Solana Targets the Agentic Internet as AI Agents Drive Millions in On-Chain Payments
TLDR:
The Solana Foundation reports 15 million on-chain agent payments already processed on its network
Stablecoins are emerging as the default payment rail for AI agents buying computational resources.
Vibhu Norby says 95 to 99% of future crypto transactions will originate directly from AI agents.
Solana developers are building machine-readable skill files and AI-first platforms for agents.
Solana is positioning itself as core infrastructure for an emerging “agentic” internet. The Solana Foundation reports the network has already processed 15 million on-chain agent payments.
Stablecoins are emerging as the default payment rail for AI-driven compute and services. Vibhu Norby, the foundation’s chief product officer, shared these updates at the Digital Asset Summit in New York on March 25, 2026. This shift, he said, could change how the internet is monetized at its core.
Solana Emerges as the Default Payment Layer for AI Agents
The Solana Foundation is making a strong case for the network’s role in machine-to-machine commerce. Norby confirmed the network has already “processed 15 million payments onchain from agents,” pointing to real and measurable activity.
Solana Positioned as Core Infrastructure for “Agentic Internet” as AI Agent Payments Near 15 Million
The Solana Foundation stated that Solana is being positioned as core infrastructure for the “agentic” internet. The network has processed approximately 15 million on-chain…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) March 26, 2026
He added that “the programmatic aspect of crypto payments is what is making it interesting for agents.” Stablecoins, he noted, are “going to be the default thing that agents use to pay for any computational resource.”
Traditional payment systems are not built to handle sub-cent, pay-per-use transactions at scale. Norby pointed to this gap directly, stating that agentic payments support low-cost, high-frequency activity that “traditional rails cannot handle.”
Solana’s performance-focused design addresses this need efficiently. This gives the network a clear edge as AI-driven commerce continues to grow across industries.
Norby described AI agents as logical and performance-driven systems that prioritize results over loyalty. “Agents are cold, calculated machines… they don’t subscribe to crypto religiosity,” he told panelists at the summit.
He went further, noting that “if you ask an agent what’s the best way to pay for something with crypto, most of the time, Solana is showing up at the top.” This positions Solana not by preference, but by performance.
The 15 million on-chain agent payments already processed reflect steady, measurable real-world activity on the network. This figure confirms that machine-to-machine commerce is gaining ground on Solana.
As AI systems scale globally, transaction volumes from agents are expected to increase substantially over time.
Agentic Payments Signal a Broader Shift in Internet Monetization
Beyond payments, the Solana Foundation is watching a wider platform transformation take shape across the tech sector.
Norby stated that “AI is not really a vertical. It’s a platform shift… affecting everything across every industry, including crypto.”
He argued that “agentic payments are probably going to change the entire way that the internet is monetized.” This framing sets the stage for entirely new internet business models built around autonomous agents.
Developers on Solana are already building tools designed directly for AI systems to use. Norby noted that “what agents like is APIs and documentation and skills,” pointing to machine-readable skill files and AI-first developer platforms.
The aim is to make Solana more accessible for agents through clean, structured tooling. This active development effort reflects a deliberate shift in how the ecosystem is being built.
Advances in AI are also removing long-standing technical barriers for developers working across ecosystems. Machines and developers can now build cross-platform tools more easily than before.
This opens room for more AI-native applications and cross-chain solutions to take hold on Solana. The result is a more open and developer-friendly network overall.
Looking ahead, Norby expects AI agents to become the standard interface through which people interact with crypto.
He projected that “the default way people will interact with crypto is going to be through their agent… 95 to 99% of all transactions… will be coming from LLMs.” Agentic payments, in his assessment, are set to transform the entire way the internet operates financially.
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ARK Invest Exits Meta (META) and Roku (ROKU) Positions While Loading Up on Tempus AI
Key Takeaways
ARK Invest unloaded 3,578 Meta shares valued at approximately $2.1 million from three separate funds
The investment firm also divested 95,090 Roku shares amounting to roughly $9.1 million across several ETFs
ARK purchased 84,939 Tempus AI shares valued at around $4.1 million during Wednesday’s trading session
Tempus AI has climbed to become the third-largest position in ARK Innovation ETF, representing approximately 5% of total assets
Meta faced courtroom setbacks and announced workforce reductions affecting hundreds of employees
Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest executed a strategic portfolio rebalancing on Wednesday, March 25, reducing exposure to Meta and Roku while significantly increasing its position in healthcare artificial intelligence firm Tempus AI.
The investment management firm disposed of 3,578 Meta shares distributed across three distinct funds. Calculated against Wednesday’s closing price, the transaction value reached approximately $2.1 million. Following this divestment, the ARK Innovation ETF maintains a position of roughly 105,000 Meta shares, currently valued near $63 million — representing about 1% of total fund assets.
Meta experienced a tumultuous Wednesday marked by multiple significant developments. A jury delivered a verdict determining that both Meta and Google’s YouTube demonstrated negligence by operating platforms that caused harm to minors in a groundbreaking social media addiction lawsuit. Both technology giants indicated their intention to pursue appeals.
Simultaneously, Meta introduced an ambitious executive compensation structure targeting a 500% stock appreciation and a $9 trillion market capitalization by 2031. The company acknowledged to Barron’s that workforce reductions would affect several hundred staff members throughout its sales, recruitment, and virtual reality departments. Remarkably, despite this flurry of news, Meta’s stock price gained only 0.3% by market close.
ARK Invest also liquidated 95,090 Roku shares spanning its ARKK, ARKW, and ARKF funds, generating proceeds of approximately $9.1 million. This sale represents a continuation of selling activity, following a substantial Roku divestment executed on March 24.
Additional Wednesday disposals encompassed 30,174 Teradyne shares valued at roughly $9.7 million, along with 205,019 Bullish shares distributed across three ETFs totaling about $7.7 million. ARK has maintained a pattern of reducing its Bullish position throughout the preceding week.
Further sales activity included the disposal of 62,393 Kratos Defense shares and 27,647 Natera shares, generating proceeds of $4.8 million and $5.4 million respectively.
Tempus AI Emerges as Major ARK Holding
On the acquisition front, ARK’s primary focus centered on Tempus AI. The firm accumulated 84,939 shares via its ARKK and ARKG ETFs, deploying approximately $4.1 million in capital.
Tempus AI experienced a 4.2% decline on Wednesday and has retreated 21% year-to-date in 2026. ARK’s acquisition appears strategically timed as a value-buying opportunity during the pullback.
The ARK Innovation ETF currently maintains approximately 6.3 million Tempus AI shares with a market value exceeding $294 million. This position has ascended to the fund’s third-largest allocation, trailing only Tesla and Crispr Therapeutics, constituting roughly 5% of aggregate fund holdings.
Strategic Portfolio Repositioning Continues
Wednesday’s trading activity reflects an ongoing strategic shift within ARK’s portfolio management. The firm has systematically decreased allocations to Roku, Teradyne, and Bullish across multiple consecutive trading sessions.
Concurrently, ARK has been methodically expanding its Tempus AI exposure. Tempus AI operates as a healthcare technology enterprise leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance medical data analysis and oncology treatment protocols.
Supplementary purchases during the session included shares of Archer Aviation, Beam Therapeutics, and additional smaller positions.
The ARK Innovation ETF registered a 1.3% gain on Wednesday’s trading session.
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Meta and Google Hit with $6M Verdict in Landmark Youth Social Media Addiction Case
Key Takeaways
Los Angeles jury determined Meta and Google created platforms with harmful designs targeting youth
Damages awarded: $4.2 million against Meta, $1.8 million against Google
Young adult plaintiff testified to Instagram and YouTube dependency starting in childhood
Appeal proceedings planned by both technology companies
TikTok and Snap reached pre-trial settlements
On March 25, a Los Angeles jury delivered a landmark decision holding Meta and Google accountable for negligent platform design that harmed young users. The court mandated Meta pay damages of $4.2 million, while Google was ordered to pay $1.8 million to a 20-year-old plaintiff identified as Kaley.
Meta & Google have been found liable in a social media addiction lawsuit
• A jury found them negligent in the design and operation of their platforms
• They have been ordered to pay $3M in damages
• The plaintiff is a 20-year-old woman who alleges she was addicted to… pic.twitter.com/Z7ckUaiScq
— Culture Crave (@CultureCrave) March 25, 2026
During her testimony, Kaley detailed how she developed an addiction to Instagram and YouTube during her early years, attributing it to deliberately engineered features designed to capture attention. She described how this dependency consumed significant portions of her life and exacerbated psychological health problems.
The jury’s decision centered on both companies’ failure to provide adequate warnings about potential platform risks. Critically, the lawsuit targeted design elements rather than content moderation, making it more challenging for the defendants to claim immunity.
Representing one of the earliest jury verdicts of this nature in America, the plaintiff’s primary attorney characterized it as “a referendum from a jury to an entire industry that accountability has arrived.”
Meta released a statement expressing disagreement with the outcome and indicated it is exploring legal remedies. Google announced its intention to appeal. Both corporations maintained their positions throughout the proceedings.
Interestingly, despite the verdict, Meta shares gained 0.3% while Alphabet stock increased 0.2% at market close on the ruling date.
Case Details and Trial Proceedings
The trial took place in Los Angeles. Originally, Snap and TikTok were included as defendants, but both companies reached confidential settlements prior to trial commencement. Settlement details remain undisclosed.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared as a witness during the trial. His testimony included questions regarding the reinstatement of beauty filters despite internal employee warnings about potential harm to teenage girls. Zuckerberg defended the decision as enabling user self-expression.
Jurors examined confidential internal communications revealing strategies employed by Meta and Google to engage younger demographics.
Defense attorneys for Meta contended that the plaintiff’s challenging family situation was the primary factor behind her mental health difficulties. YouTube’s legal team maintained her platform usage was insignificant.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
A distinct federal lawsuit filed by multiple states and educational institutions is scheduled for trial this summer in Oakland, California.
An additional state-level trial will commence in Los Angeles this July, involving Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat as defendants.
On Tuesday, a New Mexico jury also ruled unfavorably against Meta, determining the company breached state regulations in litigation initiated by New Mexico’s attorney general concerning child protection on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Approximately 20 states across the United States enacted legislation last year addressing children’s social media usage. No corresponding federal legislation has been approved by Congress.
Meta has disclosed anticipated capital expenditures ranging from $115 billion to $135 billion in 2026. Alphabet has forecasted spending between $175 billion and $185 billion for the current year.
The New Mexico decision against Meta preceded the Los Angeles jury verdict by just one day.
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Pony AI (PONY) Stock Climbs 3% Following Strong Q4 Results and Uber Collaboration
Key Highlights
Pony AI delivered Q4 results above expectations with adjusted EPS of $0.12 and quarterly revenue reaching $29.1 million
Shares climbed 2.81% during pre-market hours following the earnings announcement and partnership reveal
Robotaxi segment revenue skyrocketed 160% compared to the prior year, hitting $6.7 million in Q4
The autonomous vehicle company unveiled a commercial robotaxi collaboration with Uber, set to debut in Zagreb, Croatia
Vehicle fleet exceeded 1,400 units; management aims to reach more than 3,000 vehicles by the conclusion of 2026
Shares of Pony AI (PONY) advanced 2.81% during pre-market hours Thursday following the company’s fourth-quarter earnings release that exceeded Wall Street expectations and the announcement of a strategic collaboration with Uber Technologies to bring robotaxi operations to Europe.
The autonomous driving company delivered adjusted earnings per share of $0.12 for the fourth quarter, surpassing analyst projections. Quarterly revenue totaled $29.1 million.
Overall revenue declined 18% on a year-over-year basis from $35.5 million. This decrease stemmed primarily from timing-related factors affecting project-based income within the licensing and applications division, which contracted 53% to $9.4 million.
Robotruck services generated $13.1 million in revenue for the period, representing a modest 1.2% increase.
The standout performance came from the robotaxi division, where revenue exploded 160% year-over-year to reach $6.7 million. Within this segment, fare-charging revenue experienced extraordinary growth of over 500% compared to the same quarter last year.
On March 22, 2026, the company achieved a record daily net revenue of RMB394 per Gen-7 vehicle, with each unit completing 25 orders on average in Shenzhen.
Strategic Uber Alliance Expands Pony AI Into European Markets
The company revealed a significant agreement with Uber to introduce Europe’s first commercial robotaxi operation. Initial service will commence in Zagreb, Croatia, although a specific launch timeline was not disclosed.
Pony AI has recently extended its footprint to Croatia, Hangzhou, and Changsha. Management has set an ambitious target to operate in over 20 cities worldwide by the end of 2026.
Chief Executive Dr. James Peng described 2025 as “an amazing year,” highlighting fleet expansion, operational growth, and reaching unit economics breakeven across several tier-one Chinese cities.
The company achieved consecutive unit economics profitability in both Guangzhou and Shenzhen within a mere four-month window after introducing its Gen-7 robotaxi platform.
Vehicle Expansion and Balance Sheet Strength
Pony AI’s fleet surpassed 1,400 vehicles as of March 25, 2026. Leadership intends to more than double this figure, targeting over 3,000 vehicles before year-end.
Adjusted net loss expanded to $49 million for the quarter, compared to $41.3 million during the corresponding period in the previous year. Management attributed this increase to upfront investments designed to accelerate commercial deployment.
The company maintained a strong financial position with cash and cash equivalents of $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2025, providing substantial financial flexibility.
These financial results were disclosed as unaudited figures prepared according to U.S. GAAP standards. Pony AI reminded stakeholders to exercise appropriate caution when interpreting the preliminary numbers.
The latest analyst recommendation on Pony AI carries a Buy rating, with a price objective of HK$255.20.
As of March 25, 2026, Pony AI operated a fleet exceeding 1,400 vehicles, with the organization aggressively pursuing its ambitious 3,000-vehicle objective before the calendar year closes.
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Bitcoin Bottom or Bull Trap? Why Calling a BTC Reversal Remains Premature
TLDR:
Bitcoin touched the $60,000 level, sparking bottom calls, but confirmation signals remain largely absent.
Crypto Dan warns that on-chain metrics and capital inflow trends must align before a bottom is confirmed.
Analyst Snyder identifies $68,850 as critical support, with longs viable as long as this level holds firm.
Liquidity pools at $70,940 and $71,630 present valid short targets after price confirms rejection signals.
BTC market bottom calls are growing louder as Bitcoin stages a technical rebound from recent lows. A number of analysts are pointing to the $60,000 level as a possible floor, with some even declaring an altcoin season underway.
However, seasoned market observers urge caution, noting that structural confirmation signals remain absent. Without clear alignment across on-chain data, volatility structures, and capital inflow trends, declaring a definitive bottom carries considerable risk for traders.
BTC Market Bottom Signals Exist, But Confirmation Remains Elusive
BTC market bottom discussions intensified after Bitcoin touched the $60,000 level during the current bear cycle. Analyst Crypto Dan acknowledges that some indicators do point toward the possibility of a bottom forming. However, these signals remain suggestive rather than conclusive at this stage of the market cycle.
BTC — Still Too Early to Call a Bottom
“To confidently identify a true market bottom, more consistent and decisive confirmation signals must appear across on-chain metrics, volatility structures, and capital inflow trends.” – By @DanCoinInvestor pic.twitter.com/eC4AzXML04
— CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) March 26, 2026
The bear market was officially confirmed in late 2025, creating the broader context for today’s recovery debate. Since then, Bitcoin has seen a technical bounce that has reignited optimism among retail and institutional participants alike. Yet optimism alone does not constitute the structural evidence required to confirm a true reversal.
For a genuine bottom to be validated, multiple market indicators must align simultaneously and consistently. On-chain metrics, capital inflow trends, and volatility structures all need to reflect a clear transition from a downtrend to an uptrend.
Currently, none of these categories have produced the decisive confirmation that experienced analysts look for.
Crypto Dan notes that an increasing number of voices are calling for an altcoin season alongside the Bitcoin rebound.
This narrative, while appealing, tends to emerge during technical recoveries that can reverse without warning. Until the structural backbone of a true reversal is in place, these calls remain speculative.
Range-Bound Price Action Reflects the Market’s Ongoing Uncertainty
While the broader bottom debate continues, short-term traders are finding opportunity within Bitcoin’s current range.
Analyst Lennaert Snyder noted that BTC is forming a local range near the $69,517 level, with limited directional momentum. Under these conditions, range trading appears to be the most sensible near-term strategy.
$BTC is forming a local range.
Not a lot of action on Bitcoin, so trading the range seems fair here.
We're currently testing the ~$69,700 FVG. An interesting area to look for longs.
The ~$68,850 low is a daily low from a daily candle that closed like a pinbar. The 50% level… pic.twitter.com/lOAD4hEY0S
— Lennaert Snyder (@LennaertSnyder) March 26, 2026
Snyder identified the ~$69,700 fair value gap as a key area to monitor for potential long entries. He also pointed to the ~$68,850 daily low, formed from a pinbar candle close, as critical support. The alignment of the 50% retracement level with the FVG further strengthens this zone technically.
As long as the ~$68,850 low holds, Snyder maintains that the thesis for long positions stays intact. Traders are advised to seek lower timeframe reversals as entry confirmation before committing to positions. This measured approach reduces exposure in a market that has yet to confirm its broader directional bias.
On the resistance side, the ~$70,940 and ~$71,630 liquidity pools remain valid targets for short positions after confirmation.
Snyder cautioned against jumping into shorts without first observing a rejection at these levels. Until a breakout or breakdown occurs, the range continues to define the market’s short-term structure.
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Reflection AI Seeks $25B Valuation: Nvidia’s (NVDA) Major AI Investment Explained
Key Takeaways
Reflection AI is pursuing funding that would value the Nvidia-backed company at $25 billion
The AI startup aims to secure $2.5 billion, representing over three times its prior $8 billion assessment
JPMorgan Chase may participate via its security-oriented investment division
Founded by former Google DeepMind team members, Reflection AI develops open-source AI systems and developer tools
The company focuses on sovereign AI collaborations with U.S. partner nations to challenge China’s AI advancement
Reflection AI, an artificial intelligence startup with Nvidia backing, is pursuing $2.5 billion in fresh capital at a $25 billion valuation, the Wall Street Journal reports. This represents more than a threefold increase from its approximately $8 billion valuation in its previous funding round.
Reflection, backed by Nvidia, is in talks to raise $2.5 billion at a $25 billion valuation to expand development of open-source AI models. The startup aims to build an ecosystem… pic.twitter.com/TOujgfGg3u
— Hardik Shah (@AIStockSavvy) March 26, 2026
Launched in 2024 by alumni of Google DeepMind, the venture specializes in creating AI solutions for software developers, such as coding assistance platforms. In collaboration with Nvidia, the company produces open-source artificial intelligence frameworks accessible to enterprises, governmental bodies, and academic institutions at no cost.
Nvidia has committed approximately $800 million to Reflection AI thus far. Beyond capital, the semiconductor giant actively facilitates customer introductions, including foreign governments seeking to establish independent AI infrastructure.
Reports indicate JPMorgan Chase is evaluating participation in this funding initiative through its security-centered investment arm. Disruptive, an existing backer, is anticipated to contribute additional capital as well.
Reflection AI has accumulated over $2 billion in total funding to date. However, the organization remains in early revenue generation stages.
National AI Infrastructure Strategy
Among Reflection AI’s most significant recent achievements is a partnership with South Korea’s Shinsegae Group to develop Korean-language artificial intelligence frameworks. This initiative will operate on thousands of Nvidia processors.
The startup intends to replicate this model across global markets. Its objective centers on becoming a leading provider of “sovereign AI” — artificial intelligence infrastructure developed and governed by individual nations or American allies.
This approach directly addresses competition with China’s accelerating AI development. U.S. policymakers have prioritized establishing a domestic AI infrastructure, with Reflection AI positioned as a central component of this initiative.
Open-Source Models and Nvidia’s Ecosystem Play
Reflection AI represents one of multiple startups working intimately with Nvidia to develop sophisticated AI frameworks optimized for its hardware architecture. These open frameworks offer flexibility for deployment across diverse sectors.
Nvidia’s engagement extends well beyond financial investment. The chipmaker proactively connects Reflection AI with prospective clients and assists in expanding its partnership ecosystem.
Financial analysts maintain optimistic projections for Nvidia. TipRanks shows the stock carries a Strong Buy consensus rating, supported by 41 buy recommendations and a single hold rating across the last three months. Analysts’ average price target of $273.34 suggests approximately 53% potential upside from present trading levels.
JPMorgan Chase’s prospective involvement creates an intriguing dynamic, connecting two influential financial sector participants — a banking institution and a chip manufacturer — to a single AI company’s expansion trajectory.
Despite being established less than two years ago, Reflection AI has secured billions in investment commitments and forged partnerships spanning multiple nations.
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Broadcom (AVGO) Stock: Is the 24% Dip a Golden Buying Opportunity After OpenAI Partnership?
Key Takeaways
Broadcom has secured a multiyear collaboration with OpenAI to co-design 10 gigawatts of specialized AI accelerators
The company anticipates its AI semiconductor revenue will reach $8.2B in 2026, doubling from prior year levels
Over $100B in AI chip commitments have been secured for Fiscal Year 2027, supported by 9–10 gigawatts of production capacity
Shares have retreated more than 24% since December 2025 peaks, yet maintain a 62%+ gain over the trailing year
Analyst consensus stands at “Strong Buy” with a mean target of $471.74 — representing approximately 48% potential appreciation
Broadcom (AVGO) currently trades at $318.87, representing a decline of over 24% from its December 2025 high of $414.61.
Broadcom has methodically positioned itself as a critical player in the artificial intelligence infrastructure ecosystem — and institutional investors are reassessing its potential.
The semiconductor designer, renowned for its collaborative chip development with tech giants like Google and Microsoft, recently welcomed OpenAI into its expanding portfolio of strategic partners. The partnership involves a multiyear commitment to jointly engineer 10 gigawatts of customized AI accelerators optimized exclusively for OpenAI’s computational requirements.
This development represents a significant competitive challenge to Nvidia, whose general-purpose GPU solutions have been OpenAI’s primary compute resource.
The OpenAI collaboration represents just one piece of a broader strategic mosaic. Broadcom maintains active custom silicon partnerships with Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft. Coinciding with the OpenAI announcement, Anthropic revealed plans to scale its Google Cloud deployment — incorporating 1 gigawatt of processing power utilizing Google/Broadcom TPU technology.
The strategic shift is unmistakable: leading AI organizations are transitioning from standardized Nvidia components toward application-specific integrated circuits optimized for their unique computational demands. Broadcom has emerged as the preferred engineering partner.
Diversified Revenue Streams Beyond Custom Silicon
Broadcom’s artificial intelligence narrative extends well beyond bespoke chip design. The company’s networking division — encompassing switches, digital signal processors, and interconnect solutions — is becoming foundational infrastructure for massive AI computing clusters.
As artificial intelligence architectures scale in sophistication, inter-chip data transmission velocity becomes a critical performance constraint. Broadcom’s Tomahawk switching platforms and high-bandwidth connectivity solutions are increasingly integrated into the fundamental design of distributed AI systems.
The company has also challenged industry assumptions about copper connectivity obsolescence. Leadership maintains that copper remains highly cost-effective for intra-rack connections at specific bandwidth thresholds — a thesis that, if validated, extends Broadcom’s addressable market opportunity beyond current analyst models.
Complementing its hardware operations, the VMware acquisition provides a software division delivering predictable recurring revenue and enhanced margin characteristics — a diversification advantage unavailable to pure-play AI hardware competitors.
Financial Performance That Demands Attention
For fiscal 2025, Broadcom delivered $63.8 billion in revenue, marking 24% year-over-year growth. Diluted earnings per share expanded 40% during the comparable timeframe. Net profit margin stands at 36.57%, while the debt-to-equity ratio registers at 0.83.
AI semiconductor revenue is forecast to double, reaching $8.2 billion in 2026. The most recent quarter already generated $8.4 billion in AI-related revenue, with forward guidance indicating approximately $10.7 billion for the upcoming period.
Executive leadership has disclosed over $100 billion in AI chip commitments extending through Fiscal 2027, underpinned by 9–10 gigawatts of manufacturing capacity allocated across a client base that now encompasses Google, Meta, Anthropic, TikTok, Fujitsu, and OpenAI.
TipRanks data indicates that 27 of 29 Wall Street analysts assign AVGO a Buy rating. The consensus price target sits at $471.74, suggesting approximately 47.9% appreciation potential from the current $318.81 price level.
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Bitcoin STH Inflows Drop to Record 25K BTC Low as Panic Selling Fades on Binance
TLDR:
STH inflows to Binance have dropped to a record low of 25,000 BTC, down from 100,000 BTC in February.
Bitcoin fell more than 50% below its all-time high before entering its current consolidation trading phase.
The 75% reduction in STH inflows signals a clear easing of panic selling among newer Bitcoin market participants.
Reduced short-term holder activity on Binance is lowering sell-side pressure during a tough period for risk assets.
STH inflows to Binance have dropped to their lowest level ever recorded, now standing at around 25,000 BTC. This comes after a period of intense panic selling that gripped the market in early 2025.
Bitcoin has been navigating a difficult climate shaped by geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing global trade tensions.
The asset has since managed a partial recovery. The retreat in short-term holder activity is being widely viewed as a positive development for the market.
Panic Selling Peaked at 100,000 BTC Before Subsiding
When Bitcoin fell below $60,000, fear spread quickly among short-term holders. These investors, often newer to the market, began sending large volumes of BTC to Binance.
The behavior intensified as prices continued to slide in the weeks that followed. On a seven-day rolling basis, those inflows climbed to approximately 100,000 BTC in early February.
Crypto analyst Darkfost documented this behavior in a post on X. He noted that STHs were responsible for pushing around 100,000 BTC to Binance at that time. That rush to sell was a predictable reaction from this cohort under heavy price pressure.
Panic fades as STH inflows fall to 25k btc
Amid a climate of geopolitical tensions and economic and trade difficulties, BTC has recently managed to recover slightly.
— The formation of a consolidation phase is still underway, which is typical after a period of rapid and… pic.twitter.com/u2EAAJXdHw
— Darkfost (@Darkfost_Coc) March 26, 2026
Since then, STH inflows have been cut by roughly 75%, now reaching around 25,000 BTC. This figure represents the lowest reading ever captured for this metric. The dramatic reduction shows that the initial wave of panic has clearly run its course.
Moreover, fewer STH inflows directly translate to reduced selling pressure on Binance. With less supply hitting the exchange from this group, the market has gained some breathing room. This shift is particularly welcome given the ongoing pressure on global risk assets.
Bitcoin Consolidates as Short-Term Holder Behavior Stabilizes
Following its sharp correction, Bitcoin has entered a consolidation phase. The asset dropped more than 50% from its all-time high before stabilizing.
Such a steep decline naturally triggers a period of price digestion among market participants. A period of sideways trading after such a drop is a well-recognized market pattern.
Darkfost noted in his analysis that this consolidation is still ongoing. He described it as a typical response following rapid and deep devaluation.
The broader environment, including trade disputes and economic uncertainty, has kept pressure on risk assets.
Still, the normalization of STH behavior offers a more grounded market outlook. Fewer reactive sellers in the market reduces the risk of further sharp price drops.
This is especially relevant at a time when macroeconomic conditions remain unsettled. Over time, a more stable short-term holder base supports a healthier recovery process.
Bitcoin continues to trade within a narrow range as the market waits for clearer catalysts. On-chain data reflects a noticeably calmer investor base than what was seen in February.
The overall picture, while still cautious, points to a market that is gradually regaining its footing.
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Arm Holdings (ARM) Shares Soar 16% Following AGI CPU Debut and Bold $15B Revenue Forecast
TLDR
Arm Holdings shares rallied more than 16% Wednesday following the debut of its AGI CPU, the company’s first internally-developed AI chip
The processor targets AI data center applications and agentic artificial intelligence workloads
Meta served as a co-development partner; initial customers include OpenAI, Cloudflare, and SAP
The company projects the chip will contribute $15 billion in yearly revenue by 2031, compared to total fiscal 2025 revenue of $4 billion
Wall Street firms Barclays and Evercore boosted their price targets to $200 and $227 respectively, maintaining Buy recommendations
Arm stock was hovering near $157.07 during market hours, climbing from an intraday low of $148.25 after touching a session peak of $166.69.
Arm Holdings (ARM) delivered a significant announcement Wednesday, with shares climbing more than 16% after revealing its AGI CPU — the company’s first proprietary artificial intelligence processor.
The chip introduction signals a strategic pivot for the UK-based semiconductor firm. Historically, Arm has generated revenue by licensing intellectual property to chipmakers. This launch represents the company’s entry into manufacturing its own hardware.
The AGI CPU focuses on AI data center infrastructure and is engineered to handle agentic AI applications. Production is scheduled to begin in the latter half of 2026.
Meta Platforms participated as a co-development partner and will deploy the chip across its infrastructure. OpenAI, Cloudflare, and SAP have also committed as early adopters. The company intends to broaden these collaborations to encompass Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet via their cloud service offerings.
CEO Rene Haas characterized the launch as “the next phase of the Arm compute platform and a defining moment for our company.”
Ambitious $15 Billion Revenue Projection for 2031
The semiconductor company has outlined an aggressive financial objective — achieving $15 billion in yearly revenue from this new processor by fiscal year 2031. To put this in perspective, Arm reported $4 billion in total revenue during fiscal 2025.
This represents a substantial revenue expansion. However, given the caliber of technology partners already committed, the target appears achievable.
Arm conceded that margins on the chip won’t replicate those from its traditional licensing model. Nevertheless, the massive revenue opportunity has captured investor interest.
The energy efficiency advantages are also generating positive attention. With power consumption emerging as a critical challenge for AI data centers, Arm’s power-efficient architecture positions the company favorably for this market shift.
Wall Street Elevates Price Forecasts
Financial analysts responded promptly. Barclays analyst Tom O’Malley increased his price objective from $165 to $200 — representing a 21% boost — while maintaining his Buy recommendation. He noted the chip “plays into Arm’s strength in energy efficiency” and anticipates additional product launches and customer partnerships ahead.
Evercore ISI analyst Mark Lipacis raised his target more aggressively, moving from $170 to $227, a 34% increase. He identified Arm as “a key beneficiary of agentic AI” and believes the processor provides a credible pathway to achieving the $15 billion revenue milestone by 2031.
ARM currently carries a Strong Buy consensus recommendation based on 20 Buy ratings, 4 Hold ratings, and 1 Sell rating from 25 Wall Street analysts surveyed over the last three months. The mean price objective stands at $170.86, suggesting approximately 9% upside potential from present trading levels.
If Lipacis’s $227 forecast materializes, it would deliver roughly 45% appreciation from the current stock price.
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UK Bans Crypto Donations to Political Parties to Combat Foreign Interference
TLDR:
The UK government has imposed an immediate and complete ban on cryptocurrency donations to all political parties.
British citizens living abroad now face a strict £100,000 annual cap on political donations and regulated loans.
The Rycroft Review, commissioned in December 2025, identified crypto and overseas funds as key democracy risks.
Political entities have 30 days to return unlawful donations once the amended legislation formally comes into force.
Cryptocurrency donations to UK political parties face an immediate and complete ban under new government measures.
The UK government announced the restrictions alongside a £100,000 annual cap on donations from overseas electors.
Both measures take effect from the day of announcement, with retrospective force applied through the Representation of the People Bill.
Political entities have 30 days to return any unlawful donations before enforcement action begins. The decisions stem directly from recommendations in the independent Rycroft Review, published in March 2026.
The UK government announced a ban on cryptocurrency donations to political parties until sufficient regulation is in place, and will cap donations from overseas electors at £100,000 annually, including equivalent loans and regulated transactions; pic.twitter.com/xCMHszrijI
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) March 26, 2026
Crypto Ban Targets Traceability Gaps in Political Funding
The Rycroft Review found that identifying the true ownership of cryptocurrency presents a persistent challenge for regulators. This creates openings for bad actors to direct anonymous or foreign funds into British politics undetected.
As a result, the government imposed a full ban on cryptocurrency donations across all regulated political entities. The prohibition will remain in place until both Parliament and the Electoral Commission are satisfied that oversight is adequate.
Secretary of State Steve Reed was direct in framing the stakes. “Foreign interference and dirty money are menacing the integrity of our elections,” Reed said, adding that a ban on cryptocurrency donations is vital.
He described the UK as now positioned to lead globally in addressing this growing threat. Reed called it a “patriotic duty to safeguard the British people’s right to freely choose their own government.”
The ban covers candidates, MPs, and political parties without exception. Any cryptocurrency donations received since the announcement must be returned within 30 days of the legislation’s passing.
Entities that fail to meet this deadline face formal enforcement action from the Electoral Commission. This approach is consistent with how the government structured earlier reforms under the Representation of the People Bill.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis also weighed in, tying the crypto ban to the wider national security agenda. “National security is our first duty,” Jarvis said. “We’ll always take the action necessary to keep our country safe and defeat attempts to meddle in our democracy.”
He connected the announcement to the Counter Political Interference and Espionage Action Plan he launched in November 2024, which includes security briefings for political parties and guidance for candidates on spotting interference.
Overseas Donation Cap Closes Cross-Border Funding Loopholes
The Rycroft Review raised concerns that overseas donations from British electors are legally permitted but difficult to trace.
When investigators suspect wrongdoing, pursuing funds originating abroad is far more complex for the Electoral Commission.
The review, therefore, recommended a hard annual cap as the most practical way to reduce that risk. The government accepted this recommendation and set the limit at £100,000, covering both donations and regulated transactions such as loans.
Cases cited in the review include former MEP Nathan Gill, convicted and sentenced to 10.5 years for accepting bribes to promote pro-Russian narratives.
The review also referenced Christine Lee, a UK-based lawyer identified as covertly working for the Chinese Communist Party.
Reed said both cases shaped the urgency of the government’s response. “This Government will do whatever is necessary to protect our democracy,” he stated, reinforcing why the measures were applied with immediate retrospective effect.
The government has also committed to reviewing all remaining Rycroft recommendations in full. Those include expanded information powers for the Electoral Commission to support investigations into suspected wrongdoing.
Other reforms already underway under the Representation of the People Bill include tighter rules on unincorporated associations. Stronger “Know Your Donor” checks will also be required before political parties can accept future donations.
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GameStop (GME) Stock Slides as Q4 Earnings Reveal Continued Revenue Pressure
Key Takeaways
Fourth-quarter revenue declined 14% compared to the prior year, reaching $1.1 billion
The company posted net income of $127.9 million, a slight decrease from $131.3 million, with digital asset losses totaling $151 million
Earnings per share contracted from $0.29 to $0.22 due to significant share count expansion
Physical game sales continue declining as both PC and console markets embrace digital distribution
TipRanks AI analyst assigns a Neutral rating to GME with a price target of $23.50
GameStop unveiled its fourth-quarter financial performance following Tuesday’s market close. The company’s holiday period revenue contracted 14% on a year-over-year basis, totaling $1.1 billion.
This revenue contraction stems primarily from the gaming sector’s persistent migration toward digital distribution channels. This represents a long-term challenge that has plagued GameStop’s business model for an extended period.
While topline figures disappointed, gross profit margins showed resilience — climbing from $363.4 million to $386.8 million. This improvement demonstrates the company’s strategic shift toward collectible merchandise such as trading cards, which command healthier profit margins.
Operating expense management proved effective, with selling, general, and administrative costs falling from $282.5 million to $241.5 million. This fiscal discipline enabled the company to maintain profitability.
The company recorded net income of $127.9 million, representing a modest decline from the previous year’s $131.3 million. Notably, this figure incorporates a substantial $151 million loss related to digital asset holdings, which significantly impacted overall performance.
Per-share earnings decreased from $0.29 to $0.22. This reduction was amplified by substantial dilution, as the outstanding share count expanded by approximately one-third following multiple at-the-market equity offerings executed throughout the previous year.
Digital Distribution Continues Eroding Physical Sales
The PC gaming segment transitioned almost completely to digital formats more than ten years ago, with distribution giants like Steam and the Epic Games Store controlling the market. Industry forecasters project PC gaming revenue will eclipse console revenue by 2028.
The console market is experiencing a similar transformation. Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have aggressively promoted subscription-based services — including Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Switch Online — which diminish demand for physical game copies.
GameStop has attempted to broaden its revenue streams. The retailer now trades in professionally graded trading cards across categories like Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and sports collectibles. However, this emphasis on graded cards restricts the addressable market primarily to serious collectors.
CEO Ryan Cohen’s compensation structure has generated considerable attention. The company announced a $35 billion performance-linked pay arrangement in January that would grant Cohen options to acquire 171.5 million GameStop shares at an exercise price of $20.66 — currently below market value. This arrangement signals potential additional dilution for current shareholders if performance targets are met.
Share Dilution Concerns and Market Perspective
Further capital raises remain a distinct possibility. Given the persistent revenue decline, the profitability outlook doesn’t appear robust enough to eliminate the need for additional equity offerings.
GameStop stock trades at $23.08, hovering near analyst targets. The stock has fluctuated between $19.93 and $35.81 over the past year.
Traditional Wall Street analyst coverage of GameStop remains sparse, complicating independent valuation assessments for investors.
The fourth quarter traditionally represents GameStop’s strongest sales period due to holiday consumer spending. A 14% revenue contraction during this critical window casts doubt on the company’s ability to achieve meaningful growth throughout the full fiscal year.
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Super Micro (SMCI) Stock Plunges 33% Amid DOJ Charges and Shareholder Lawsuit
Key Takeaways
A class action complaint was filed against Super Micro Computer (SMCI) in federal court in San Francisco by shareholders
Plaintiffs allege the company concealed substantial server sales to Chinese entities in breach of U.S. export restrictions
Shares of SMCI collapsed 33% on March 20 following DOJ criminal indictments against co-founder Yih-Shyan Liaw and associates
The purported smuggling operation involved Nvidia-based servers generating approximately $2.5 billion in revenue during 2024-2025
Wall Street firms have reduced their price projections, with consensus sitting at “Hold” and an average price target of $31.70
Super Micro Computer is navigating turbulent waters this week — and the storm shows no signs of clearing.
Investors launched a class action case in San Francisco’s federal courthouse on Wednesday, alleging the AI server manufacturer engaged in securities fraud. According to the filing, SMCI deliberately concealed that a significant percentage of its server business involved transactions with Chinese firms, breaching U.S. export control regulations.
The legal action names both CEO Charles Liang and CFO David Weigand as defendants along with Super Micro itself.
The lawsuit encompasses investors who purchased SMCI stock between April 30, 2024, and March 19, 2026. Plaintiffs are pursuing damages yet to be quantified.
The legal filing comes on the heels of a massive March 20 market rout. SMCI shares plummeted 33% in one trading day after the Justice Department unveiled criminal smuggling indictments against co-founder and board member Yih-Shyan Liaw, Taiwan-based sales manager Ruei-Tsang Chang, and contractor Ting-Wei Sun.
Federal prosecutors allege that Liaw and Chang utilized an undisclosed Southeast Asian entity as an intermediary to funnel Nvidia-equipped servers to prohibited Chinese purchasers. The alleged operation reportedly produced $2.5 billion in server revenue throughout 2024 and 2025.
Super Micro as a corporate entity has not been charged in the DOJ’s criminal case. The organization stated it has been “fully cooperating” with federal authorities throughout their probe.
Nevertheless, the shareholder litigation has proceeded. The complaint asserts that SMCI inflated its business projections and intentionally failed to disclose significant deficiencies in its export compliance infrastructure.
Wall Street Slashes Forecasts
The controversy has triggered multiple analyst downgrades across the Street.
Rosenblatt Securities analyst Kevin Cassidy reduced his price objective to $32 from $50, though he maintained his Buy recommendation. He noted the scandal casts “a dark cloud” over what should have been a positive product launch cycle. Despite this, he believes SMCI’s existing order pipeline remains intact, though he anticipates continued stock weakness until the investigation concludes.
Bank of America analyst Ruplu Bhattacharya took a harsher stance. He slashed his target to $24 from $34 while maintaining a Sell rating. He highlighted concerns including potential supplier restrictions on component shipments, customer order freezes, and the possibility of competitors capturing displaced business.
Analyst Consensus Overview
Wall Street currently maintains a consensus Hold rating on SMCI. This reflects eight Hold recommendations, three Buy ratings, and three Sell calls.
The consensus price objective stands at $31.70, suggesting approximately 32% potential upside from present trading levels.
SMCI shares are down roughly 18% year-to-date as March winds down.
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Nvidia Faces Class Action Over Alleged Crypto Mining Revenue Concealment
TLDR:
A federal court certified a class action covering Nvidia investors between August 10, 2017, and November 15, 2018.
Plaintiffs allege Nvidia hid over $1 billion in crypto-related GPU sales within its gaming revenue segment.
Nvidia’s stock dropped nearly 28.5% in two sessions after CFO Colette Kress disclosed crypto inventory issues.
The SEC previously fined Nvidia $5.5 million in 2022 for failing to disclose crypto mining’s effect on revenue.
Nvidia now faces a certified class action lawsuit tied to alleged crypto mining revenue concealment. A U.S. federal court ruled Wednesday that investors may pursue the case as a group.
The lawsuit covers shareholders who purchased Nvidia stock between August 10, 2017, and November 15, 2018. Plaintiffs allege the company hid over $1 billion in crypto-linked GPU sales within its gaming segment. A case conference is now set for April 21.
Court Rules Against Nvidia on Price Impact
Judge Haywood S. Gilliam Jr. of California federal court issued the ruling on Wednesday. He found that Nvidia failed to prove its disclosures had no effect on its stock price.
An internal email from an Nvidia vice president played a key role in the decision. The executive reportedly expressed the view that the stock remained high because of earlier statements.
The court stated it could not conclude there was “no price impact in the face of such evidence.” This ruling allows the certified class of investors to move the case forward together.
Nvidia had previously argued that crypto mining accounted for only a small part of its business. The company also claimed most mining-related sales were tracked separately from its gaming division.
A U.S. federal court ruled that a lawsuit against Nvidia and CEO Jensen Huang over alleged concealment of crypto mining-related GPU revenue can proceed as a class action, covering investors between Aug. 10, 2017 and Nov. 15, 2018; plaintiffs claim Nvidia hid over $1 billion in… pic.twitter.com/fIv50rmP9J
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) March 26, 2026
However, plaintiffs alleged that a large share of crypto-driven revenue flowed through GeForce gaming GPUs. Most of that revenue was reportedly recorded within Nvidia’s gaming segment.
This exposed the company to volatility tied to crypto market cycles, according to the complaint. The court found that argument persuasive enough to allow the case to proceed.
In 2022, the SEC separately fined Nvidia $5.5 million for failing to disclose crypto mining’s effect on its business. After a 2021 dismissal, the investor lawsuit was later revived on appeal. It also survived a failed bid at the Supreme Court. The case now advances as a certified class action.
Crypto Exposure and the Road to Trial
Nvidia’s crypto exposure became clearer through a series of disclosures made during 2018. In August, the company cut guidance, acknowledged excess inventory, and noted that crypto demand had dropped.
Then on November 15, 2018, CFO Colette Kress said gaming revenue was “short of expectations as post crypto channel inventory took longer than expected to sell through.” She added that gaming card prices “took longer than expected to normalize” following the “sharp crypto falloff.”
Following the November disclosure, Nvidia’s stock dropped approximately 28.5% over the next two trading sessions. Plaintiffs identified that date as the point when the company’s exposure became fully apparent to investors.
Those events form a central part of the timeline presented in the class action. Shareholders who bought Nvidia stock before that period are covered under the suit.
Class certification allows investors to pursue the case as a group rather than individually. It does not determine whether Nvidia is liable for any wrongdoing.
However, it marks a meaningful step toward a potential trial. The April 21 conference will allow the judge to outline the next procedural steps.
Renz Chong, CEO of modular on-chain platform Sovrun, noted the ruling sends a clear message. He said courts will not accept “segment-level reporting as a shield” when revenue carries a different risk profile than what investors are told.
Chong added that companies must “get ahead of the disclosure gap now, or litigate it later.” He warned that when markets correct, regulators will examine “what management knew, when they knew it, and what they told the public.”
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Morgan Stanley (MS) Prepares to Launch MSBT: First Bank-Issued Bitcoin ETF
Key Takeaways
Morgan Stanley is preparing to introduce MSBT, its proprietary spot Bitcoin ETF on NYSE Arca, marking a historic first for a major U.S. bank.
Eric Balchunas, Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst, pointed to the NYSE listing notice as evidence that the launch is imminent.
The firm’s wealth management division oversees 16,000 financial advisors controlling $6.2 trillion in client assets — twice the aggregate wealth of Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan’s wealth divisions.
MSBT provides Morgan Stanley’s advisory team with an in-house Bitcoin solution, eliminating the need to direct clients toward competing products such as BlackRock’s offering.
Approximately 80% of Bitcoin ETF transactions on Morgan Stanley’s platform originate from self-directed investor accounts rather than advisor-managed portfolios.
Morgan Stanley stands ready to make a move that would have been unthinkable in traditional banking circles just a handful of years ago. The financial institution is preparing to introduce its own spot Bitcoin ETF, establishing itself as the first prominent U.S. bank to take this step.
Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, drew attention to the development through social media following the New York Stock Exchange’s formal announcement of the fund’s listing. He characterized the launch as happening very soon. The exchange-traded fund will be available for trading under the ticker symbol MSBT on NYSE Arca.
Morgan Stanley Bitcoin ETF $MSBT got an official listing announcement from NYSE, that typically means launch imminent.. pic.twitter.com/SDDVyAGfpJ
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) March 25, 2026
Morgan Stanley submitted its initial application in January 2026. Just days before Balchunas’s announcement, the financial institution filed an updated S-1 registration document with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, validating the listing information.
This isn’t the bank’s inaugural venture into digital assets. Morgan Stanley started permitting brokerage customers to purchase spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024. That capability has grown incrementally over time.
However, creating its own fund represents an entirely different strategic commitment. It associates the institution’s brand directly with a Bitcoin investment vehicle.
The Significance of Morgan Stanley’s Advisor Infrastructure
The compelling narrative here revolves around magnitude. Morgan Stanley operates the nation’s most extensive financial advisor network — 16,000 advisors overseeing $6.2 trillion in client wealth. This figure represents double the combined assets under management at the wealth divisions of Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan.
With its own Bitcoin ETF, these advisors gain access to a product they can propose to clients without directing business to a rival firm’s fund like BlackRock’s IBIT.
John Haar, who leads private services at Swan Bitcoin, noted that Morgan Stanley wouldn’t introduce its own ETF unless the institution anticipated Bitcoin becoming a standard portfolio component throughout its wealth management client ecosystem.
Nevertheless, certain details deserve attention. Amy Oldenburg, Morgan Stanley’s head of digital asset strategy, has indicated that interest in spot crypto ETFs has predominantly originated from self-directed investors rather than advisor-recommended allocations. Roughly 80% of ETF transactions on the platform are self-initiated.
Morgan Stanley’s Comprehensive Digital Asset Strategy
The ETF represents one component of a broader transformation at Morgan Stanley. In January 2026, CEO Ted Pick revealed the bank was collaborating with the U.S. Treasury and additional regulatory bodies on cryptocurrency products. In February, the institution joined other companies applying for a banking charter to provide cryptocurrency custody services.
Following the January 2024 launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs by BlackRock and 11 other asset management firms, total assets in these funds have expanded to exceed $83 billion. Morgan Stanley’s market entry is anticipated to accelerate that growth.
The bank had not issued an official statement regarding the ETF launch at the time of publication.
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Stablecoin issuer Circle suspended access to 16 USDC wallets belonging to operational crypto businesses
Blockchain investigator ZachXBT described the action as “the single most incompetent freeze” he’s witnessed in over five years
The wallet suspensions stem from a sealed civil lawsuit in the United States, with no details disclosed to impacted companies
One wallet controlled by Goated.com has been restored, containing approximately 130,966 USDC
The controversy has renewed concerns about centralized control over stablecoins and freeze capabilities without transparency
Stablecoin provider Circle implemented freezes on 16 USDC wallets associated with legitimate operating enterprises this week, triggering widespread condemnation across the cryptocurrency sector. The affected accounts were connected to digital asset exchanges, gaming platforms, and currency exchange operations.
Renowned blockchain analyst ZachXBT was among the first to expose the situation publicly. He noted that the impacted businesses had no apparent connection or common thread linking them together.
According to ZachXBT, the freezing action relates to a sealed civil lawsuit in a U.S. court. Due to the confidential nature of the proceedings, affected wallet operators received no explanation for the account restrictions.
The NY civil case is sealed and they have provided absolutely ZERO basis to freeze all of these business addresses.
Aaron Nathan from Willkie Farr is the unknown plaintiffs lawyer.
The expert witness is liable. The judge is liable. Circle is liable.
In my 5+ yrs of…
— ZachXBT (@zachxbt) March 25, 2026
“The NY civil case is sealed and they have provided absolutely ZERO basis to freeze all of these business addresses,” ZachXBT stated on X.
He delivered harsh criticism regarding Circle’s approach to the matter. “In my 5+ years of investigations, it could potentially be the single most incompetent freeze I have seen,” he remarked.
ZachXBT emphasized that any analyst with fundamental blockchain analysis capabilities could have determined within moments that these were functioning commercial wallets. The addresses displayed thousands of transaction records, clearly indicating their business-related operations.
Circle remained silent when contacted by various media organizations for statements regarding the incident.
One Wallet Unfrozen
By midweek, Circle had reversed the freeze on one of the 16 affected wallets. The address, labeled “0x61f…e543,” is operated by the platform Goated.com. Blockchain data from Arkham shows the wallet currently contains 130,966 USDC.
ZachXBT indicated he anticipates additional wallets will be restored “in the near future.”
Stablecoin Control Under Scrutiny
This episode has intensified scrutiny on the operational mechanics of centralized stablecoins. Unlike physical currency or decentralized cryptocurrency assets, stablecoins issued by corporations such as Circle possess the technical capability to be frozen without advance notice.
Taylor Monahan, a security researcher at MetaMask, commented on X: “This is not the first bad freeze they’ve done. And it won’t be the last. No accountability. No responsibility. No recourse.”
Mert Mumtaz, who founded RPC infrastructure provider Helius, reinforced this perspective. “This is your 10th reminder that centrally issued stablecoins are not actually yours; they can be frozen, unlike cash,” he posted.
Jean Rausis, who co-founded decentralized exchange platform Smardex, suggested the GENIUS stablecoin regulatory framework establishes infrastructure for what could become a privately controlled digital currency system.
He contended that centralized stablecoins provide issuers with identical financial monitoring and asset-freezing authority comparable to a government-issued CBDC.
Former congressional representative Marjorie Taylor Greene had expressed comparable concerns in May 2025, characterizing regulated stablecoins under the GENIUS framework as a “CBDC Trojan Horse.”
As of Wednesday, Circle has released restrictions on one wallet, with ZachXBT indicating additional restorations are anticipated in coming days.
The post Circle’s USDC Wallet Freeze Sparks Outrage: ZachXBT Slams ‘Incompetent’ Action appeared first on Blockonomi.
New Bill Seeks to Prohibit Government Officials From Trading on Polymarket and Kalshi
Key Highlights
New legislation would prohibit federal officials, including Congress members and the president, from wagering on prediction market platforms
Penalties include a 10% fine on trade value plus mandatory return of all profits to federal coffers
Legislation emerges after questionable wagers on Iran military action generated over $1 million in profits
Kalshi has endorsed the proposed legislation; Polymarket remains silent on the matter
Both prediction market operators implemented new internal policies on Monday before the bill’s introduction
A bipartisan coalition of US legislators has proposed sweeping restrictions preventing politicians and high-ranking government officials from participating in prediction market trading. The proposed legislation, known as the PREDICT Act, was jointly introduced by Democratic Representative Nikki Budzinski of Illinois alongside Republican Representative Adrian Smith from Nebraska.
New tech preemptively blocks politicians, athletes, and sports personnel from trading on markets they’re involved in.
Whistleblower tools and league cooperation added to prevent insider trading and manipulation. pic.twitter.com/R0bRntQhyQ
— The Crypto Times (@CryptoTimes_io) March 24, 2026
The proposed legislation specifically addresses platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi, where participants can place wagers on political developments, governmental policy outcomes, and official actions.
The PREDICT Act would institute a comprehensive prohibition covering congressional representatives, the president, vice president, and appointed officials from engaging in trades on these platforms. The restriction would additionally apply to their immediate family members, including spouses and dependent children.
Violators would incur financial penalties calculated at 10% of their total transaction amount. Additionally, they must surrender all generated profits directly to the United States Treasury.
The legislative push follows troubling patterns in betting behavior. A limited group of participants earned more than $1 million on Polymarket through wagers predicting the exact timing of US military strikes against Iran.
In a separate incident earlier this year, an unidentified participant secured over $400,000 by wagering that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro would vacate his position, placing these bets merely hours prior to a US military intervention designed to remove him from power.
Representative Budzinski emphasized that these incidents generated serious concerns about whether individuals with privileged access to classified government intelligence were exploiting that information for financial gain on prediction markets.
Expanding Legislative Response
The PREDICT Act represents just one component of multiple legislative initiatives targeting prediction market operations introduced during recent weeks. Senator Chris Murphy, along with colleagues, presented legislation that would prohibit all wagers related to terrorism, armed conflict, and political assassinations. Senators Jeff Merkley and Amy Klobuchar unveiled their End Prediction Market Corruption Act during early March.
On Monday, Senators John Curtis and Adam Schiff jointly introduced additional bipartisan legislation aimed at banning sports gambling and casino-style wagering contracts on prediction market platforms registered with the CFTC.
At the state level, eleven states have initiated legal proceedings against prediction market operators, while two additional states have cases currently under consideration.
Platform Reactions and Policy Updates
Kalshi confirmed it currently prohibits insider trading by government personnel and characterized the proposed bill as a “welcome measure.” The platform expressed support for establishing uniform industry standards.
Polymarket has not issued any statement regarding the proposed legislation and did not respond to media inquiries.
Both platforms announced revised internal policies on Monday. Kalshi revealed enhanced screening procedures that prevent politicians from wagering on their own electoral campaigns and bar athletes from betting on sports competitions in which they participate. Polymarket instituted prohibitions against trading based on misappropriated or confidential data and trading by individuals capable of influencing an event’s result.
Representative Budzinski confirmed that her office maintains ongoing discussions with prediction market industry representatives as the legislation advances through the congressional process.
The PREDICT Act would delegate suspected violations to the House Ethics Committee for investigation and enforcement. According to Budzinski, the bipartisan nature of the legislation enhances its prospects for approval in both the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and Senate.
The proposed legislation does not impose a blanket prohibition on political staff participating in prediction markets. A congressional chief of staff, for example, could continue placing wagers on sporting events such as March Madness tournaments, but would be restricted from betting on governmental policy matters such as federal agency reopening timelines.
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A bearish reversal requires SOL to fall beneath $88.57—this hasn’t occurred yet.
The $82–$86 zone shows robust buying activity, supported by Fibonacci levels.
Price rejection occurred near $92.70, with resistance concentrated between $91–$94.
Breaking above the $94–$96 threshold could propel SOL toward $98 and beyond.
Major compliance firm Elliptic has partnered with Solana’s Developer Platform, bringing enterprise-grade tools used by Mastercard, Worldpay, and Western Union.
Solana continues defending a critical support area as market participants monitor a tight price corridor that may determine the asset’s upcoming trajectory. Multiple technical formations indicate indecision, while fresh institutional collaboration strengthens the network’s infrastructure.
Solana (SOL) Price
The token has been trading within the $82 to $86 bracket, a zone that aligns with key Fibonacci retracement markers and an ascending trendline. This convergence indicates persistent demand at these price points. Following successful defense of this area, a consolidation pattern has emerged.
The subsequent upward movement from this foundation displayed an A-B-C corrective wave formation visible on shorter timeframes. Such patterns generally indicate consolidation rather than trend reversal. While this maintains bullish potential, it stops short of confirming directional commitment.
$91–$94 Zone Acts as Ceiling
During recent attempts to climb higher, SOL encountered significant selling pressure. The $91–$94 area features clustered Fibonacci resistance levels creating a formidable barrier. Price rejection around $92.70 demonstrated continued seller presence at these elevations.
$SOL still not showing a top
would need a 5-wave move down a break below 88.57
until then no bearish confirmation watching for rejection pic.twitter.com/X4j5qNOGY9
— More Crypto Online (@Morecryptoonl) March 24, 2026
Should this overhead resistance persist, expect potential retracement toward $85 or marginally lower to absorb liquidity. This wouldn’t compromise the overarching structure unless price action breaches $88.57—the critical threshold analysts identify as confirming bearish control.
Conversely, decisive movement above the $94–$96 region would shift technical dynamics. Such a breakthrough would negate the corrective interpretation and establish pathways toward $98 or higher targets.
The SOL/BTC trading pair reveals encouraging developments. Daily timeframe analysis shows the pair challenging horizontal resistance while maintaining position above an upward-sloping trendline. The Relative Strength Index demonstrates upward momentum and recently crossed above its signal line, indicating strengthening performance against Bitcoin.
Weekly chart examination places SOL near the lower boundary of a widening wedge formation. Maintaining this support level is crucial. Failure would suggest extended downside risk, while successful defense preserves recovery possibilities within the pattern.
Solana $SOL could rise to $102 if it breaks the mid-range around $95. pic.twitter.com/RI3ruPp5bZ
— Ali Charts (@alicharts) March 25, 2026
Major Compliance Integration Announced
Beyond technical considerations, Solana secured an important infrastructure advancement. Elliptic has been designated as the official compliance partner for Solana’s Developer Platform.
This platform provides developers with unified access to construct financial applications including tokenized deposits, stablecoin payment systems, and real-world asset infrastructure. Elliptic contributes integrated wallet screening capabilities, transaction surveillance, and comprehensive risk assessment tools.
Notable organizations already utilizing the platform include payment giants Mastercard, Worldpay, and Western Union.
Currently, SOL must maintain support above $88.57 to preserve existing technical formation, while the $91–$94 region remains the critical area monitoring for potential breakout scenarios.
The post Solana (SOL) Price Analysis: Can Bulls Push Toward $102? Technical Breakdown appeared first on Blockonomi.
BitGo (BTGO) Partners with ZKsync to Launch Tokenized Deposit Platform for Banks
Key Highlights
Digital asset custodian BitGo joins forces with ZKsync to develop blockchain infrastructure enabling banks to tokenize traditional deposits
Solution leverages Prividium, ZKsync’s permissioned blockchain designed specifically for compliance-focused financial institutions
Tokenized deposits differ from stablecoins by maintaining funds within conventional banking frameworks
Platform currently undergoing testing phase with regulated institutions, broader launch scheduled for late 2025
BitGo stock reached $10.00, registering a 2.16% increase during trading
Digital asset custody provider BitGo has joined forces with ZKsync, an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution, to develop infrastructure enabling traditional banks to tokenize deposits on blockchain technology. The collaboration aims to provide financial institutions with a compliant pathway to leverage distributed ledger capabilities.
The solution merges BitGo’s enterprise-grade custody services and digital wallet technology with ZKsync’s Prividium network—a permissioned blockchain architecture engineered for heavily regulated financial entities prioritizing privacy and compliance.
Through this alliance, the companies are delivering banks a turnkey solution for issuing, transferring, and settling tokenized versions of traditional deposits. This approach eliminates the burden on individual banks to develop proprietary blockchain systems from scratch.
The initiative addresses a pressing market need. Financial institutions seek blockchain’s operational efficiency and settlement speed but face barriers accessing public networks due to stringent regulatory obligations.
Tokenized deposits represent a distinct category from stablecoins. While stablecoins generally operate outside traditional banking structures, tokenized deposits preserve funds within established financial systems, facilitating easier regulatory alignment.
Matter Labs, the development team behind ZKsync, has strategically positioned Prividium as a connector between decentralized blockchain innovation and institutional compliance requirements. Chief Executive Alex Gluchowski characterized tokenized deposits as “how banks bring money onchain without leaving the regulatory system.”
Core Features for Financial Institutions
The integrated platform promises round-the-clock operational availability, real-time settlement capabilities, and enhanced security protocols. Additionally, it enables programmable payment functionality, allowing transaction automation based on predetermined criteria.
BitGo has maintained a presence in cryptocurrency infrastructure since 2013. The firm gained recognition for pioneering multi-signature wallet solutions that bolstered security standards and facilitated institutional adoption of digital asset technologies.
This infrastructure operates independently of stablecoins, distinguishing it from alternative blockchain payment initiatives, including platforms developed by Ripple Labs that incorporate proprietary digital tokens.
The system is presently undergoing pilot testing with regulated financial institutions, with comprehensive production deployment scheduled for the latter half of this year.
Banking Sector’s Stablecoin Tensions
This partnership emerges amid escalating friction between traditional banks and stablecoin providers. Banking institutions have contended that yield-bearing stablecoins siphon deposits from conventional accounts.
While the Clarity Act sought to address portions of these concerns, disagreements persist. Coinbase recently opposed proposed restrictions on stablecoin yields, leaving the controversy unresolved.
The BitGo-ZKsync infrastructure doesn’t directly settle the stablecoin controversy. However, it provides banks an alternative route to blockchain adoption that completely bypasses stablecoin utilization.
The traditional finance ecosystem this platform targets represents an estimated $450 trillion market opportunity.
BitGo stock was valued at $10.00 during market activity, reflecting a 2.16% gain compared to the prior session’s close.
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Bhutan’s Bitcoin (BTC) Fire Sale: $152M Dumped in 2026 and Counting
Key Takeaways
Bhutan moved 519.7 BTC valued at $36.75 million in its latest transaction on Wednesday
The kingdom has liquidated more than $152 million in Bitcoin so far in 2026
BTC reserves have plummeted 66% from approximately 13,000 BTC to just 4,453 BTC
Singapore’s QCP Capital receives most transfers through structured OTC deals
The nation’s 10,000 BTC commitment to Gelephu Mindfulness City appears impossible to fulfill
The Kingdom of Bhutan continues its systematic liquidation of Bitcoin holdings in 2026, with the selling momentum accelerating in recent weeks. Wednesday’s transaction saw the government transfer 519.7 BTC valued at $36.75 million to an external wallet, based on tracking data from Arkham Intelligence.
Bhutan’s cumulative Bitcoin disposals for 2026 have now surpassed the $152 million threshold.
The Himalayan nation accumulated its cryptocurrency treasury through government-operated hydroelectric mining facilities. With abundant renewable energy from surplus hydropower, mining costs were virtually negligible. This means every Bitcoin liquidation represents nearly 100% profit for the Royal Government.
At their zenith in late 2024, Bhutan’s Bitcoin reserves reached approximately 13,000 BTC. However, systematic outflows have dramatically reduced that position. Current holdings stand at merely 4,453 BTC—representing a staggering 66% decline from peak levels.
Source: Arkham
The liquidation campaign began conservatively. During January and February, individual transfers ranged from $5 million to $15 million. March witnessed a dramatic escalation, with transaction sizes ballooning to between $35 million and $45 million per movement.
The previous week marked the most intensive period of Bitcoin activity from Bhutan on record. A series of coordinated transfers moved approximately $72 million worth of Bitcoin within just seven days. The most substantial single transaction involved 595.8 BTC worth $44.44 million.
Strategic OTC Liquidation Framework
QCP Capital, a Singapore-headquartered digital asset trading firm, has been the recipient of three distinct Bitcoin transfers from Bhutan this year, totaling approximately $16.6 million. The recurring pattern of transfers to this specific entity indicates a formal over-the-counter liquidation agreement.
OTC transactions enable large-scale holders to dispose of significant positions without directly impacting public exchange markets, thereby minimizing adverse price movements. Bhutan’s approach of segmenting sales into multiple transactions serves precisely this purpose.
Bitcoin (BTC) Price
Bitcoin has traded in a range of $65,000 to $75,000 throughout March, significantly below the near-$119,000 peaks witnessed earlier. At maximum valuation, Bhutan’s portfolio approached $1.88 billion. Today’s holdings are worth approximately $315 million.
Blockchain analysis reveals minimal to zero fresh Bitcoin entering Bhutan’s wallets from mining activities recently. This pattern suggests the kingdom may have reduced or completely suspended its mining operations following the latest Bitcoin halving event.
The Gelephu Commitment Conundrum
Last December, Bhutan unveiled its Bitcoin Development Pledge, committing up to 10,000 BTC toward financing the ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative. When announced, that allocation represented approximately $860 million in value.
With current reserves sitting below 4,500 BTC, fulfilling the original 10,000 BTC pledge would require Bhutan to completely reverse its entire drawdown and acquire additional coins.
Wednesday’s 519.7 BTC transfer represents the latest chapter in what has evolved into an increasingly aggressive sovereign Bitcoin liquidation strategy throughout 2026.
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