CryptoNewsFarm

JPMorgan to Soon Allow Clients to Buy Bitcoin, Confirms CEO Jamie Dimon

In a major development for cryptocurrency adoption in traditional finance, JPMorgan Chase & Co. is preparing to offer its clients the ability to purchase Bitcoin. However, the banking giant will not provide custody services for the digital asset.

Speaking at JPMorgan’s annual investor day on May 19, CEO Jamie Dimon stated, “We are going to allow you to buy it. We’re not going to custody it. We’re going to put it in statements for clients.” This move signifies a shift in how JPMorgan approaches digital assets, reflecting growing client demand despite Dimon’s well-known skepticism about cryptocurrencies.

JPMorgan Embraces Bitcoin ETFs, Not Direct Custody

According to a CNBC report, JPMorgan plans to give its clients access to Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), rather than direct holdings of the cryptocurrency. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report notes that JPMorgan has previously restricted its crypto offerings to futures-based products, steering clear of direct digital asset ownership. This new approach aligns more closely with market trends and client interest while maintaining a controlled exposure to volatile assets like Bitcoin.

The decision also places JPMorgan in closer competition with peers like Morgan Stanley, which has already started offering spot Bitcoin ETFs to eligible clients. The U.S. market for spot Bitcoin ETFs has seen significant traction since their approval in January 2024, with total inflows nearing $42 billion, highlighting growing institutional interest in the asset class.

Jamie Dimon’s Evolving Stance on Bitcoin

Despite JPMorgan’s strategic shift, Jamie Dimon continues to voice his personal reservations about cryptocurrencies. His comments at the event reiterated concerns about the potential misuse of digital currencies, including associations with illicit activities like money laundering, sex trafficking, and terrorism financing.

“I don’t think you should smoke, but I defend your right to smoke. I defend your right to buy Bitcoin,” Dimon remarked, signaling a libertarian stance on individual financial freedoms, even while criticizing the asset class itself.

Dimon has a long history of criticizing Bitcoin. In 2018, he dismissed it as a scam and reiterated his negative views during the 2021 bull market, calling Bitcoin “worthless.” In 2023, during a Senate Banking Committee hearing, he said, “I’ve always been deeply opposed to crypto, Bitcoin, etc. The only true use case for it is criminals, drug traffickers, money laundering, tax avoidance. If I were the government, I’d close it down.”

Even after Bitcoin hit the $100,000 milestone in 2024, Dimon remained unmoved. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, he commented, “Bitcoin does nothing. I call it the pet rock.”

A Strategic Shift Driven by Market Demand

While Dimon’s personal views remain unchanged, JPMorgan’s business strategy reflects the broader market reality: demand for cryptocurrency products—especially regulated ones like ETFs—is rising among institutional and retail clients alike. Offering access to Bitcoin ETFs allows the bank to participate in the crypto economy without taking on the direct risks of asset custody or market volatility.

As Bitcoin continues to gain legitimacy through financial products like spot ETFs, even traditional banking institutions with skeptical leadership are being compelled to adapt.

UK to Mandate Crypto Firms to Report Every Customer Transaction Starting January 2026

Beginning January 1, 2026, cryptocurrency firms operating in the United Kingdom will be legally required to collect and report detailed information on every customer trade and transfer. This significant development is part of the UK government’s broader strategy to enhance transparency and compliance in crypto tax reporting.

According to a statement released by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on May 14, crypto platforms must gather and disclose critical user data for each transaction. Required information includes the user’s full name, residential address, tax identification number (TIN), the specific cryptocurrency involved, and the transaction amount. This applies not only to individual users but also to entities such as companies, trusts, and charities engaged in crypto transactions.

The new compliance mandate forms part of the UK’s adoption of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF). This international framework aims to promote standardized and robust tax reporting mechanisms for digital assets, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to regulatory transparency in the rapidly evolving crypto industry.

Non-compliance or inaccuracies in data reporting could result in fines of up to £300 (approximately $398.40) per individual violation. HMRC has stated that it will provide detailed guidance in due course to help crypto firms understand and implement the upcoming requirements effectively. Nonetheless, authorities are strongly urging companies to begin collecting necessary user data now to ensure full compliance by the 2026 deadline.

In a parallel move to tighten regulatory oversight, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled a draft bill in late April. The proposed legislation aims to bring cryptocurrency exchanges, custodians, and broker-dealers under the UK’s formal regulatory framework. This initiative is designed to tackle issues such as fraud, abuse, and market instability.

“Today’s announcement sends a clear signal: Britain is open for business — but closed to fraud, abuse, and instability,” Reeves stated.

The government’s dual approach of enforcing strict data reporting and expanding regulatory supervision underscores its intent to foster a secure and accountable crypto environment. It also seeks to position the UK as a global leader in digital finance while ensuring consumer protection.

According to a 2024 study by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), cryptocurrency ownership among UK adults rose to 12%, up sharply from 4% in 2021. This surge in adoption highlights the importance of regulatory frameworks that can keep pace with growing market participation.

UK’s Regulatory Direction vs. EU’s MiCA FrameworkThe UK’s integration of CARF stands in contrast to the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), introduced last year. While both aim to regulate digital assets, the approaches differ significantly.

For instance, the UK will permit foreign stablecoin issuers to operate within its jurisdiction without the need for local registration. Additionally, the UK has not imposed volume caps on stablecoins—a notable departure from the EU’s more restrictive stance designed to mitigate systemic risks.

The UK’s balanced strategy reflects a desire to maintain financial innovation and industry growth while implementing robust oversight to curb misuse and enhance public trust in crypto markets.

Leading European cryptocurrency asset manager 21Shares has taken a major step toward expanding its footprint in the United States by filing for a spot Sui exchange-traded fund (ETF) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

On April 30, 2025, 21Shares submitted a Form S-1 registration statement to the SEC, seeking approval for the 21Shares Sui ETF. This proposed investment vehicle is designed to mirror the performance of SUI, the native token of the Sui blockchain, by holding the digital asset directly through 21Shares’ U.S. subsidiary. Unlike synthetic or derivative-based instruments, this spot ETF will maintain a physically backed reserve of SUI tokens to provide investors with transparent exposure to the asset.

This move comes nearly a year after the firm successfully launched the 21Shares Sui Staking ETP in Europe in July 2024, with initial trading on Euronext Paris and Euronext Amsterdam. That European product gave investors exposure to Sui while participating in network staking rewards, a feature not currently specified in the U.S. proposal.

Ticker and Listing Details Yet to Be Disclosed

Although the 128-page SEC filing outlines the product structure and strategy, it does not disclose a ticker symbol or the U.S. exchange on which the ETF will be listed. According to the document, “there is no certainty that there will be liquidity available on the exchange or that the market price will be in line with the NAV [Net Asset Value] or the principal market NAV at any given time.”

The filing emphasizes that the ETF will provide direct exposure to SUI tokens, without employing leverage, engaging in speculative trading, or using derivatives—a clear sign of intent to offer a transparent, low-risk digital asset investment option.

Notably, 21Shares is not the first to pursue a Sui ETF in the U.S. market. On March 17, U.S.-based crypto investment firm Canary Capital filed its own Form S-1 for a spot Sui ETF, seeking regulatory approval. Shortly after, Cboe BZX Exchange petitioned U.S. regulators to allow listing of Canary’s product.

This emerging competition underscores growing interest in Sui-based investment products, particularly among institutional investors looking for regulated exposure to next-generation blockchain ecosystems.

Growing Momentum Behind Sui-Based ETPs

Sui-based exchange-traded products (ETPs) have already gained substantial traction in Europe. Alongside 21Shares’ product, the VanEck Sui ETP is also available, signaling a broader institutional appetite for Sui exposure.

As of April 25, 2025, Sui ETPs held over $400 million in assets under management (AUM), according to the latest data from CoinShares. The sector has recorded $72 million in inflows year-to-date, with a notable $20.7 million entering in just the last week, reflecting accelerating investor interest.

SEC Faces Wave of Crypto ETF Filings

The new filing from 21Shares adds to the growing pipeline of crypto ETF applications awaiting SEC review. According to Bloomberg ETF analysts Eric Balchunas and James Seyffart, there were at least 72 crypto ETF filings under review by the SEC as of May 1, 2025.

As regulatory clarity continues to evolve, the competition to launch innovative, regulated crypto investment products in the U.S. is heating up. 21Shares’ move to introduce a spot Sui ETF in America could signal the beginning of broader adoption for Sui within institutional portfolios.

Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy at Circle, a leading stablecoin issuer, has refuted claims that the company is seeking a U.S. federal bank charter or planning to acquire an insured depository institution.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated April 25, Disparte clarified that Circle is not pursuing a federal bank charter. Instead, the company is focused on preparing to meet forthcoming U.S. regulatory requirements for payment stablecoins. These regulations may necessitate registering under a federal or state trust charter, or obtaining a nonbank license, depending on the finalized framework.

@circle does not intend to become a bank or any other kind of an insured depository institution. We do intend to comply with a future U.S. regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, which may require registering for a federal or state trust charter or other nonbank license. We…

— Dante Disparte (@ddisparte) April 25, 2025

Disparte emphasized the need for swift legislative action, calling on U.S. lawmakers to establish clear regulatory guidelines for stablecoins. His statement directly addresses recent media reports suggesting that several crypto companies, including Circle and digital asset custodian BitGo, were exploring banking licenses or charters.

These reports also named other prominent players in the crypto space, including publicly traded U.S.-based exchange Coinbase and stablecoin issuer Paxos. While Coinbase confirmed it is evaluating the possibility of acquiring such a license, most of the companies mentioned did not respond to inquiries. This added fuel to speculation, although Disparte’s statement aims to set the record straight regarding Circle’s position.

The speculation around Circle’s banking ambitions is not entirely new. Back in April 2022, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire told Bloomberg that the firm was in discussions with regulators regarding a potential bank charter. This earlier comment had contributed to ongoing assumptions about the company’s future regulatory direction. However, no further updates have been officially provided since then, and Circle has not responded to additional media requests at the time of publication.

Separately, Paxos was reported to have received preliminary, conditional approval for a U.S. federal bank charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in 2021. This further highlights the broader trend of digital asset firms exploring ways to integrate with the traditional banking system under evolving regulations.

Stablecoin Regulation at a Crossroads

This development coincides with major legislative efforts to overhaul stablecoin regulation in the United States. Earlier this month, the House Financial Services Committee advanced a stablecoin framework supported by Republican lawmakers. The proposed legislation, known as the Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy (STABLE) Act, seeks to establish stringent federal oversight for the industry.

Meanwhile, a competing proposal—the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act—is also progressing through Congress. Introduced prior to the STABLE Act, the GENIUS Act passed the Senate Banking Committee in mid-March and offers a more flexible approach. It allows for regulatory oversight at both the state and federal levels, reflecting a more decentralized approach to managing stablecoin issuers.

As the U.S. stablecoin landscape continues to develop, companies like Circle are preparing to navigate this complex and shifting regulatory environment. While Circle currently rejects the idea of becoming a federally chartered bank, its strategy remains aligned with regulatory compliance and market stability.

Coinbase, the leading U.S.-based publicly traded cryptocurrency exchange, has confirmed that it is actively evaluating the possibility of applying for a U.S. federal bank charter. A company spokesperson told Cointelegraph that while discussions are ongoing, no official decision has been made at this time.

“This is something Coinbase is actively considering but has not made any formal decisions yet,” the spokesperson noted.

This announcement aligns with growing speculation that several major crypto firms are exploring the path toward becoming federally chartered banks. In addition to Coinbase, stablecoin issuers such as Circle and Paxos, along with crypto custody provider BitGo, have also been linked to similar intentions. The move signals a potential shift in how digital asset companies may soon operate within the traditional financial system.

While Coinbase has yet to specify the strategic reasons behind seeking a federal bank license, such a charter could unlock new operational capabilities. For example, it would allow crypto firms to engage in core banking activities like accepting deposits and issuing loans—capabilities typically reserved for traditional financial institutions.

However, becoming a federally chartered bank also means subjecting the firm to heightened regulatory scrutiny and compliance obligations. Anchorage Digital, a crypto-focused financial institution that obtained a federal bank charter, serves as a key example. Despite having the charter, Anchorage Digital Bank is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s El Dorado Task Force, illustrating the rigorous oversight such licenses entail.

Surge in Interest for U.S. Bank Charters Among Crypto Firms

The trend toward banking charters in the crypto industry gained momentum after the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency granted conditional approval for a federal bank charter to Paxos in 2021. This development marked a turning point, signaling a more open regulatory environment that has encouraged firms to seek formal banking status.

Regulatory attitudes at the federal level also appear to be shifting. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently emphasized the importance of establishing a robust legal framework for stablecoins as digital assets gain mainstream traction. Powell acknowledged that the crypto sector offers use cases with broad consumer appeal, reinforcing the need for regulatory clarity.

Stablecoin Legislation Gains Momentum

As regulatory discussions continue, two key legislative proposals are shaping the future of stablecoins in the U.S.—the STABLE Act and the GENIUS Act.

The Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy (STABLE) Act, backed by Republican lawmakers, was recently passed by the U.S. House Financial Services Committee. It proposes federal oversight of stablecoin issuers and includes a two-year moratorium on issuing collateralized stablecoins backed by self-issued digital assets. Additionally, it mandates that reserve funds be segregated from operational business accounts.

On the other hand, the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act offers a more flexible regulatory path. Introduced earlier and passed by the Senate Banking Committee, the GENIUS Act envisions a dual federal-state oversight model. It aims to strengthen Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, bolster reserve and liquidity standards, and enhance compliance with sanctions. Under this framework, stablecoin issuers would be formally classified as financial institutions.

The advancement of both bills highlights bipartisan momentum toward integrating stablecoins into the broader U.S. financial ecosystem, with an emphasis on responsible innovation and national economic competitiveness.

Elizabeth Warren Warns Firing Jerome Powell Could Trigger Market Collapse

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has issued a stark warning regarding the potential consequences if former President Donald Trump follows through on threats to dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Speaking during a CNBC appearance, the Massachusetts Democrat emphasized that such a move would not only be legally questionable but could also severely damage the credibility of U.S. financial institutions and lead to a significant market crash.

According to Senator Warren, the President does not possess the legal authority to remove the head of the Federal Reserve without cause. She stressed that the independence of the Federal Reserve is a cornerstone of the U.S. financial system and global economic stability. Undermining that independence, she said, would erode investor confidence and weaken the financial infrastructure.

“If Chairman Powell can be fired by the President of the United States, it will crash the markets,” Warren stated. “The infrastructure that keeps this stock market strong—and therefore a big part of our economy strong, and a big part of the world economy strong—is the idea that the big pieces move independently of politics.”

Warren further explained that if interest rate decisions were manipulated by political motives, the United States would lose its distinction as a stable, rule-based economy. “If interest rates in the United States are subject to a president who just wants to wave his magic wand, this doesn’t distinguish us from any other two-bit dictatorship,” she warned.

Ongoing Tensions Between Trump and Powell

The tension between Donald Trump and Jerome Powell has been long-standing. The former President has consistently criticized Powell’s reluctance to cut interest rates, arguing that more aggressive monetary easing would boost asset prices and stimulate economic growth. In particular, Trump has pointed to Powell’s rate stance as a barrier to stronger performance in both traditional equities and risk-on assets such as cryptocurrencies.

On April 17, Trump reignited controversy by calling once again for Powell’s removal in a Truth Social post. The post intensified speculation that he might attempt to sideline the chairman through unconventional or potentially illegal means.

Support from Within the GOP

Trump’s stance has found support among other Republican lawmakers, including Senator Rick Scott. In an op-ed published on Fox News, Scott advocated for sweeping changes at the Federal Reserve. “It’s time to clean house of everyone working at the Federal Reserve who isn’t on board with helping the American people and fighting for their best interests,” he wrote.

The Trump administration has made it clear that pushing for lower interest rates remains a central focus. Some market analysts, including prominent investor Anthony Pompliano, have even speculated that Trump might manipulate market conditions to pressure the Fed into cutting rates.

Pompliano pointed to a past dip in the 10-year U.S. Treasury Bond yield to just 4% as evidence. Since then, however, the yield has rebounded to 4.3%, reflecting ongoing uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment.

Bitcoin continues to hold its long-term bullish trajectory, with a potential to reach $1.8 million per coin by 2035, according to Joe Burnett, Director of Market Research at Unchained. Despite recent market corrections and declining investor appetite amid ongoing global trade tensions, Burnett maintains a strong outlook for Bitcoin’s future value.

Speaking during Cointelegraph’s Chainreaction live show on X (formerly Twitter), Burnett stated that Bitcoin is still in a robust growth cycle. He suggested that Bitcoin could eventually challenge or even surpass gold’s $21 trillion market capitalization over the next decade.

Bitcoin’s Long-Term Bullish Trajectory

Burnett referenced two prominent valuation models that project Bitcoin’s future potential. “When I think about where Bitcoin will be in 10 years, there are two models I admire,” he explained. “One is the parallel model, which estimates Bitcoin at around $1.8 million in 2035. The other is Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin 24 model, which predicts a value of $2.1 million by 2035.”

He noted that both models serve as strong foundational projections, emphasizing that Bitcoin’s valuation could exceed these estimates depending on broader macroeconomic developments, such as inflation rates, monetary policy, and investor behavior.

Comparing Bitcoin to Gold and Technological Evolution

Drawing an analogy with technological evolution, Burnett compared Bitcoin’s future to the shift from the horse-and-buggy era to the automobile age. He highlighted that Bitcoin’s inherent technological advantages position it to surpass gold’s current market cap. “The gold market is worth approximately $21 trillion. If Bitcoin were to achieve parity with gold, it would be priced at about $1 million per coin today,” he asserted.

Global Trade Tensions and Market Sentiment

Since the inauguration of former U.S. President Donald Trump on January 20, global financial markets have grappled with heightened uncertainty due to the escalating threat of trade wars. Trump’s aggressive stance on imposing import tariffs to reduce the trade deficit has dampened risk appetite across equity and cryptocurrency markets alike.

Although Bitcoin’s role as a safe-haven asset remains a possibility amid these tensions, physical gold and tokenized gold have recently taken the spotlight. Tokenized gold trading volumes surged to over $1 billion this week—the highest since the 2023 U.S. banking crisis—according to Cointelegraph’s April 10 report.

Institutional Behavior and Bitcoin’s Maturation

Despite short-term fluctuations, Bitcoin’s volatility has been gradually declining in both bull and bear markets, signaling its growing maturity as a global asset class. Burnett emphasized that deep corrections often result in a stronger holder base. “The highs bring Bitcoin attention, and the deep, dark bear markets move coins into the hands of the strongest, most convicted holders, as fast as possible,” he said.

Even with potential drawdowns of up to 80% during future bear markets, these periods will likely serve as strong accumulation phases for long-term investors.

Additional Bullish Forecasts Amid Caution

Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX and current Chief Investment Officer at Maelstrom, forecasts that Bitcoin could surge to $250,000 by the end of 2025, particularly if the U.S. Federal Reserve initiates another round of quantitative easing.

Still, investor sentiment remains mixed. Enmanuel Cardozo, a market analyst at the real-world asset tokenization platform Brickken, told Cointelegraph that portfolio rebalancing is ongoing, with many investors reluctant to make significant allocations to Bitcoin in the next 90 days. This hesitation is driven by uncertainty surrounding global tariff negotiations.

“With money flowing out of Bitcoin ETFs, investors are looking for safer spots to hold their cash right now, including strong fiat currencies. Gold continues to be a preferred hedge in times of uncertainty,” Cardozo explained.

In a significant move to clamp down on cybercrime involving digital assets, Thailand has passed amendments to its national laws, enhancing its regulatory framework for digital asset businesses and online crime prevention. These changes underscore the Thai government’s proactive stance on protecting its financial ecosystem amid rising crypto-related fraud and cyber threats.

On April 8, Thailand’s cabinet approved revisions to emergency decrees concerning digital asset operations and cybercrime control, as officially announced by the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The amendments aim to bolster legal tools used in combating digital asset mule accounts, curbing foreign cryptocurrency peer-to-peer (P2P) services, and introducing tougher penalties for violations.

Tougher Penalties and Anti-Crime Enforcement

Under the revised legislation, individuals or entities found violating the new crypto crime laws could face financial penalties of up to $8,700 (approximately 300,000 Thai Baht) and imprisonment for up to three years. These measures are designed to deter the use of digital assets in illegal activities such as money laundering and online scams.

The new laws are expected to come into force soon, pending their publication in the Royal Thai Government Gazette.

Key Measures Against Mule Accounts and Money Laundering

A major focus of the new legal framework is the regulation of crypto asset service providers (CASPs). The amendments mandate CASPs to actively monitor, report, and suspend any transactions suspected to be linked to online scams or criminal behavior. These regulations aim to tighten compliance standards and enhance transparency in Thailand’s growing digital asset market.

Additionally, the amendments grant Thai authorities the power to restrict foreign CASPs from operating within the country. This provision is a strategic step towards reducing vulnerabilities in the local financial system that may arise from unregulated or non-compliant international operators.

Broader Impact on Non-Crypto Businesses

Beyond the crypto industry, the new laws extend compliance responsibilities to commercial banks, telecommunications providers, and social media platforms. According to the SEC, these entities will be held jointly responsible for any damages resulting from cybercrimes if they fail to implement the required cybersecurity standards.

This holistic approach underscores the Thai government’s intention to build a collaborative defense mechanism involving multiple sectors to prevent cyber-related financial losses.

Crackdown on Foreign Crypto P2P Platforms

One of the most significant aspects of the new legal update is its clear stance on foreign crypto P2P platforms. The SEC highlighted that the legislation is specifically crafted to “deter and prevent” foreign P2P providers—recognized under the Digital Asset Business Law—from serving Thai users.

In effect, this move restricts cross-border digital asset transactions, ensuring that only locally licensed and regulated P2P platforms can operate in Thailand. The goal is to mitigate risks associated with foreign CASPs, including insufficient compliance oversight and potential exposure to fraudulent schemes.

Future Outlook: Balancing Regulation and Innovation

Despite these strict measures, Thailand continues to show interest in fostering responsible cryptocurrency adoption. Local authorities are currently exploring pilot programs for crypto payments in tourism hubs like Phuket and are considering approvals for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

These developments reflect a balanced regulatory approach: one that supports innovation in digital finance while ensuring the security and integrity of the financial system.

First Trust Introduces Two Bitcoin Strategy ETFs to Balance Yield and Risk

First Trust Advisors has officially launched two new Bitcoin Strategy Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), offering investors structured exposure to Bitcoin with strategies focused on yield generation and risk mitigation. These ETFs aim to make Bitcoin investing more accessible to traditional market participants by minimizing downside risk and enhancing income potential through innovative use of financial derivatives.

The launch reflects a broader industry trend where fund managers are rolling out Bitcoin-linked ETFs designed to bridge the gap between the high-volatility crypto market and the more risk-conscious preferences of institutional and retail investors.

One of the newly introduced products, the FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy Floor15 ETF (BFAP), provides performance exposure to Bitcoin with a capped upside, while simultaneously limiting drawdown risk to approximately 15%. According to First Trust, this ETF is tailored for investors who seek Bitcoin returns but are wary of its notorious price fluctuations.

“Over the past few years, investors have shown a remarkably strong appetite for bitcoin-linked ETFs, but the potential for sharp drawdowns has kept many on the sidelines,” said Ryan Issakainen, ETF Strategist at First Trust.

Complementing BFAP is the FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF (DFII)—an actively managed fund designed to offer partial exposure to Bitcoin while generating a consistent yield. The fund’s goal is to outperform short-dated U.S. Treasurys by a margin of at least 15%, leveraging the volatility of Bitcoin to produce income through call option selling strategies.

Issakainen explained that DFII is structured to capitalize on Bitcoin’s high volatility by selling call options—financial contracts that give the buyer the right to purchase the underlying asset at a predetermined price. This strategy is aimed at producing steady income while offering partial Bitcoin market participation. The BFAP fund also utilizes derivative instruments to protect investors against severe price declines.

Options—including both call and put contracts—are essential tools used by these ETFs to manage exposure and risk. By integrating options into their investment strategies, these funds offer a more calculated and structured approach to Bitcoin investing.

Structured Bitcoin Investment Vehicles Gain Momentum

Since their regulatory greenlight in January 2024, spot Bitcoin ETFs have rapidly emerged as one of the most sought-after investment products. As of April 4, spot BTC ETFs collectively manage around $93 billion in assets, according to blockchain analytics platform Bitbo.

In addition to First Trust, other asset managers are also entering the space with tailored Bitcoin ETF offerings. For example, Grayscale—a leading crypto asset manager—recently launched two Bitcoin strategy ETFs that similarly employ derivative-based strategies to manage risk and generate income.

Furthermore, in March, Bitwise introduced an ETF composed of equities from companies with significant Bitcoin holdings, reflecting another approach to gaining indirect exposure to the cryptocurrency.

Despite the bullish interest, volatility remains a constant factor. On April 3, spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced nearly $100 million in outflows following heightened market uncertainty triggered by former President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs the day prior. This reinforces the importance of risk-managed vehicles like BFAP and DFII for long-term investors seeking a more stable entry point into the digital asset market.

Metaplanet, a prominent Japanese firm, has made another bold move in its Bitcoin accumulation strategy by issuing 2 billion Japanese yen ($13.3 million) worth of bonds. The company aims to use the proceeds to purchase more BTC, reinforcing its growing reputation as Asia’s leading corporate Bitcoin holder.

Zero-Interest Bonds to Fund Bitcoin Expansion

According to a March 31 filing, Metaplanet issued zero-interest bonds through its Evo Fund. The newly issued securities will be redeemable at full face value by September 30, 2025, giving investors a low-risk opportunity with guaranteed returns.

Metaplanet’s CEO, Simon Gerovich, announced the bond issuance on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that the company is seizing the opportunity presented by the recent dip in Bitcoin prices. At the time of the announcement, Bitcoin was trading around $82,000—down nearly 25% from its all-time high of over $109,000. The strategic bond sale underscores Metaplanet’s commitment to capitalizing on market corrections to expand its BTC reserves.

Metaplanet’s Growing Bitcoin Holdings

Currently, Metaplanet is ranked as Asia’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder and the 10th largest in the world, according to BitcoinTreasuries data. The company now holds approximately 3,200 BTC, valued at around $1.23 billion.

Metaplanet’s aggressive acquisition strategy reflects its ambition to become a dominant force in the corporate Bitcoin space. The firm’s latest bond issuance is part of its larger objective of accumulating 21,000 BTC by 2026, positioning it as a major player in the global Bitcoin economy.

Following in MicroStrategy’s Footsteps

Metaplanet is frequently compared to MicroStrategy—the US-based business intelligence firm known for its massive Bitcoin holdings. MicroStrategy, now simply referred to as Strategy, has shifted its core business focus toward Bitcoin accumulation, making it the largest corporate BTC holder globally, with over 500,000 BTC worth approximately $82 billion—more than 2% of Bitcoin’s total supply.

By emulating Strategy’s approach, Metaplanet is establishing itself as a leading corporate advocate for Bitcoin adoption in Asia, attracting attention from both retail and institutional investors.

Aggressive BTC Purchases and US Expansion Plans

Earlier this month, Metaplanet made headlines by acquiring 150 BTC, inching closer to its ambitious accumulation target. In early March, the company’s stock surged by 19% in less than a day after it spent $44 million on a large Bitcoin purchase.

Additionally, Metaplanet is exploring a potential US listing to enhance its global accessibility. The company recently acquired 156 more BTC, with Gerovich stating:

“We are considering the best way to make Metaplanet shares more accessible to investors around the world.”

Gaining Political Influence in the US

Metaplanet is also building strategic alliances in the US political landscape. In March, the company appointed Eric Trump, the son of former US President Donald Trump, to its newly established strategic board of advisers. This move aims to strengthen Metaplanet’s position in the global Bitcoin market and expand its influence.

Company representatives stated:

“Eric Trump brings a wealth of experience in real estate, finance, brand development, and strategic business growth. He has become a leading voice and advocate for digital asset adoption worldwide.”

Metaplanet’s recent bond issuance is a clear indicator of its aggressive Bitcoin accumulation strategy. By mirroring the playbook of MicroStrategy, the company is positioning itself as Asia’s corporate Bitcoin leader, while also making inroads into the US market. With influential partnerships and bold financial moves, Metaplanet is solidifying its role as a major force in the corporate Bitcoin economy, attracting global investor interest.

Galaxy Digital to Pay $200M in Settlement Over Terra Promotion Scandal

Michael Novogratz’s crypto investment firm, Galaxy Digital, has agreed to pay $200 million in a settlement over its alleged involvement in promoting the now-defunct cryptocurrency Terra (LUNA).

Galaxy Digital’s Alleged Misconduct

According to documents filed by the New York Attorney General’s Office on March 24, Galaxy Digital purchased 18.5 million LUNA tokens at a 30% discount. The firm allegedly promoted the tokens to drive up their market price while failing to adhere to proper disclosure regulations.

The filing states:

“Ultimately, Galaxy helped a little-known token increase its market price from $0.31 in October 2020 to $119.18 in April 2022, while profiting in the hundreds of millions of dollars.”

As part of the settlement, Galaxy Digital will pay $200 million in monetary relief over three years. The payment schedule includes:

$40 million within 15 days of the settlement agreement,

Another $40 million within one year, and

Two additional payments of $60 million due in the second and third years, respectively.

False Claims and Misleading Statements

The lawsuit further accuses Galaxy Digital and Michael Novogratz of spreading false information regarding Terra’s usage. Specifically, the firm claimed that the South Korean payments app Chai was built on the Terra blockchain, which was inaccurate.

In a press release sent to Bloomberg, Galaxy Digital highlighted:

“The app hosts over 2 million users and generates $1.2 billion in annualized transaction volume.”

However, the filing clarifies:

“These statements were false. They were based on representations by Kwon and Terraform to Galaxy, but Galaxy failed to independently verify them.”

Terra’s Collapse and Market Fallout

The Terra ecosystem, including its algorithmic stablecoin TerraUSD (UST), collapsed spectacularly in May 2022. The crash resulted from a breakdown in the mechanism designed to maintain UST’s peg to the US dollar.

The collapse began when a large UST holder sold a substantial amount of the stablecoin, triggering widespread market panic. This sell-off caused UST to lose its peg, leading to a domino effect. In response, the protocol attempted to stabilize UST by minting new LUNA tokens to buy back UST. However, this inflated the LUNA supply, applying massive downward pressure on its price.

As reported by Cointelegraph at the time, once LUNA’s market cap fell below UST’s, the stablecoin could no longer maintain its peg. The declining value of LUNA and the overinflated supply created a self-reinforcing death spiral, wiping out nearly all of LUNA and UST’s value within hours.

The collapse erased billions of dollars in market capitalization and contributed to a broader cryptocurrency market crash. The fallout also sparked regulatory scrutiny, with the Sonic blockchain’s recent launch of a high-yield algorithmic stablecoin facing skepticism due to perceived similarities to Terra’s failed model.

Security remains the most significant hurdle preventing the widespread adoption of cryptocurrency payments, as the industry continues to grapple with hacks, phishing scams, and fraudulent activities that erode trust and legitimacy.

According to a recent Bitget Wallet Onchain Report shared with Cointelegraph, 37% of investors identified security risks as the primary barrier to using crypto for payments. The survey, which included 4,599 users, highlights how concerns over potential asset loss, unauthorized transactions, and platform vulnerabilities are deterring mainstream adoption.

Despite these fears, 46% of respondents still prefer crypto payments over fiat currencies, citing advantages such as faster transaction speeds and improved efficiency. This preference indicates growing interest in crypto’s practical benefits, even as security remains a top concern.

Bitget Wallet Boosts Security with Multi-Layered Protection

To strengthen trust in crypto payments, Bitget Wallet has implemented multi-layered security mechanisms aimed at safeguarding users from common threats. According to Alvin Kan, Bitget Wallet’s Chief Operating Officer, the platform has made security a “top priority” by introducing advanced protection features.

One key enhancement is MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) protection, now enabled by default on major chains such as Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana. This feature helps prevent front-running and sandwich attacks, which exploit transaction ordering to manipulate prices.

Additionally, Bitget Wallet launched GetShield, an advanced detection engine that actively scans smart contracts, DApps, and URLs for malicious behavior. This proactive security layer alerts users before they sign any potentially harmful transactions.

To further boost user confidence, Bitget Wallet maintains a $300 million user protection fund, offering an extra layer of assurance in case of platform-level asset losses. This fund provides financial protection, fostering greater trust in the platform’s reliability.

Rising Phishing Scams and Emerging Threats

The crypto industry continues to face sophisticated phishing scams, with address poisoning emerging as a major threat. This scam involves fraudulent address manipulation, tricking victims into sending funds to lookalike wallet addresses controlled by scammers.

In just the first three weeks of March, victims of address poisoning attacks lost over $1.2 million in crypto assets. Such incidents highlight the need for enhanced wallet security and user awareness to prevent falling victim to deceptive tactics.

Interestingly, generational differences in crypto payment concerns are becoming evident. Gen X users prioritize security, citing it as their top concern, while Gen Z users are more focused on usability and cost-efficiency, according to Kan.

Africa and Southeast Asia Lead Crypto Payment Adoption

Bitget Wallet’s report reveals that Africa and Southeast Asia are at the forefront of crypto payment adoption. The survey found that 52% of African respondents and 51% of Southeast Asian respondents showed strong interest in crypto payments. This growth is driven by high remittance costs and limited access to traditional banking services in these regions.

To support the unbanked population, Bitget Wallet offers simplified onboarding with non-custodial wallets that don’t require traditional bank accounts. According to Kan, this lowers the entry barrier, allowing users to send and receive crypto payments without complex technical knowledge or reliance on centralized platforms.

With support for over 130 blockchains and stablecoins, Bitget Wallet enables users to transact globally using assets that retain purchasing power. The platform also provides local fiat on-ramps and multichain support, making crypto payments more accessible to users in underbanked regions.

Latin America Turns to Crypto for Lower Remittance Costs

In Latin America, the high transaction fees associated with traditional wire transfers are driving users toward crypto payments. According to Statista, average remittance fees in 2024 were 7.34% for bank account transfers.

By switching to crypto payments, users in the region can avoid these high costs, making cross-border transactions faster and more affordable. This financial advantage is accelerating crypto adoption as users seek cost-effective alternatives to conventional payment methods.

Bitcoin Price Stagnates Amid Conflicting Market Forces

Bitcoin’s price has been oscillating within the $82,400 – $85,300 range since March 14, with both bullish and bearish breakout attempts proving short-lived. This ongoing consolidation highlights the tug-of-war between opposing market forces, preventing BTC from establishing a clear trend.

Key Factors Behind Bitcoin’s Flat Price Action

1. Uncertain US Economic Policies

The unpredictability of US economic policies has kept investors cautious, limiting fresh capital inflows into the crypto market. Mixed signals from the Federal Reserve and other policymakers have created a fog of uncertainty, leaving Bitcoin range-bound.

2. Lack of New Capital Inflows

Market data indicates a decline in new investments, with fewer fresh capital injections propping up BTC. This reduced liquidity makes it harder for Bitcoin to break out of its current range.

3. Technical Market Setups

BTC’s price is caught in a technical consolidation pattern, with resistance capping upward momentum and support preventing deeper declines. This tight range reflects growing indecision among traders, stalling major price movements.

Bullish Catalysts Supporting Bitcoin

Despite the stagnant price action, several bullish signals indicate underlying optimism:

✅ Federal Reserve’s Dovish Stance:On March 19, the Fed kept interest rates steady at 4.25% – 4.50% and announced a slower balance sheet runoff. This signaled a potentially looser monetary policy ahead, briefly lifting market sentiment.

✅ Trump’s Pro-Bitcoin Policies:President Donald Trump declared the US the “undisputed Bitcoin superpower” and advocated for pro-crypto policies, including stablecoin regulations. This political shift bolstered confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term outlook.

✅ Institutional Demand Remains Strong:MicroStrategy, a major institutional BTC holder, added 130 BTC for $10.7 million, bringing its total holdings to 499,226 BTC. This demonstrates continued institutional appetite for Bitcoin, reinforcing long-term confidence.

✅ Bitcoin as a Strategic Asset:Senator Cynthia Lummis proposed selling part of the US gold reserves to acquire 1 million BTC over five years. This bold move highlights a growing recognition of Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset.

Bearish Signals Weighing on Bitcoin

However, several bearish factors continue to offset the bullish momentum:

❌ Rising Stagflation Concerns:Despite the Fed’s dovish tone, it raised its 2025 inflation forecast to 2.8% (up from 2.5%) and cut GDP growth projections to 1.7% (down from 2.1%). This signals mounting stagflation risks, which could pressure risk assets, including Bitcoin.

❌ Short-Lived Post-FOMC Rally:Bitcoin’s brief breakout following the FOMC meeting quickly fizzled out, with the price falling back into the narrow range. This highlights a lack of strong conviction among traders.

❌ Trade War Tensions:Ongoing trade disputes and tariff uncertainties continue to create market headwinds. The lack of a clear resolution is keeping risk appetite subdued.

❌ ECB’s Warning on Crypto Risks:A European Central Bank (ECB) official warned that Trump’s pro-Bitcoin stance could potentially trigger a global financial crisis, creating uncertainty around the future regulatory environment.

Liquidity Crunch Stagnates Bitcoin’s Momentum

A contraction in liquidity and declining speculative activity are further preventing BTC from making decisive moves.

🔍 On-Chain Insights:

Realized Cap Growth: Bitcoin’s realized cap is growing at only +0.67% per month—far below the 13.2% growth seen in December—indicating weak capital inflows, according to Glassnode.

Declining Short-Term Trading Activity: “Hot Supply” (BTC held for one week or less) has dropped by over 50%, signaling a sharp decline in short-term speculative trades.

Falling Exchange Inflows: Daily exchange inflows have plummeted from 58.6K BTC/day to 26.9K BTC/day—a 54% drop—further highlighting reduced trading activity.

These metrics suggest that Bitcoin’s market is shifting from a profit-driven phase to a neutral equilibrium, capping both upside and downside volatility.

Technical Analysis: BTC Stuck in Ascending Triangle

Bitcoin’s price is consolidating within an ascending triangle pattern, marked by:

A horizontal resistance level acting as a ceiling.

An ascending trendline providing consistent support.

Key Technical Takeaways:

📌 Resistance Capping Upside: The upper boundary of the ascending triangle is acting as a strong ceiling, preventing sustained upward breakouts.📌 Support Preventing Deeper Pullbacks: The ascending trendline offers consistent support, preventing significant price drops.📌 Failed Breakouts Indicate Weak Momentum: Recent upside breakout attempts have failed, including false breakouts above the resistance trendline.

The tightening range reflects mounting indecision, making BTC vulnerable to a sharp move once either the resistance or support is decisively breached.

What the Ascending Triangle Means for BTC

An ascending triangle is typically viewed as a bullish continuation pattern during a broader uptrend.📈 If BTC Breaks Above the Resistance:The price could rally by an amount roughly equivalent to the triangle’s maximum height.📉 If BTC Falls Below the Support:A downside break could signal a bearish reversal, pushing prices lower.

✅ Key Takeaway: Bitcoin Remains Range-Bound for Now

Bitcoin’s price continues to oscillate in a narrow range, driven by conflicting macroeconomic signals, shrinking liquidity, and technical consolidation. Until a decisive breakout occurs, BTC is likely to remain trapped between $82,400 and $85,300.

Will XRP Price Sustain Its Recovery or Face Another Drop?

The price of XRP has rebounded from its March 11 low of $1.89, but it remains below a critical resistance zone. This raises the question: will XRP’s recovery continue, or is another downturn imminent?

XRP Funding Rates Indicate Bearish Sentiment

One of the most telling signs of potential trouble ahead for XRP is the presence of negative funding rates and declining open interest (OI) in its futures market.

Key Points:

Funding rates are periodic payments between long and short traders in perpetual futures contracts, designed to keep prices aligned with the spot market.

When funding rates turn negative, it means short sellers are paying longs, signaling that bearish sentiment dominates the market.

Currently, XRP’s funding rates are below 0%, indicating a pessimistic outlook and discouraging new buyers, as holding long positions becomes less profitable.

If this trend continues, XRP could experience further declines as market confidence weakens.

Additionally, XRP’s open interest in the futures market has plummeted from its local peak of $5.67 billion on January 17 to $2.4 billion as of March 18.

Open interest (OI) measures the total number of outstanding futures contracts.

A decline in OI suggests that traders are exiting positions, which reduces market liquidity and momentum.

Historically, assets with declining OI struggle to sustain upward momentum. For XRP, this could mean that even moderate selling pressure might trigger a cascade of liquidations, especially if leveraged positions are forced to close. Without renewed interest from either institutional or retail traders, XRP could face more downside risks.

XRP’s Market Structure Signals a Potential Retest of $1.90

The technical chart for XRP reveals a concerning inverted V-shaped pattern on the four-hour candle chart, which indicates potential exhaustion of buying pressure.

Key Takeaways:

An inverted V-shaped pattern occurs when an asset’s price rises steeply to a peak and then falls just as sharply, forming an upside-down “V.”

This pattern often signals that bullish momentum is fading.

XRP faces stiff overhead resistance in the supply congestion zone between $2.35 and $2.42, where the 100-period and 200-period simple moving averages (SMA) are located.

The relative strength index (RSI) has dropped below the 50 mark, reflecting the dominance of sellers in the market.

The bears will likely attempt to break the support zone between $2.28 (50 SMA) and $2.20.

If XRP fails to hold this support, it could drop toward the neckline of the current chart pattern at $2.01.

A close below $2.01 would confirm a bearish continuation, with the next potential support range between the February 28 low of $1.94 and the March 11 low of $1.89.

For the bulls to regain control, they must defend the 50 SMA. Successfully holding above this level would improve the chances of XRP breaking above the $2.35–$2.42 resistance zone.

If this happens, the next upside target would be the pattern’s peak at $2.47, invalidating the bearish outlook.

Crypto Analysts Remain Cautiously Optimistic

Despite the current bearish signals, some crypto analysts remain hopeful about XRP’s long-term prospects.

Prominent crypto analyst Dark Defender believes that XRP could recover from its downtrend and eventually enter price discovery mode.

“The primary correction on the weekly, daily, and 4-hour structure is over for XRP,” Dark Defender stated in a March 17 post on X.

Although the analyst anticipates minor fluctuations ahead, they believe XRP has started Wave 1, with a target of $5.85.

Key Levels to Watch:

Support: $2.22

Resistance: $3.39

Dark Defender expressed confidence that the upcoming weeks could be bullish for XRP, potentially leading to significant upward momentum.

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Pavel Durov, the visionary founder of the widely used messaging platform Telegram, has officially left France and moved to Dubai after receiving approval from a French court.

On March 13, 2025, a French court reportedly granted Durov permission to exit the country, allowing him to travel to Dubai—a global business hub known for its favorable corporate policies and lack of extradition agreements with numerous nations. This decision was first reported by Barron’s, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter.

While the precise conditions of the court’s ruling remain undisclosed, Durov’s departure has reignited discussions about digital privacy, jurisdictional limitations, and the accountability of tech entrepreneurs in preventing illicit activities on their platforms.

According to AFP, citing unnamed sources, “He (Durov) departed France this morning,” with further reports indicating that authorities had permitted him to leave for “several weeks.”

Legal Troubles: Arrest and Charges in France

Durov’s legal entanglements began on August 24, 2024, when he was temporarily detained at Le Bourget Airport in Paris. French prosecutors accused him of operating a platform that allegedly facilitated unlawful activities. On August 28, 2024, France’s Prosecutor’s Office (Parquet de Paris) formally charged him with enabling illicit transactions via Telegram.

Authorities claimed that Durov could face up to 10 years in prison and a €500,000 ($550,000) fine if convicted. However, after posting a $6 million bail, he was released from custody on the same day. As part of his bail conditions, he was initially required to remain in France and appear before the court at the conclusion of the investigation.

The news of Durov’s departure had an immediate impact on the cryptocurrency market. Toncoin (TON), the native token of The Open Network (TON)—a blockchain project originally initiated by Telegram—experienced a significant surge, rising over 18% in market value, according to data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView.

Ongoing Uncertainty Surrounding the Case

There is speculation that Durov may have either settled his legal issues in France or received temporary permission to leave while proceedings continue. As of now, he has not publicly commented on his departure via social media, and the French government has yet to release an official statement regarding the situation.

His legal troubles also drew diplomatic attention. Shortly after his arrest, the Russian government expressed its willingness to assist him, emphasizing the complexity of the case, given that Durov holds Russian, French, and United Arab Emirates citizenships.

Durov’s exit from France marks another key event in the series of legal battles involving prominent Russian tech entrepreneurs worldwide. His case also underscores the ongoing debates about the responsibilities of digital platforms in regulating online content while navigating international legal frameworks.

Bitcoin’s price rebounded by 3% following a period of continuous drawdowns since late January. After briefly dipping below the key $80,000 level on March 11, the leading cryptocurrency swiftly recovered, signaling renewed bullish interest.

With the U.S. core Consumer Price Index (CPI) coming in lower than expected at 3.1% on March 12, Bitcoin’s market structure hints at the potential for a sharp bullish reversal.

Bitcoin Liquidity Clusters Between $84K and $85K

Following Bitcoin’s price drop on March 9, the asset rebounded to test the critical overhead resistance zone between $84,000 and $85,000 multiple times. This led traders to aggressively accumulate short positions within this range, anticipating a rejection.

On-chain data from the liquidation heatmap indicated that over $300 million in short positions had accumulated in this zone. If Bitcoin were to break above the $85,000 resistance level, these shorts would be liquidated, potentially fueling further bullish momentum.

Furthermore, with minimal downside liquidity below $77,000, the likelihood of BTC targeting higher liquidity pools increases. If liquidations are triggered above $85,000, Bitcoin could establish a new higher high, turning this resistance level into firm support.

Adding to this bullish setup, an unfilled CME Bitcoin futures gap remains between $85,000 and $86,000 from the previous weekend. Historical data shows that all six similar gaps in the past four months have been filled, suggesting an increased probability of BTC flipping this resistance into a support zone.

Could Bitcoin Rally to $95K?

If Bitcoin successfully turns $85,000 into support, the next significant resistance lies at $90,000. A breakout past this level could liquidate over $1.6 billion in short positions, opening the door for a potential retest of $95,000—a move that represents a 12% surge from current price levels.

Market analysts remain divided on Bitcoin’s next move. Mark Cullen, a prominent Bitcoin analyst, acknowledged the potential for further upside but cautioned that the price action remains “corrective,” suggesting continued sideways movement before a major breakout.

Conversely, crypto analyst and funded trader Valeria pointed out signs of distribution near the $85,000 range, interpreting this as a short-term bearish signal. According to her analysis, Bitcoin may dip below $80,000 before initiating a sustained bullish breakout.

Binance and Coinbase Diverge on Order Book Trends

Market data reveals contrasting trends between major exchanges. On Binance, spot traders have been aggressively selling Bitcoin over the past few days, as reflected in data from Aggr.trade. This selling pressure was most pronounced during Bitcoin’s dip to local lows around $76,650.

Meanwhile, on Coinbase, spot buyers stepped in to place significant bids at these lower price levels, ultimately contributing to Bitcoin’s swift rebound above $80,000.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s current price action suggests a delicate balance between bullish and bearish forces. While liquidity conditions favor a potential breakout above $85,000, market participants remain cautious about short-term downside risks. With a key resistance at $90,000 and a possible retest of $95,000, traders are closely monitoring liquidity movements and exchange order book trends to gauge the next big move in Bitcoin’s price trajectory.

Robinhood Settles FINRA Investigations with $29.75 Million Payment

Online trading platform Robinhood has agreed to pay a total of $29.75 million to resolve multiple investigations by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) concerning its supervision and compliance practices.

The settlement includes a $26 million civil fine and $3.75 million in restitution to affected customers, according to FINRA’s statement on March 7. The regulator found that Robinhood failed to adequately address red flags indicating potential misconduct, leading to violations related to Anti-Money Laundering (AML), supervisory practices, and disclosure requirements.

Supervisory Failures and Trading Restrictions

FINRA determined that Robinhood Financial did not properly oversee its clearing system, particularly during a period of heightened trading activity between March 2020 and January 2021. This timeframe coincides with Robinhood’s controversial decision to restrict trading in high-volatility meme stocks, including GameStop (GME) and AMC Entertainment Holdings (AMC).

Additionally, FINRA found that Robinhood Financial and Robinhood Securities failed to detect, investigate, and report manipulative trading activity, suspicious financial transactions, and instances where hackers took control of customer accounts.

Robinhood Financial also reportedly opened thousands of customer accounts without sufficiently verifying user identities, a direct violation of FINRA regulations. As a result, the firm failed to implement a robust Anti-Money Laundering program, further exacerbating its compliance issues.

The regulatory body also noted that Robinhood failed to “reasonably supervise and retain” social media communications. Specifically, the platform promoted content from paid social media influencers, some of which contained misleading, promissory, or unbalanced statements that could mislead investors.

Restitution and Market Order Disclosures

The $3.75 million in restitution stems from Robinhood Financial providing customers with incomplete or inaccurate disclosures related to “collaring” market orders. This practice involves converting market orders into limit orders, which may impact trade execution.

Robinhood Financial and Robinhood Securities consented to FINRA’s findings without admitting or denying the allegations.

This settlement follows a $45 million agreement reached with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on January 13, 2025, where Robinhood was accused of violating over 10 securities laws. As part of that case, Robinhood Financial and Robinhood Securities admitted to certain findings, including failing to maintain and preserve customer electronic communications from 2020 to 2021.

Robinhood’s Financial Performance

Despite ongoing regulatory challenges, Robinhood reported record-breaking financial performance in Q4 2024, with a net income of $916 million and over $1 billion in revenue. Crypto trading played a significant role in the firm’s growth, contributing $358 million to its $672 million transaction-based revenues—a staggering 200% year-over-year increase. Additionally, crypto trading volumes surged by 450% year-over-year, reaching $71 billion.

A recent analysis by the Financial Times has revealed that former President Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency initiative has amassed at least $350 million in revenue following the launch of the Official Trump (TRUMP) memecoin.

Massive Earnings from TRUMP Memecoin

According to the Financial Times report published on March 7, entities managing the TRUMP memecoin have earned a substantial $314 million from token sales and an additional $36 million from transaction fees on the Solana blockchain.

While Trump’s personal financial gains from the memecoin remain undisclosed, the official website, Gettrumpmemes.com, states that The Trump Organization-affiliated CIC Digital and Delaware-based Fight Fight Fight collectively hold 80% of the total TRUMP token supply.

The Financial Times derived these earnings by meticulously tracking the movement of TRUMP tokens from their initial creation to official wallets and then analyzing their subsequent sales on Solana-based trading platforms.

Total Supply of Trump Memecoins

The TRUMP memecoin was launched just days before Trump’s anticipated return to the White House on January 20.

As part of the launch, 1 billion TRUMP tokens were minted. The first 200 million tokens were made available in the initial batch, while the remaining 800 million are scheduled for release over the next three years.

The Financial Times report further indicated that 158 million TRUMP tokens were deposited into a liquidity pool. This pool enabled traders to purchase the tokens on the open market using Circle’s USDC (USDC) stablecoin, providing liquidity and market accessibility for investors.

Price Manipulation Allegations and Market Moves

An analysis conducted by the Financial Times suggested potential price manipulation in the trading of TRUMP memecoins.

On the day following the launch, Trump-linked wallets offloaded 100 million TRUMP tokens at a price below $1.05. The report also highlighted that, after withdrawing initial USDC profits, Trump-affiliated wallets reinvested $291 million worth of USDC into another liquidity pool, seemingly to maintain market stability.

Further findings revealed that liquidity pools sent approximately 14.7 million TRUMP tokens to major cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, Bybit, and Coinbase. Additionally, Trump-linked accounts reportedly purchased $1 million worth of TRUMP tokens at $33.2 on January 19 and 20, likely in an attempt to stabilize prices following the launch of Melania Trump’s MEMELANIA memecoin.

Since reaching its peak price of $75 on January 19, the TRUMP memecoin has plunged by 82%. However, despite this dramatic decline, the 831 million TRUMP tokens still held by Trump-affiliated wallets are estimated to have a notional value of $10.8 billion, according to the report.

Potential Regulatory Scrutiny on Presidential Memecoins

The TRUMP memecoin has sparked widespread debate in the cryptocurrency industry, particularly due to its influence in triggering approximately 700 copycat projects and its possible connection to the Libra token scandal, which was linked to Argentine President Javier Milei.

U.S. lawmakers have also raised concerns about the legitimacy of presidential memecoins. In late February, House Democrat Representative Sam Liccardo publicly criticized the concept, proposing legislation to prohibit public officials and their families from engaging in such activities.

Further regulatory action followed on March 5, when Assemblymember Clyde Vanel introduced a bill aimed at establishing criminal penalties for memecoin rug pulls. The legislation seeks to protect investors from fraudulent schemes in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

Despite growing regulatory concerns, financial watchdogs, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), have reiterated that memecoins do not currently fall under securities laws. Instead, the regulation of such digital assets is being directed toward other governing authorities.

Trading of digital currencies has picked up rapidly over the last decade, and among the leading traded digital currencies are USDT (Tether) and BTC (Bitcoin). Whether you’re a long-term investor holding Bitcoin or a trader who is taking full advantage of market volatility, instant conversion of USDT to BTC is something which is typically required.

However, most of the crypto exchanges have very long registration processes, identity verification (KYC), and hidden fees, making the conversion slow and frustrating. Fortunately, atpayz offers a fast, secure, and easy way to convert USDT to BTC in an instant without any unnecessary delay.

In this article, we will examine the best way of exchanging USDT to BTC using atpayz, its benefits, and step by step on how to exchange USDT to BTC in real-time.

Why Exchange USDT to BTC?

Before we dive into the best way of exchanging USDT to BTC in real-time, let’s examine why the majority of traders and investors opt to exchange USDT to BTC.

1. Bitcoin Market Dominance

Bitcoin is the most dominant and wealthiest cryptocurrency, commonly thought of as the gold equivalent of digital money. The majority of investors would like to retain BTC because it is a value-storing medium and has a long-term worth.

2. Security and Decentralization

Unlike USDT, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar and controlled by a centralized entity (Tether Ltd.), Bitcoin operates on a decentralized network. BTC transactions are not controlled by a single company or government.

3. Store of Value and Inflation Hedge

Because inflation targets classic fiat currency, the majority of individuals swap USDT to BTC as a method of protecting their assets. It has a capped supply of 21 million Bitcoin coins, hence it is a scarce asset such as gold.

4. More Payment and Investment Opportunities

Bitcoin is widely used for payments, investments, and DeFi purposes. There are plenty of platforms and businesses that facilitate BTC transactions, whereas USDT is mostly used for exchange and maintaining stable value.

5. Taking Advantage of Bitcoin Price Appreciations

While USDT maintains its value unchanged, BTC possesses appreciation value. Traders mostly trade USDT for BTC when they expect the value of Bitcoin to appreciate in the future, allowing them to benefit from future price movements.

Now that we understand why this exchange is so popular, let’s see the best way to exchange USDT to BTC instantly.

atpayz: The Best Platform to Convert USDT to BTC Instantly 

If you’re wondering how to convert USDT to BTC instantly, atpayz is the perfect solution. This platform provides a quick, secure, and anonymous way to exchange cryptocurrencies without the hassle of traditional exchanges. 

1. No Account or KYC Verification Required

Most exchanges require individuals to sign up, verify their identity (KYC), and go through approval before opening up to allow them to trade. This is frustrating and time-consuming.

 atpayz avoids these obstacles and allows you to exchange USDT for BTC instantly without creating an account or presenting personal documents. This makes it fast, secure, and hassle-free.

2. Fast Transactions Without Holding Up

Most traditional transactions take minutes or even hours to process crypto exchanges due to traffic and internal processing.

 Transaction processing is in real-time with atpayz. The second you send your USDT, you will receive BTC within minutes , so you don’t lose out on trade opportunities.

3. No Hidden Fees and Transparent Exchange Rates

Some exchanges charge too much for conversion fees or hidden fees that reduce the quantity of BTC you get.

atpayz offers competitive exchange rates with no extra fees, so you will get the maximum value for your exchange. You see what you get!

4. Simple Interface for Straightforward Conversion

The majority of crypto exchanges come with complicated trading charts, order books, and several means of trading, making it a complicated place to begin for someone who is just starting out.

atpayz simplifies this by a clean and intuitive interface that anyone can use. Regardless of whether you are an experienced or novice trader, exchanging USDT to BTC can be done in just a few steps.

5. High-Level Security and Privacy

Security is a main concern when dealing with cryptocurrency exchanges. Central exchanges usually have user funds and data stored on them, which puts them at a high risk of being hacked.

 With atpayz, your transactions are private and secure:

– Your transactions are end-to-end encrypted

– No storage of personal data on file

– No risk of account breaches or hacks 

How to Convert USDT to BTC Instantly on atpayz 

If you’re wondering how to convert USDT to BTC instantly, follow this simple step-by-step guide using atpayz: 

1. Visit the atpayz Website 

   Go to atpayz.com to access the instant exchange platform. 

2. Select USDT and BTC

 – Select USDT as the currency you wish to exchange.

 – Select BTC as the currency you wish to receive.

3. Enter the Amount

Enter how much USDT you would like to exchange. atpayz will immediately show you the actual amount of BTC you will be receiving.

4. Give Your Bitcoin Wallet Address

Enter your BTC wallet address, to which your newly converted Bitcoin will be transferred. Double-check the address carefully to avoid errors.

5. Confirm and Send USDT

 – Double-check the details.

 – Transfer USDT to the provided address from your cryptocurrency wallet.

6. Receive BTC Immediately

As soon as your payment in USDT is confirmed, your BTC will be sent to your wallet instantly—no waiting!

Final Thoughts: The Best Method to Exchange USDT to BTC Instantly

For a quick, safe, and hassle-free way to exchange USDT for BTC instantly, atpayz is the best option. In contrast to most exchanges that require account registration, KYC verification, and wait times, atpayz allows you to convert USDT for BTC instantly – no registration required.

With instant trades, fair exchange rates, no hidden fees, a simple to use platform, and top-notch security, atpayz is the preferred choice for crypto trades.

So why wait? Visit atpayz today and have the fastest method to convert USDT to BTC in a blink!