptocurrencies more safely. Use your Own Wallets One important piece of advice is not to leave a lot of cryptocurrency on exchanges. Instead, investors should keep their funds in personal wallets, which provide them direct access to their private keys. Lammer talks about technologies like MetaMask that are particularly for Ethereum assets. Spread Out your Wallet Diversification is another essential lesson. Keeping assets across more than one wallet or platform reduces the risk that a single platform failure could wipe out an entire portfolio. Don't Trust Bonuses Be careful when dealing with exchanges that promise big sign-up bonuses or pushy advertising bonuses. These incentives can occasionally be used to encourage people to make quick deposits before a scam occurs. Make Plans for Long-term Access Investors should also make sure that family members they trust can get to their crypto assets in case of an emergency. If you don't have safe records of your passwords or recovery phrases, you may never be able to access your cryptocurrency assets again. Why Crypto Scam Podcasts Are Important Often, educational content is what keeps investors safe. Podcasts that do investigations, like the Easy Prey episode with Aaron Lammer, show real-life examples of how fraud happens. These examples help investors stop talking about the technical aspects of blockchain and start thinking about the human behaviours that often lead to fraud. Listeners learn more about how scams work and why by examining real events such as the Quadriga collapse or the disappearance of strange exchanges. The crypto business is still changing quickly, which brings both new ideas and risks. Exit scams remain one of the worst hazards because they exploit trust, hype, and a lack of government oversight. The Easy Prey podcast episode with Aaron Lammer provides useful information on how these scams work, including bogus trade volume and promises of returns that are too good to be true. Anyone new to the crypto market or looking to grow their investments needs to know these warning signs. The best ways to protect yourself from crypto scams are still education, scepticism, and good asset management. FAQs What is the main focus of the Exit Scam podcast? It investigates the QuadrigaCX collapse and the disappearance of $215 million in customer funds after the founder's death. How many episodes are in the Exit Scam series? There are eight episodes released weekly between May and June 2021. Is Exit Scam still useful for crypto investors in 2026? Absolutely, its warnings about centralized control and transparency issues remain highly relevant. Who created and hosts Exit Scam? Aaron Lammer hosts the series, produced by Treats Media. Do I need prior crypto knowledge to follow the Exit Scam? No, the narrative style explains everything clearly for newcomers. Where can listeners access the Exit Scam episodes? They're freely available on Apple Podcasts and major podcast platforms. Does the podcast discuss scams beyond QuadrigaCX? It centers on that case but teaches universal patterns found in many exit scams. References Apple Podcasts: Exit Scam Podchaser: Exit Scam Overview

Smart contracts on blockchains operate autonomously, executing actions when conditions are met. However, blockchains are inherently closed systems and cannot access external information on their own. This creates a challenge: how can smart contracts interact with real-world data like market prices, weather events, or sports results in a secure and reliable way? Blockchain oracles provide the solution. These specialized systems act as bridges, feeding off-chain data to blockchains in a manner that is tamper-resistant and trustworthy. This article explores how oracles operate securely, why they are essential, and the mechanisms that protect them from manipulation. Understanding Blockchain Oracles A blockchain oracle functions as a trusted data interface that retrieves information from external sources and delivers it to smart contracts. Without oracles, smart contracts are limited to the data stored within the blockchain itself, restricting their potential. Oracles vary depending on their operation. Some focus on bringing data into the blockchain, while others send blockchain data outward to external systems. Certain oracles rely purely on software, pulling digital data from APIs or databases, whereas hardware oracles depend on IoT devices or sensors to capture real-world events. The most secure systems often use decentralized oracle networks to reduce reliance on any single source and minimize trust-related risks. Accuracy and security in oracle data are critical. In decentralized finance (DeFi), incorrect price feeds can trigger erroneous liquidations or financial exploits. Insurance contracts rely on accurate data to determine payouts, and in gaming or NFTs, off-chain events must be reported correctly to ensure fairness. Any manipulation or error in the data can compromise the integrity of the smart contract and the trust of its users. These are examples of oracles: Chainlink, Band Protocol, and API3, which securely feed off-chain data to blockchains. How Oracles Deliver Off-Chain Data Safely The process begins with careful selection of data sources. Oracles typically pull from reputable APIs, authenticated feeds, or verified sensors. High-quality sources and multiple independent feeds reduce the risk of errors or manipulation. Once the data is retrieved, it often undergoes aggregation and validation to ensure accuracy. By combining multiple data points, oracles remove anomalies and calculate reliable consensus values. After validation, oracles use cryptographic signing to confirm the authenticity of the data. This ensures the data has not been tampered with during transmission and allows smart contracts to verify its source before execution. For added security, decentralized oracle networks distribute data retrieval and verification across multiple nodes. Consensus mechanisms aggregate input from independent nodes, producing a reliable, tamper-resistant outcome. Economic incentives and staking mechanisms encourage honest reporting, while penalties deter malicious behavior. Finally, smart contracts implement verification logic to check timestamps, acceptable ranges, and consistency with previous data. This layer of protection ensures only valid, timely, and accurate information is acted upon. Common Threats and Mitigations Oracles face several risks that can undermine smart contract security if not properly managed. One key threat is data manipulation, where attackers attempt to feed false prices or off-chain information to influence contract outcomes. This is especially critical in DeFi, where a single manipulated feed could trigger incorrect liquidations or unauthorized gains. To prevent this, secure oracle systems aggregate data from multiple independent sources and apply statistical methods such as median filtering or weighted averages to remove anomalies and reduce the influence of any single source. Another risk is the compromise of data sources. APIs, websites, or IoT sensors can be hacked or provide erroneous information. Relying on a single source creates a critical vulnerability. Mitigation strategies include pulling data from multiple reputable providers, using authenticated APIs over secure protocols, rotating data feeds regularly, and continuously monitoring source reliability. Decentralized oracle networks face the risk of consensus failures, where too many nodes fail or act maliciously, potentially producing inaccurate outputs. Networks mitigate this by requiring a quorum of independent nodes, implementing staking and economic incentives to reward honest reporting, and penalizing malicious behavior. Finally, stale or delayed data can disrupt time-sensitive applications such as trading or automated insurance payouts. Smart contracts implement verification logic to check timestamps and acceptable value ranges, ensuring only fresh and valid data is used. Practical Applications Secure oracles are critical for many blockchain use cases. In DeFi, reliable price feeds ensure proper functioning of lending, borrowing, and trading protocols. Prediction markets depend on oracles to accurately report off-chain events such as election results or sports outcomes. Automated insurance contracts rely on trustworthy weather or sensor data to determine claims. Gaming platforms and NFT applications use oracles to trigger external events, randomization, or rewards based on off-chain inputs. Conclusion Oracles are essential for expanding the capabilities of blockchains by securely bridging the gap between on-chain logic and real-world data. Their security relies on trusted sources, data aggregation, cryptographic verification, decentralized networks, and smart contract checks. By ensuring accurate and reliable off-chain data, oracles uphold the integrity of decentralized systems and unlock the full potential of smart contracts.

Bitwise’s chief investment officer just declared the old altcoin playbook dead, saying the next cycle only rewards tokens with real utility. And BlackRock, managing $11 trillion, just proved it by listing its tokenized BUIDL fund on Uniswap and buying governance tokens.  Bitcoin bounced above $68,776 with volume surging 53%, and the best crypto to buy now is not the asset manager valued at $150 billion, it is the presale building exchange infrastructure at ground floor pricing during the moment BlackRock validates everything crypto is becoming. BlackRock Lists Tokenized Treasury Fund on Uniswap DeFi Platform BlackRock brought its $2.5 billion tokenized BUIDL fund onto Uniswap and purchased UNI governance tokens, marking the first time a Wall Street giant directly traded a tokenized fund on DeFi infrastructure, according to Fortune.  The integration allows institutional traders to swap BUIDL using stablecoins around the clock. The best crypto to buy now sits at the intersection of this revolution, because when BlackRock enters DeFi, the exchange infrastructure being built at presale pricing captures the same institutional wave before the listing reprices everything. Why the Best Crypto to Buy Now Is the Utility Play BlackRock Just Validated Pepeto Is the Best Crypto to Buy Now Because Utility Is the Only Compass That Matters in 2026 As far as utility goes, Pepeto is exactly what the 2026 market demands, and that is what makes it the best crypto to buy now as BlackRock validates that exchange infrastructure and DeFi are the future. With the Binance listing approaching, this is a once in a cycle opportunity. With Pepeto’s exchange, crypto trading gets an incredible upgrade because the cross chain bridge connects every blockchain into one platform with zero tax trading and risk scoring tools built in. The cofounder who built Pepe to $7 billion designed this from the ground up, and it shows. If you are tired of projects that promise utility but never ship, you will be relieved to find a presale with $7.5M raised, a SolidProof audit completed before the presale, and a former Binance expert advising a launch timeline further advanced than anyone outside realizes. This is the kind of real infrastructure that drives daily adoption, and daily adoption drives buying pressure, and buying pressure drives price. The best crypto to buy now is the one where the listing turns ground floor positioning into the kind of return that established tokens with billion dollar market caps cannot deliver. With BlackRock entering DeFi and Bitwise declaring utility as the only thing that matters, the best crypto to buy now is proven infrastructure at presale pricing. Pepeto offers 204% annual yield on staked positions, but the listing is what turns this into the best entry of the entire cycle, and timing is critical, as the team announced that the presale is ending soon, and the presale allocation is selling out fast. Bitcoin (BTC) Bitcoin trades at $68,776 according to CoinMarketCap with volume up 53% as Trump hints at Iran resolution. Spot ETFs pulled $568 million weekly.  The best crypto to buy now with BTC requires a breakout above $71,300 that keeps getting rejected, and even the $110K target is 64% over months while presale infrastructure offers multiples from six decimal zeros. The Bottom Line BlackRock just entered DeFi, and six months from now you will either be the person who caught Pepeto at presale pricing during the same week the world’s largest asset manager validated everything crypto is becoming, or you will be the person who read about it and did nothing. The early BNB holders who bought at cents and watched it climb to $700 did not wait for permission, they positioned during the exact kind of fear you are feeling right now.  Pepeto with $7.5M raised and a $7 billion founder sits at that same inflection point. The listing reprices permanently, 204% APY compounds in wallets that moved, and the stages fill faster each round. Visit the Pepeto official website to enter the presale before the remaining allocation sells out. Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale FAQs What is the best crypto to buy now? The best crypto to buy now is Pepeto, with $7.5M raised, exchange infrastructure from a $7 billion founder, and a Binance listing approaching. Visit the Pepeto official website. Why did BlackRock enter DeFi? BlackRock listed its $2.5B tokenized Treasury fund on Uniswap because institutional adoption of DeFi is accelerating, validating exchange infrastructure presales like Pepeto. Is Pepeto better than Bitcoin right now? Pepeto at presale pricing with exchange infrastructure offers listing multiples that BTC at $68,776 with a $1.35 trillion market cap cannot deliver during recovery.  

XRP investors are sitting on substantial paper losses as the altcoin continues its extended decline into 2026. On-chain data shows that roughly 36.8 billion XRP tokens, approximately 60% of the circulating supply, are currently held at a loss, equating to around $50.8 billion in unrealized deficits. The asset has fallen approximately 28% year-to-date and has lost more than 30% over the past month alone, with XRP trading near $1.34 to $1.35 at the time of reporting. The sustained selling pressure has pushed XRP's Net Unrealized Profit and Loss (NUPL) indicator firmly into capitulation territory, a condition that reflects the majority of holders sitting on paper losses. Historically, XRP's capitulation phases have lasted close to one month before reversing. The current stretch began in early February, suggesting the market may be approaching an inflection point, though no confirmed reversal has materialized. Whales Move Aggressively Into Accumulation Despite the scale of unrealized losses, large holders are not fleeing. On-chain data shows that whale wallets controlling 83.7% of XRP's total supply have been actively adding to their positions. Throughout February, addresses holding more than 100,000 XRP increased their collective ownership, a pattern consistent with high-conviction accumulation during periods of market stress. That trend accelerated further at the start of March. Two major whale cohorts began accumulating on March 1: addresses holding between 100 million and 1 billion XRP increased their balances from 7.39 billion to 8.59 billion XRP, while addresses holding between 10 million and 100 million XRP grew from 10.91 billion to 11.01 billion. In total, these two cohorts added approximately 1.30 billion XRP in a short window, signaling that the largest market participants are positioning for a potential price recovery rather than exiting. ETF Inflows Offer Institutional Context Institutional demand through XRP exchange-traded funds has provided a counterweight to bearish price action, even if flows have moderated. XRP ETFs recorded $15.59 million in net inflows in January, improving to $58.09 million in February. Early March data shows $6.97 million in inflows within the first few days, roughly 45% of January's full-month total, suggesting institutional participation remains active despite repeated price rejections. However, profit-taking activity has also emerged as a risk. The network's realized profit and loss metric recently surged to $207 million in a single 24-hour period, marking the first significant wave of profit booking in nearly a month. While moderate realization is generally considered healthy for market structure, an acceleration of that activity could undermine the recovery thesis building among large holders. Resistance Levels and the Path Forward Technically, XRP faces a clear ceiling. A descending trendline active since early 2026 continues to cap upside momentum, with the asset repeatedly failing to reclaim key resistance levels. Analysts have identified $1.47 as the immediate resistance, with a more significant supply cluster of approximately two billion XRP positioned between $1.58 and $1.60, a zone that will require substantial buying pressure to absorb. On the downside, $1.27 remains the critical support floor. A sustained break below that level could extend losses further and challenge the accumulation thesis that whale activity currently supports. For now, the market remains in a state of tension: on-chain conviction from large holders points in one direction, while technical structure and broader macro conditions continue to apply downward pressure.