The post Stablecoin Reward Ban Debate Intensifies as Clarity Act Stalls appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The debate over banning passive rewards on stablecoins is gaining urgency as U.S. lawmakers work toward finalizing crypto regulations before the upcoming congressional deadline. 

The discussion intensified in late March 2026, with banks pushing to restrict yield-bearing stablecoins while crypto firms warn it could slow adoption.

CLARITY Act Stalls Over Stablecoin Yield Dispute

The Senate’s market structure bill, known as the CLARITY Act, has stalled after negotiations broke down over whether stablecoin providers should offer yield. The legislation, backed by the president, aims to create comprehensive rules for the U.S. crypto market, including clearer classifications for digital assets.

Banking groups are lobbying lawmakers to prohibit stablecoin rewards that resemble deposit interest. Traditional savings accounts currently offer around 0.01% to 0.50% annually, while some crypto platforms provide roughly 3.5% to 4% on stablecoin deposits such as USDC. Banks argue that this gap could trigger deposit outflows from the traditional financial system.

The dispute centers on whether dollar-pegged stablecoins should only be used for payments and settlement or allowed to compete directly with bank accounts and money market funds by offering yield.

Retail Participation and Exchange Revenue at Risk

If passive rewards are banned, retail participation could decline. Many users place their funds in stablecoins to earn passive returns while waiting for trading opportunities. Removing yields could reduce on-chain dollar demand and lower liquidity across crypto platforms.

Crypto exchanges may also feel the impact. Platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini currently benefit from stablecoin balances through interest-sharing and treasury strategies. A reduction in stablecoin deposits could affect platform revenue and overall activity.

Stablecoin adoption could slow as well. Yield-bearing stablecoins have become popular during volatile periods, allowing investors to hold stable assets while earning returns

• Also Read :
•   Trump Trigger Sparks Crypto Market Rally: Bitcoin Hits $71K, XRP & ETH Spikes
•   ,

Crypto Industry May Adapt Despite Regulatory Pressure

Despite concerns, the impact may not be entirely negative. Crypto firms have previously adjusted to similar restrictions by restructuring reward programs. Instead of direct interest, platforms may shift toward activity-based incentives such as trading rewards, payments, or liquidity participation.

There is also a possibility that yield programs move outside the United States if regulatory pressure increases. This would allow global platforms to continue offering incentives while complying with local rules.

Ultimately, many in the industry believe the broader regulatory clarity matters more. The Clarity Act aims to define digital commodities and securities, potentially reducing enforcement risks. 

Even if passive rewards are restricted, clearer rules could support long-term growth and innovation in the crypto market.

FAQs

The post Trump 48 Hours Deadline Countdown Puts Markets on Edge as Bitcoin Faces Sell-Off appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

U.S. President Donald Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum on the Strait of Hormuz is about to expire, keeping global markets on high alert. Following this, gold and silver together lost nearly $2 trillion in value.

The crypto market also took a hit, dropping $412 million in the last 24 hours, with Bitcoin alone seeing $121 million in liquidations.

However, Financial experts have outlined two possible scenarios for what could happen next.

Trump Hormuz Ultimatum Global Markets on Edge

On 22nd March, President Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. could strike Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened. This has raised geopolitical tensions.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key oil route, handling about 30% of the world’s oil supply. Any disruption could push oil prices higher. Oil is currently near $110 per barrel, down from its peak of $154. The price drop happened after the G7 and IEA announced a release of 400 million barrels from their reserves to ease shortages.

Meanwhile responded strongly to Trump’s threat, Iran warned that any attack would lead to retaliation against energy and oil infrastructure in the region. Officials said this could keep oil prices high for a long time. 

Two Possible Market Scenarios

These tensions are worrying financial markets, including crypto, as rising oil prices can increase inflation. Thus, traders are now preparing for two possible scenarios.

• Resolution or Partial Reopening 

In the first case, a resolution or partial reopening of the Strait could bring short-term relief. That outcome may trigger a temporary bounce in Bitcoin and equities, especially if vessels resume movement and ceasefire discussions emerge.

Perhaps analysts believe that any rally may be limited due to upcoming inflation data.

• No Deal or Escalation

In the second scenario, if tensions continue or escalate, Bitcoin’s price could hit the $66,000–$67,000 range. A drop below this could trigger deeper losses, especially if oil prices surge and liquidity tightens. 

Risk assets often struggle when geopolitical stress combines with rising inflation expectations.

Market Awaits as Countdown Begins

Since the start of the U.S.-Israel and Iran conflict, the crypto market has struggled and moved mostly sideways. Last week, Bitcoin jumped to $76K due to strong ETF inflows from institutional investors. However, it has now lost those gains and is trading below $68K.

Traders are also closely watching upcoming inflation data. High inflation usually puts pressure on risk assets like crypto, so any short-term rally could fade if the data comes in strong.

Tonight’s market moves are being seen as a preview of what’s coming next. 

The post Ethereum OG Moves 15,000 ETH to Coinbase After 10 Years: Is a Major Sell-Off Coming? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

An early Ethereum investor has moved 15,002 ETH worth about $31 million to Coinbase after years of inactivity. The transfer comes as Ethereum trades near $2,000, down 3.5% in 24 hours, sparking concerns that a long-term holder may be preparing to take profits.

Meanwhile, well-known chart analyst Ali Chart predicts the Ethereum price to retest $1800 this week.

Ethereum OG Deposits 15,000 ETH to Coinbase After 10 Years

According to Arkham Intelligence, an early Ethereum wallet labeled 0xa2F6 transferred 15,002 ETH to Coinbase, worth about $30.97 million at current prices. The address had been inactive for nearly a year, and such exchange deposits are often seen as a sign of possible selling, which can create short-term market pressure.

The wallet dates back to Ethereum’s early days. The holder accumulated around 172,700 ETH in 2016, when prices were close to $12, giving the stash a value of roughly $2.2 million at the time.

At today’s prices, those holdings would be worth about $356 million. If the recently moved 15,000 ETH is sold, the investor could realize nearly $30.79 million in profit, marking an estimated return of around 17,680% over the past decade.

Ethereum Price Drops 3.5% Amid Gold Drop

As of now, Ethereum is trading near $2,000, marking a 3.5% drop in the past 24 hours. The decline follows a sharp fall in gold prices, which dropped to around $4,340, recording the biggest weekly decline in over 40 years. 

This move comes despite ongoing geopolitical tensions as the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran enters its fifth week.

Chart Analyst Warns Of ETH Price Drop To $1800

Looking at the Ethereum weekly chart, Ali Martinez noted that Ethereum (ETH) is forming a long-term rising triangle on the weekly chart. The lower line of the triangle, called the trendline, is slowly going up and gives strong support. ETH recently touched around $2,156, bouncing from this trendline, showing buyers are defending it.

The top of the triangle, near $4,900, acts as strong resistance. If ETH breaks above $4,900 and holds, it could rise toward $10,000 in the next few years.

If ETH falls below the trendline, around $2,100–$1,800, it could drop further to $1,200, which is the long-term support.

Right now, ETH is near the bottom of the triangle, making it a good risk/reward point for buyers. The overall trend is still bullish, as long as ETH stays above the rising trendline.

The post Bitcoin Drops to $68,000 as Gold Posts Worst Week in 40 Years appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Gold prices have fallen sharply to about $4,340, making this the largest weekly drop in over 40 years. This comes even as the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran enters its fifth week,

At the same time, the crypto market is also down by 1.6%. Meanwhile, flagship cryptocurrency Bitcoin has slipped from $76,000 to around $68,000, raising concern in markets around the world

Why is the Gold Price Crashing Today?

According to recent market data, gold prices dropped below $4,340, marking one of the biggest declines this year. Gold had earlier reached nearly $4,600 in March, but suddenly fell nearly 5% in a single day.

The main reason behind this drop is rising U.S. 10-year Treasury yields, which have climbed to around 4.40%, increasing nearly 45 basis points in just three weeks. A stronger dollar usually pushes gold prices lower.

Another major reason is forced liquidation. In just a few hours, gold and silver together erased nearly $2 trillion in market value. Silver alone fell below $65, dropping more than 4%, and wiping out around $150 billion in market cap.

Also, rising oil prices near $112 are increasing inflation concerns. This makes markets expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates high until at least 2027. Polymarket traders see a 75% chance of no rate cuts in 2026.

Recently, Donald Trump issued a two-day ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face potential strikes on power plants. In response, Iran warned it could shut the crucial waterway and target energy and infrastructure facilities if attacked. This increased geopolitical tension, but gold still fell instead of rising.

• Also Read :
•   Why are Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP Prices Crashing Today: Iran, Trump and the Strait of Hormuz Explained
•   ,

How Falling Gold Prices Are Impacting the Crypto Market

The crypto market is also feeling the pressure. The total crypto market cap has dropped around 1.6% to $2.34 trillion. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has fallen to near $68,000 after recently touching $76,000.

Other major cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin have also fallen around 3%. 

Currently, Bitcoin is not acting like gold. Instead, it behaves more like a liquidity asset, moving with interest rates and money supply. When rates rise and liquidity tightens, both stocks and crypto usually fall.

However, one important long-term trend is that Spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted $56 billion in less than 2 years, almost matching gold ETF inflows built over 15 years, making Bitcoin ETFs one of the fastest capital accumulation stories in ETF history.

Bitcoin vs Gold Chart Prediction

Crypto trader Blade shared the BTC/Gold chart, showing a repeating historical pattern. According to the chart, Bitcoin usually consolidates against gold for around 14 months, and then enters a strong expansion phase.

The same structure appears to be forming again in 2026, which could mean Bitcoin may soon start outperforming gold in the next phase of the cycle.

If this happen bitcoin will soon retest its all-time-high price of $126K.

FAQs