BlackRock Continues ETH Accumulation with $15.1 Million Purchase for ETF
BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, has added another 6,018.36 Ethereum (ETH) to its holdings, a transaction valued at approximately $15.1 million. This acquisition is the latest in a consistent stream of purchases for its iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), the firm's spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund. The ongoing accumulation underscores BlackRock's strategy to continuously match the fund's underlying assets with investor inflows. Since the launch of spot Ethereum ETFs, BlackRock has been a dominant force, consistently buying ETH from the open market to back the shares of its popular ETHA product. This latest purchase further solidifies its position as a major institutional holder of Ethereum. These daily inflows into the ETHA fund are viewed by analysts as a strong indicator of sustained institutional demand for the second-largest cryptocurrency. While each individual purchase may vary in size, the overall trend demonstrates a significant and steady flow of traditional capital into the digital asset ecosystem via regulated investment vehicles. For the broader market, BlackRock's relentless accumulation provides a source of consistent buying pressure for Ethereum. The transparency of these ETF-related flows offers a clear metric for tracking institutional sentiment, which remains robust as firms continue to build their strategic positions in ETH. #BlackRock #Ethereum #ETH #Crypto #ETF
Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady; What It Means for Crypto Markets
WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Federal Reserve has held its benchmark interest rate steady, leaving the federal funds rate in the target range of 4.25% to 4.50%. The widely anticipated decision marks the fourth consecutive meeting where the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has opted to maintain its current monetary policy, continuing a "wait-and-see" approach amidst an uncertain economic landscape. In its official statement, the FOMC noted that while inflation has eased over the past year, it remains elevated. The committee reiterated its commitment to returning inflation to its 2% objective and stated it "does not expect it will be appropriate to reduce the target range until it has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent." This cautious tone suggests that the "higher for longer" interest rate environment, which has significant implications for global markets, will persist. For the crypto and digital asset markets, the Fed's decision to hold rates firm was largely priced in. Higher interest rates typically increase the appeal of traditional yield-bearing assets like bonds, creating headwinds for non-yielding risk assets such as Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The continued restrictive stance means the cost of capital remains high, potentially tempering the aggressive inflows and bullish sentiment that often accompany looser monetary policy. Market participants will now meticulously analyze the language from Fed Chair Jerome Powell's subsequent press conference and the updated economic projections, or "dot plot." Any hints regarding the future path of rate cuts will be critical. While the hold was expected, the Fed's forward guidance on inflation and economic growth will be the primary driver for market direction, determining whether assets like Bitcoin can sustain their momentum or if they face further consolidation under the current macroeconomic pressure. #FederalReserve #FOMC #InterestRates #CryptoNews #Bitcoin #Macroeconomics
JUST IN: Bitcoin miner Bitdeer ($BTDR) announces an upsized $330 million convertible notes offering.
The funds will be used to expand datacenters, develop new ASIC miners, and restructure existing debt. This is Bitdeer's third major capital raise in a year, underscoring an aggressive growth strategy.
Momentum Builds as White House Crypto Czar David Sacks Says Bill is "Very Close"
In a signal of growing optimism for digital asset regulation in the United States, White House AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks has indicated that a crypto bill is on the verge of becoming a reality. The statement comes as the industry sees its most significant legislative progress to date, reflecting a concerted effort by lawmakers and the administration to establish clear rules for the rapidly evolving market. Sacks, a prominent venture capitalist and senior advisor to the President, was appointed to foster a pro-innovation environment, and his comments underscore the high-level priority now being given to formalizing the legal framework for crypto in the U.S. This momentum was solidified this week by a landmark bipartisan vote in the Senate, which overwhelmingly passed a stablecoin regulation bill. The historic legislation, which now heads to the House for consideration, marks the first time a comprehensive crypto bill has cleared the upper chamber. This success, combined with the earlier passage of the broader FIT21 market structure bill in the House, suggests that after years of debate, the U.S. is finally on a tangible path toward regulatory clarity, aligning with the positive outlook shared by Sacks. #CryptoBill #USPolitics #CryptoRegulation #DavidSacks #Stablecoin #FIT21
US Government Moves to Seize $225M in Crypto from Scammers in Historic Secret Service Operation
WASHINGTON D.C. – In a landmark move against digital asset fraud, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed a civil forfeiture complaint to seize over $225.3 million in cryptocurrency. The funds are allegedly tied to a massive, sophisticated money laundering network that preyed on victims of "cryptocurrency confidence scams," a fraudulent scheme more commonly known as "pig butchering." The operation represents the single largest cryptocurrency seizure in the history of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS). According to the complaint filed today in the District of Columbia, federal law enforcement, including the USSS and the FBI, utilized advanced blockchain analysis to meticulously trace the stolen funds. The investigation uncovered a sprawling web of hundreds of thousands of transactions designed to obscure the illicit origins of the money. This massive forfeiture action targets the financial heart of criminal syndicates that orchestrate these confidence scams. The "pig butchering" method involves criminals building trust with their targets over time before persuading them to "invest" in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms. Once the funds are transferred, they are quickly funneled through complex laundering schemes, making recovery exceptionally difficult. Officials have emphasized their commitment to leveraging all available tools to combat the rising tide of crypto-related crime and protect American consumers. "This seizure... marks the largest cryptocurrency seizure in U.S. Secret Service (USSS) history," said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet. The primary objective of the forfeiture action is to seize these illicitly obtained funds so they can eventually be returned to the rightful owners who fell victim to the elaborate scams. #CryptoNews #Seizure #SecretService #DOJ #ScamAlert #Blockchain #CryptoRegulation
Polygon Co-Founder Spins Off to Launch Independent ZK Venture "Zisk"
In a significant strategic move within the Ethereum scaling ecosystem, Polygon co-founder Jordi Baylina has announced the formation of Zisk, an independent company dedicated to advancing zero-knowledge (ZK) technology. The new venture emerges as a spin-off from Polygon Labs, comprising the team and intellectual property formerly behind the Polygon zkEVM. Zisk will focus on developing a high-performance, open-source, and low-latency Zero-Knowledge Virtual Machine (zkVM). This technology allows for the verification of computations without revealing the underlying data, a cornerstone for building more scalable and private blockchain applications. According to its official communications, Zisk was incubated within Polygon Labs before officially becoming a standalone entity on June 13, 2025, with the mission to build the reference zkVM project in the Web3 space. The launch of Zisk is a direct result of a major strategic realignment at Polygon. Newly appointed Polygon Foundation CEO, and fellow co-founder, Sandeep Nailwal recently announced plans to sunset the existing Polygon zkEVM chain. This decision is part of a broader pivot to concentrate resources on the core Polygon PoS chain and the "Agglayer," an interoperability layer designed to connect various blockchains. This carve-out allows the specialized ZK team, led by Baylina, to pursue its technological vision with greater focus and agility, independent of Polygon's shifting roadmap. While Polygon is stepping back from its direct operational role in this specific zkEVM, the move empowers Zisk to innovate freely on ZK proving technology, which could ultimately benefit the entire blockchain industry, including the broader Polygon ecosystem, in the long run. #Polygon #Zisk #ZK #ZeroKnowledge #CryptoNews #Layer2 #Blockchain #Ethereum
Own.App Enters Public Beta, Unveiling Blockchain-Powered Tools to Revolutionize the Creator Economy
A new contender has entered the social media arena with a mission to overhaul how creators earn a living. Own.App has officially launched its public beta on iOS and Android, introducing a suite of monetization tools built on blockchain technology. The platform aims to empower creators by providing them with direct ownership of their content and a significantly larger share of the revenue they generate. At the core of Own.App's model is the principle of "true ownership." By leveraging the Base Layer 2 blockchain, the platform ensures that every piece of content is verifiable and that creators maintain control over their work. This infrastructure powers a new, more equitable ecosystem where monetization is not a privilege for the few but a right for all. Unlike traditional platforms that impose high fees and opaque payment structures, Own.App offers creators substantially higher payouts: 80% from tips, 90% from brand sponsorships, and 95% from their integrated "Own Shop." The platform was co-founded by a team with a formidable track record in both mainstream and Web3 applications, including CEO Amir Kaltak, COO Katia Zaitsev, and Chief Creator Officer Sarah Mick, who was instrumental in designing the user experiences for Tinder and Bumble. Their vision is to create a new economy where talent is rewarded directly and transparently. The platform pays creators in its native $OWN token, which is backed by a share of the platform's revenue and is fully tradable, providing real-world value from day one. The launch follows a successful invite-only phase that attracted a waitlist of nearly 40,000 users, signaling strong market demand for a fairer social media model. By removing barriers like minimum follower counts and geographical restrictions, Own.App is championing a future of global equal pay for creative work. "Owning your content, global equal pay, and fair compensation should be the norm, not the exception," stated CCO Sarah Mick, encapsulating the platform's disruptive mission. #OwnApp #CreatorEconomy #Web3 #Crypto #Blockchain #Monetization #Decentralization
The Blockchain Group Deepens Bitcoin Treasury with $19.6M Purchase
In a significant move underscoring growing institutional conviction in cryptocurrency, Paris-listed firm The Blockchain Group (Euronext Growth: ALTBG) has announced the acquisition of an additional 182 Bitcoin (BTC). The purchase, valued at approximately $19.6 million (€17 million), further solidifies the company's strategy as a dedicated "Bitcoin Treasury Company." This latest acquisition brings The Blockchain Group's total Bitcoin holdings to an impressive 1,653 BTC. At current market prices, the company's digital asset reserve is now valued at over $170 million. This continues a deliberate and aggressive accumulation strategy that has positioned the French technology firm as a notable player in the corporate adoption of Bitcoin as a treasury asset. The company has stated that the funds for this substantial purchase were raised through a series of recently completed convertible bond issuances. This financing strategy highlights the innovative methods companies are employing to gain exposure to the digital asset market, leveraging traditional financial instruments to build their Bitcoin reserves. The move signals strong investor confidence in The Blockchain Group's vision and its digital-first approach to corporate treasury management. This purchase further enhances what the company refers to as its "BTC Yield," a metric that reflects the growth in Bitcoin held per fully diluted share. The consistent increase in its Bitcoin holdings is a core part of its mission to offer shareholders an alternative store of value and a hedge against traditional market volatility. As institutional interest in Bitcoin continues to mature, The Blockchain Group's proactive treasury strategy places it at the forefront of this global trend. #Bitcoin #Blockchain #InstitutionalInvestment #CryptoNews #BTC #DigitalAssets
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Pro-Bitcoin Advocate Paul Atkins Sworn In as SEC Chair
Paul Atkins, a known supporter of Bitcoin and digital assets, has officially taken over as Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). His appointment signals a potential shift in regulatory tone toward a more crypto-friendly stance.
Atkins previously served as an SEC commissioner and has publicly criticized excessive regulation in the crypto space. Market participants expect a review of past enforcement-heavy policies and renewed dialogue with blockchain innovators.
India Agrees to Cut Tariffs Following Talks with President Trump
President Donald Trump announced that India has agreed to significantly lower tariffs on U.S. goods after recent trade negotiations.
"India has agreed to cut tariffs way down," Trump stated, without specifying the exact reductions.
This move comes as part of broader trade discussions aimed at strengthening U.S.-India economic ties. Further details on the tariff adjustments are expected soon.
President Donald Trump is set to host the inaugural White House Crypto Summit on Friday, March 7, 2025, bringing together key figures from the cryptocurrency industry to discuss the future of digital assets in the United States.
Confirmed Attendees:
Michael Saylor: Executive Chairman of Strategy, known for significant Bitcoin investments.
Brian Armstrong: CEO of Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange.
Sergey Nazarov: Co-founder of Chainlink, a decentralized oracle network.
J.P. Richardson: CEO of Exodus, a prominent self-custodial crypto wallet provider.
Matt Huang: Co-founder of Paradigm, a crypto investment firm.
Vlad Tenev: CEO of Robinhood, a commission-free trading platform.
Arjun Sethi: CEO of Kraken, a major cryptocurrency exchange.
Kyle Samani: Co-founder of Multicoin Capital, a crypto-focused investment firm.
David Bailey: CEO of Bitcoin Magazine.
Zach Witkoff: Co-founder of World Liberty Financial, associated with Trump's family crypto project.
Summit Details:
Date & Time: Friday, March 7, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM (ET).
Format: Roundtable discussions focusing on regulatory frameworks, innovation, and the integration of digital assets into the U.S. financial system.
Moderators:
David Sacks: White House AI and Crypto Czar.
Bo Hines: Executive Director of the President’s Working Group on Digital Assets.
Agenda Highlights:
Regulatory Clarity: Establishing a clear framework for digital assets to foster innovation and economic growth.
U.S. Leadership: Positioning the United States as a global leader in the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors.
Crypto Strategic Reserve: Discussing the establishment of a U.S. Crypto Reserve, which may include assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano.
This summit signifies a pivotal moment in the U.S. government's engagement with the cryptocurrency industry, aiming to balance regulatory oversight with the promotion of technological advancement and economic opportunity.
Fidelity's spot Ethereum Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) recently acquired 10,100 ETH, valued at approximately $21.7 million as of March 4.
Background on Fidelity's Ethereum ETF:
Launch: Fidelity introduced the Fidelity® Ethereum Fund (FETH) in July 2024, offering investors direct exposure to Ethereum through a spot ETF structure.
Custody: The fund's underlying Ether is securely custodied by Fidelity Digital Assets, ensuring institutional-grade security for investors.
Expense Ratio: FETH is competitively priced with an expense ratio of 0.25%, which was waived until January 1, 2025, to provide added value to investors.
Significance of the Recent Purchase:
This substantial acquisition underscores Fidelity's commitment to expanding its cryptocurrency offerings and reflects the growing institutional interest in Ethereum as a viable asset class. The move aligns with a broader trend of traditional financial institutions integrating digital assets into their investment portfolios.
Investors seeking exposure to Ethereum may consider FETH as a regulated and secure avenue, benefiting from Fidelity's extensive experience in asset management and digital asset custody.
El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has reaffirmed his commitment to purchasing Bitcoin (BTC), despite the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s recent stipulations under a $1.4 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement.
IMF Agreement Details:
On February 26, 2025, the IMF approved a 40-month EFF arrangement for El Salvador, providing access to approximately $1.4 billion.
A condition of this agreement requires the Salvadoran public sector to halt voluntary accumulation of Bitcoin during the program's duration.
President Bukele's Stance:
In response to the IMF's condition, President Bukele declared that the country's Bitcoin acquisition strategy would persist, stating, "No, it's not stopping."
He emphasized that El Salvador's commitment to Bitcoin remains steadfast, even in the face of international pressure.
Context:
El Salvador adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021, aiming to enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth.
The IMF has consistently expressed concerns regarding Bitcoin's volatility and potential risks to financial stability, leading to conditions in the recent funding agreement to limit public sector involvement in cryptocurrency activities.
President Bukele's unwavering stance highlights a potential tension between El Salvador's sovereign monetary policies and international financial institutions' recommendations.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has agreed to dismiss its lawsuit against Cumberland DRW, the cryptocurrency trading division of Chicago-based trading firm DRW Holdings LLC.
Background:
In October 2024, the SEC filed a lawsuit alleging that Cumberland operated as an unregistered securities dealer, handling over $2 billion in crypto assets, including tokens such as Polygon (POL), Solana (SOL), Cosmos (ATOM), Algorand (ALGO), and Filecoin (FIL).
Recent Developments:
On March 4, 2025, Cumberland announced via its official X account that it had signed a joint filing with the SEC to dismiss the case. This agreement, reached in principle on February 20, is pending final approval from the Commission.
Cumberland expressed its commitment to collaborating with the SEC to harmonize technological advancements with regulatory clarity, aiming to maintain the U.S.'s leadership in global financial innovation.
Broader Context:
This development is part of a series of recent SEC actions, where the agency has moved to dismiss or settle enforcement cases against several cryptocurrency firms, including Coinbase, Kraken, and ConsenSys.
The dismissal of the lawsuit against Cumberland DRW reflects a potential shift in the SEC's regulatory approach under the current administration, emphasizing collaboration and clarity in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency industry.
Blockstream, a leading Bitcoin development firm, has secured a multi-billion dollar investment to launch three new institutional-grade Bitcoin investment funds, including lending solutions, starting April 1, 2025.
Key Details:
Fund Offerings:
Bitcoin-Backed Loans: A fund dedicated to underwriting loans secured by Bitcoin collateral.
Crypto Borrowing with USD Collateral: A fund facilitating cryptocurrency borrowing using U.S. dollars as collateral.
Hedge Fund Strategies: A fund deploying various hedge fund strategies within the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Launch Timeline:
April 1, 2025: All three funds will become operational.
July 1, 2025: Blockstream will begin accepting additional external capital.
Strategic Expansion:
Blockstream has opened a new office in Tokyo to promote the adoption of Bitcoin Layer-2 solutions, self-custody technologies, and the tokenization of real-world assets in Japan.
This development signifies a renewed interest in cryptocurrency lending services, reflecting the growing institutional demand for Bitcoin-native financial products.
El Salvador has entered into a $1.4 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which includes stipulations affecting the nation's Bitcoin policies. A key condition of this agreement is the prohibition of voluntary Bitcoin accumulation by the public sector during the program's duration.
Background:
Bitcoin Adoption: In September 2021, El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, aiming to promote financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth. The government actively invested in Bitcoin, amassing over 6,081 BTC (approximately $600 million as of February 24, 2025).
IMF Agreement Details:
Loan Approval: In December 2024, the IMF approved a 40-month, $1.4 billion EFF arrangement to support El Salvador's economic reforms.
Bitcoin Restrictions: As part of the agreement, the IMF requires El Salvador to restrict public sector involvement in Bitcoin-related activities, including halting further Bitcoin purchases by government entities.
Policy Adjustments: The government agreed to reduce Bitcoin purchases, cease accepting tax payments in Bitcoin, and gradually withdraw from involvement in the Chivo e-wallet initiative.
Implications:
Financial Oversight: The IMF's conditions aim to mitigate potential risks associated with Bitcoin's volatility and ensure financial stability within El Salvador.
Economic Reforms: The agreement emphasizes the need for transparency, regulation, and supervision of digital assets to safeguard consumer and investor interests.
This development signifies a shift in El Salvador's approach to cryptocurrency adoption, balancing innovative financial strategies with traditional economic frameworks under international guidance.
Metaplanet Inc., a Tokyo-listed financial services firm, has recently expanded its Bitcoin holdings by acquiring an additional 156 BTC, bringing its total reserves to 2,391 BTC. This purchase aligns with the company's strategic initiative to bolster its Bitcoin Treasury Operations.
In a related development, Metaplanet announced plans to raise 116 billion yen (approximately $745 million) through the issuance of 21 million shares. The capital raised is intended to further augment the firm's Bitcoin holdings, reflecting its commitment to leveraging Bitcoin as a store of value amid currency fluctuations.
These moves underscore Metaplanet's aggressive strategy to increase its Bitcoin reserves, with targets set at 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025 and 21,000 BTC by the end of 2026.
BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, has become the 1,100th institutional holder of a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), marking a significant milestone in Wall Street's acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class.
Key Highlights:
BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT): Launched in January 2024, IBIT has rapidly attracted institutional interest, reaching over 1,100 institutional holders within its first year—a record for newly launched ETFs, which typically have under 10 holders in their initial year.
Institutional Adoption: Major financial institutions, including pension funds and hedge funds, have significantly increased their holdings in Bitcoin ETFs. For instance, the State of Wisconsin’s investment board boosted its holdings to just over 6 million shares of IBIT as of December 31, 2024. Similarly, billionaire hedge fund investor Paul Tudor Jones nearly doubled his stake in IBIT to over 8 million shares during the same period.
Market Growth: In the fourth quarter of 2024, institutional investors purchased $38.7 billion worth of spot Bitcoin ETFs, more than tripling the $12.4 billion reported in the previous quarter.
This surge in institutional participation underscores a growing recognition of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as integral components of diversified investment portfolios. BlackRock's prominent position in this space reflects a broader shift in traditional finance towards embracing digital assets.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's GDPNow model has recently updated its forecast for the U.S. economy in the first quarter of 2025, projecting a 2.8% annualized contraction. This significant downward revision has raised concerns about a potential recession, colloquially termed a "Trumpcession," due to its occurrence early in President Donald Trump's second term.
Key Factors Influencing the Forecast:
Trade Deficit: The U.S. trade deficit reached a record $153 billion in January, largely attributed to a surge in imports ahead of anticipated tariffs.
Consumer Spending: There was a 0.5% decline in consumer spending in January, marking the largest drop in three years, indicating reduced consumer confidence.
Manufacturing Slowdown: The ISM manufacturing index fell to 50.3 in February, nearing contraction territory, with new orders and employment both declining.
Market Reactions:
Equity Markets: Major U.S. stock indices experienced declines, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite falling by 1.5% and 1.8%, respectively, reflecting investor concerns over economic growth.
Bond Yields: The yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes decreased by 15 basis points, signaling a shift towards safer assets amid economic uncertainty.
Economic Outlook:
Economists are closely monitoring these developments, with some expressing concerns about a potential recession if current trends persist. The Federal Reserve may face challenges in balancing efforts to control inflation with the need to support economic growth.
It's important to note that the GDPNow model is a real-time estimate and can be subject to revisions as new data becomes available. Nonetheless, the current projection underscores the need for vigilance regarding the U.S. economic trajectory in the coming months.
A cryptocurrency whale has reportedly amassed an unrealized profit exceeding $81 million by shorting Ethereum (ETH) with 50x leverage, according to on-chain analytics platform Lookonchain.
Key Details:
Trading Strategy: The whale initiated a highly leveraged short position on ETH, anticipating a price decline.
Market Movement: Following the announcement of new tariffs by President Donald Trump, the cryptocurrency market experienced a downturn, with ETH's price dropping significantly.
Profit Realization: The whale has begun closing portions of the short positions to secure profits, as reported by Lookonchain.
This event underscores the substantial impact that macroeconomic developments and strategic trading decisions can have on cryptocurrency markets.