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Crypto Markets Brace for White House Showdown as CLARITY Act Faces March 1 Deadline

CLARITY Act stablecoin yield debate

The post Crypto Markets Brace for White House Showdown as CLARITY Act Faces March 1 Deadline appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Crypto markets are entering a critical policy week with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. Investors are closely watching Washington as Congress prepares to revisit the long-debated crypto market structure bill in a key White House meeting tomorrow. Sentiment remains cautious, as regulatory clarity could either unlock fresh institutional participation or introduce tighter restrictions that weigh on parts of the industry, particularly stablecoins.

The discussion centers on the proposed CLARITY Act, legislation designed to define regulatory oversight and establish clearer rules for digital assets in the United States.

What’s Happening in Washington

In an X post, Eleanor Terrett revealed Congress’s third major meeting on the market structure bill. The focus this time is squarely on stablecoin yield, whether issuers should be allowed to offer rewards or interest-like incentives to holders.

The U.S. House previously passed a version of the crypto bill in July 2025, but final approval has stalled due to disagreements over these yield provisions. While broader elements of the bill aim to clarify jurisdiction between regulators and create a predictable framework for crypto firms, stablecoins have become the main sticking point.

Banks argue that allowing stablecoin rewards could pull deposits away from traditional institutions, weakening lending capacity and potentially disrupting financial stability. Crypto firms counter that stablecoins are not bank deposits and should not be treated as savings accounts. They warn that banning yield would stifle innovation and reduce consumer choice.

March 1 Deadline Adds Pressure

The White House Crypto Council recently held its second negotiation session, describing talks as “productive” but inconclusive. Banking representatives proposed a strict ban on any financial or non-financial incentives tied to stablecoin ownership, a move strongly opposed by crypto leaders.

The White House has now set a March 1 deadline for both sides to reach a compromise. The outcome could determine whether the broader market structure bill advances quickly or faces further delays.

Bull Scenario: Clarity Sparks Confidence

If lawmakers strike a balanced compromise, possibly allowing limited yield under strict safeguards, it could be seen as a major step toward regulatory clarity. That clarity may attract institutional investors who have been waiting for defined rules before expanding exposure.

In this scenario, stablecoin issuers gain operational certainty, exchanges benefit from improved compliance pathways, and overall market sentiment turns constructive. Regulatory progress often reduces uncertainty premiums, potentially supporting crypto prices in the medium term.

Bear Scenario: Restrictions Slow Momentum

On the other hand, a hard ban on stablecoin rewards could dampen growth in decentralized finance and limit competitive innovation. If negotiations collapse or the bill faces renewed delays, uncertainty may persist. Prolonged regulatory gridlock could weigh on sentiment, particularly if investors fear tighter controls without corresponding clarity. In the short term, volatility is likely as markets react to headlines from Washington.

For now, traders remain on edge, aware that this meeting could shape the next phase of U.S. crypto regulation.

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FAQs

What is the CLARITY Act and why does it matter for crypto?

The CLARITY Act aims to define U.S. crypto rules and regulator roles, giving firms and investors clearer guidelines that could boost confidence and growth.

When is the White House deadline for the crypto bill?

The White House has set a March 1 deadline for lawmakers and industry representatives to reach a compromise on the stablecoin provisions in the market structure bill.

How could new crypto rules affect prices?

Clear rules could attract institutional investment and boost prices by reducing uncertainty, while restrictions or delays might increase volatility and slow market momentum.

Coinbase Launches $100K USDC Loans Backed by XRP, DOGE, ADA, LTC

Coinbase crypto-backed loans

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Coinbase has rolled out a new lending facility that allows U.S. customers to borrow up to $100,000 in USD Coin against holdings in XRP, Dogecoin (DOGE), Cardano (ADA), and Litecoin (LTC).

The move significantly expands Coinbase’s crypto-backed lending services beyond bitcoin and ether, bringing some of the most widely held altcoins into its borrowing ecosystem. The service is available immediately across the United States, except in New York.

Instant Liquidity Without Selling

The new feature is designed to give investors quick access to liquidity without forcing them to sell their crypto holdings. By pledging eligible assets as collateral, users can receive USDC almost instantly while maintaining their market exposure.

Because borrowers are not selling their tokens, they can potentially avoid triggering taxable capital gains events. This makes the product particularly attractive to long-term holders who want short-term cash while preserving their investment positions.

Unlike traditional bank loans that often involve lengthy credit checks and approval processes, Coinbase’s crypto-backed loans rely on blockchain infrastructure. The lending engine is powered by Morpho and runs on Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer-2 network. This setup reflects a growing trend of centralized exchanges integrating decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols to enhance product efficiency and transparency.

Strategic Expansion Into Altcoins

By including XRP, DOGE, ADA, and LTC, Coinbase is targeting tokens with large retail followings. These assets are among the most popular altcoins in U.S. customer portfolios.

For holders of tokens like Dogecoin and XRP, which do not offer native staking rewards, borrowing against their holdings can be one of the few ways to generate liquidity without exiting the market. The launch also signals Coinbase’s continued push to diversify revenue streams beyond trading fees. As market volumes fluctuate, lending products can provide a more stable source of income for exchanges.

Current Crypto Sentiments

The expansion comes as Bitcoin hovers near $67,000 following hawkish Federal Reserve minutes. Broader markets have shifted into a cautious, risk-off mood. According to crypto investor Joe, this could become the longest sustained slide since 2022 if downside momentum continues. Altcoins have been hit harder. Ethereum, Solana, and XRP have all seen notable pullbacks, reflecting thinning liquidity and investor caution.

At the same time, major exchanges are still making strategic moves. Kraken recently acquired Magna, signaling that consolidation and expansion plans remain active despite weaker price action.

FED Researchers Say Kalshi Data Could Improve Rate Expectation Tracking

Fed prediction market data Kalshi

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Researchers linked to the Federal Reserve say prediction market data from Kalshi could help policymakers better measure economic expectations. In their paper, “Kalshi and the Rise of Macro Markets,” they argue that managing expectations is central to monetary policy, but traditional tools such as surveys and financial derivatives have clear limits.

Surveys are often slow and reflect past sentiment. Market-based indicators like bond yields or futures contracts can be complex and are not always tied directly to specific policy decisions. The researchers say Kalshi provides a more direct and real-time view of how traders interpret economic developments.

How Kalshi Measures Expectations in Real Time

Kalshi allows users to trade contracts linked to macroeconomic outcomes, including inflation (CPI), payroll data, GDP growth, and Federal Open Market Committee rate decisions. Each contract reflects the probability of a specific event taking place.

Because these probabilities update throughout the trading day, Kalshi shows how expectations change when new information appears. When a Fed official speaks or fresh economic data is released, market pricing shifts immediately.

For example, the implied probability of a July rate cut rose to 25 percent after comments from Fed Governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman. It later declined following a stronger-than-expected employment report. This quick reaction shows how prediction markets adjust faster than many traditional measures.

The researchers suggest that this data could be used to build risk-neutral probability density models, which estimate possible interest rate outcomes and their likelihood for upcoming meetings.

Potential Impact on Crypto and Prediction Markets

Prediction markets have grown rapidly, with platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket surpassing 10 billion dollars in monthly trading volume. While Kalshi operates under US regulation and is not fully crypto-based, the broader sector overlaps with blockchain platforms.

If the Federal Reserve studies or references prediction market data more closely, it could strengthen the sector’s standing and draw more institutional participation. That could improve confidence in prediction platforms and increase liquidity across regulated and crypto markets.

Greater recognition may also ease regulatory uncertainty, which affects overall crypto market sentiment.

Will the Crypto Market Recover

The research paper does not indicate any immediate policy shift. Federal Reserve papers are meant to encourage discussion, not set policy. However, the view that prediction markets provide useful real-time insight suggests policymakers are exploring more market-based data.

If prediction markets play a larger role, clarity around interest rate expectations could improve. Clearer expectations often help reduce volatility, which may support both traditional financial markets and crypto assets.

Over time, closer use of market signals in policy discussions could help stabilize recoveries after economic shocks. For crypto markets, stronger institutional interest and broader acceptance remain important, and this development could support that trend.

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FAQs

Why is the Federal Reserve interested in Kalshi market data?

The Fed sees Kalshi data as a valuable tool to measure trader expectations instantly, offering clearer signals on how markets interpret policy comments and economic reports.

Could the use of prediction markets impact crypto prices?

Yes, wider adoption of prediction markets could boost institutional confidence and liquidity, potentially stabilizing crypto markets by providing clearer interest rate expectations.

Are prediction markets like Kalshi legal and regulated in the US?

Yes, Kalshi is a federally regulated exchange in the US, allowing it to offer event contracts that comply with financial laws and provide trusted market data.

Elizabeth Warren Opposes Bitcoin Bailout as Price Falls 50%

Elizabeth Warren Bitcoin bailout

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Senator Elizabeth Warren has strongly opposed any bailout for Bitcoin. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, she warned that using taxpayer money to support Bitcoin would mainly help wealthy investors and crypto insiders. 

Reports also say she suggested that such action could benefit politically connected crypto ventures, including World Liberty Financial. Her position shows that many in Washington do not support treating crypto like traditional banks during times of financial stress.

Her comments also highlight ongoing divisions over crypto regulation. Instead of backing price support measures, Warren’s message suggests that policymakers may allow the market to adjust on its own, even if prices fall further.

Bitcoin’s Price Drop Raises Concerns

Warren’s letter comes as Bitcoin has dropped more than 50% from its all-time high in October. The cryptocurrency recently fell to around $60,000, raising fresh concerns about market stability. On the same day Warren sent her letter, World Liberty Financial hosted its first “World Liberty Forum” at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, bringing together crypto executives and policymakers who support the industry.

Debate Over Government Authority

At a recent Financial Stability Oversight Council hearing, Congressman Brad Sherman asked whether the Treasury Department has the authority to bail out Bitcoin or encourage banks to buy crypto assets, including the Trump-themed token TRUMP.

Secretary Bessent responded that banks can hold different assets as part of diversification. He also said the US government is holding seized Bitcoin, describing it as government-owned property rather than taxpayer funds being invested in crypto. When Sherman raised concerns about tax dollars being used, Bessent said the seized Bitcoin does not involve taxpayer money.

Warren Criticizes Treasury Response

Warren disagreed with Bessent’s explanation. In her letter, she said the Treasury secretary avoided directly answering whether the government plans to step in during the current Bitcoin selloff. She argued that direct purchases, guarantees, or special lending programs to support Bitcoin would mostly benefit wealthy investors. Warren urged regulators not to take steps that would prop up prices at public expense.

So far, neither the Treasury Department nor the Federal Reserve has announced any bailout measures. The Federal Reserve confirmed it received Warren’s letter but did not provide further comment.

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FAQs

Why is Elizabeth Warren against a Bitcoin bailout?

She argues a bailout would mainly benefit crypto insiders and wealthy holders, not everyday taxpayers, during market volatility.

Can the US government legally bail out Bitcoin?

There’s no clear authority to directly bail out Bitcoin. Lawmakers are debating whether Treasury even has that power.

Is the US government using taxpayer money to buy Bitcoin?

No. Officials say seized Bitcoin held by the government is treated as recovered property, not taxpayer-funded investment.

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon Says He Owns ‘Very Little’ Bitcoin

David Solomon Bitcoin investment

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Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon has said that he personally owns a small amount of Bitcoin. Speaking at the World Liberty Forum, he shared that he holds “very little, but some,” and described himself as more of an observer than an active crypto trader.

This is notable because Solomon has previously been cautious about cryptocurrencies. While he is still not fully backing Bitcoin, he did admit that it could work as a store of value, similar to gold, for some investors. At the same time, he pointed out that Bitcoin remains highly volatile, with prices that can move sharply up or down in a short period.

How Goldman Sachs Looks at Crypto

Solomon said he views crypto and traditional finance as part of the same financial development. Instead of heavily investing in cryptocurrencies, Goldman Sachs is more focused on the technology behind them.

One area of interest is tokenization — turning real-world assets like stocks, bonds, or real estate into digital tokens on a blockchain. This could help make trading quicker and more efficient. The bank is also looking into stablecoins, which are digital currencies tied to assets like the U.S. dollar to reduce price swings.

However, Goldman is moving carefully. Reports indicate that the bank recently reduced its holdings in spot crypto ETFs. This suggests that while it is exploring opportunities, it is not making large bets in the sector.

Regulation Remains Key

Regulation was a major part of Solomon’s comments. He said that heavy regulation over the past few years has slowed capital growth in financial markets. In his view, overregulating crypto could also hold back innovation. Still, he made it clear that crypto companies must follow proper legal guidelines.

He also noted that the regulatory environment in the U.S. may be improving under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has taken a more supportive stance toward crypto. Solomon mentioned the proposed CLARITY Act, a bill aimed at creating a clear national framework for digital assets.

What It Means for Investors

Solomon’s remarks show that large Wall Street firms are gradually becoming more open to crypto, though cautiously. His recognition of Bitcoin as a possible store of value signals a shift in tone.

Even so, Goldman’s future involvement in crypto will likely depend on clearer and more stable regulations. If rules become more defined, the bank may expand its role in digital asset markets beyond just exploring blockchain technology.

Kraken Integrates OTC Desk With ICE Chat, Expanding Institutional Crypto Access

Kraken ICE Chat integration

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Kraken has integrated its over-the-counter (OTC) trading desk with ICE Chat, the institutional messaging platform operated by Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). Announced on February 17, 2026, the move enables more than 120,000 ICE Chat users to directly engage with Kraken’s OTC desk through the same system they use for traditional financial market activity.

With this integration, Kraken becomes the first cryptocurrency platform approved to connect with ICE Chat. The development marks a meaningful step in aligning digital assets with established financial market infrastructure.

How the Integration Works

The integration allows institutional traders to communicate with Kraken’s OTC desk directly within ICE Chat, eliminating the need to log into separate crypto trading platforms. ICE Chat is widely used by banks, brokers, hedge funds, and trading desks for real-time negotiation and execution across equities, fixed income, commodities, and derivatives.

Kraken’s OTC desk focuses on large block trades in crypto spot and options markets. These trades are typically structured to minimize price slippage and market disruption, which is especially important for institutions managing sizable positions.

By embedding its services into ICE Chat, Kraken simplifies access to crypto liquidity while keeping the trading process inside familiar, regulated communication channels.

Why This Matters for Institutional Adoption

One of the key challenges in institutional crypto adoption has been workflow disruption. Large financial firms operate within tightly integrated systems for compliance, reporting, and communication. Introducing separate crypto platforms often creates operational friction.

ICE Chat includes compliance-focused tools such as AI-powered Smart Text Recognition, which helps firms monitor and archive trade-related communications. By integrating into this infrastructure, Kraken aligns its services with institutional compliance standards rather than requiring firms to adapt to new systems.

Kraken Institutional Head Gurpreet Oberoi described the integration as opening “a direct line into core institutional workflows,” underscoring the company’s strategy of embedding crypto access within traditional finance environments.

ICE’s Broader Push Into Digital Assets

The integration also reflects ICE’s expanding footprint in crypto and tokenized markets. The exchange operator, which owns the New York Stock Exchange, has moved beyond traditional exchange infrastructure into blockchain data services and digital asset investments.

Recent initiatives include partnerships to bring market data on-chain, investments in crypto-based platforms, and reported discussions around backing crypto payments firms. These steps highlight ICE’s growing commitment to digital asset infrastructure.

For the broader crypto market, the move reinforces the trend of deeper institutional involvement. As digital assets become more embedded in mainstream financial systems, infrastructure improvements like this could attract additional capital and strengthen overall market maturity.

Grayscale Launches Sui Staking ETF on NYSE Arca

Grayscale Sui Staking ETF

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Grayscale has officially launched its Sui Staking ETF, which started trading today on NYSE Arca under the ticker GSUI. The fund gives investors regulated exposure to the SUI token while also earning staking rewards, combining traditional ETF investing with crypto yield opportunities.

The listing went live after Grayscale filed the required Form 8-A with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and received approval from NYSE Arca. The ETF charges a 0.35% management fee, but this fee is waived for the first three months or until the fund reaches $1 billion in assets. This move is designed to attract early institutional and retail investors.

The fund is supported by well-known financial institutions. Bank of New York Mellon will handle administration and transfer services, while Coinbase will serve as custodian and prime broker. Market makers such as Jane Street and Virtu are expected to support liquidity, helping ensure smoother trading.

What Makes the Sui Staking ETF Different

Unlike traditional spot crypto ETFs that simply hold tokens, GSUI generates additional income by staking SUI tokens. Staking involves participating in the Sui network to help validate transactions and secure the blockchain. In return, staking rewards are earned.

This means investors could benefit from both SUI price appreciation and staking income. The dual return structure makes it one of the more innovative crypto investment products currently available in the ETF market.

Token Unlock Event in March 2026 Could Pressure SUI Price

Despite the positive ETF launch, short-term risks remain. On March 1, around 43.35 million SUI tokens are scheduled to unlock. A token unlock event increases the circulating supply, which can sometimes lead to selling pressure.

Historically, many token unlocks have been followed by price declines, especially when market demand is weak. SUI’s market cap is currently near $4 billion, and the token has fallen nearly 69% over the past year. This shows that investor sentiment around the altcoin remains cautious.

The SUI unlock is part of a larger wave of token releases. Over the next 30 days, nearly $911 million worth of tokens from multiple crypto projects are expected to enter circulation. This could affect liquidity across the broader altcoin market.

Investors should closely watch trading volume and price action. Heavy selling with rising volume could signal increased pressure, while stable prices would suggest strong buyer support. With Bitcoin dominance around 58%, the overall crypto market looks steady, but the Sui unlock will be an important test for altcoin strength in the coming weeks.

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FAQs

What is the Grayscale Sui Staking ETF (GSUI)?

The Grayscale Sui Staking ETF (GSUI) is a NYSE Arca-listed fund offering regulated SUI exposure while earning staking rewards for investors.

How does the GSUI ETF generate staking rewards?

GSUI stakes SUI tokens on the Sui network, earning validation rewards that may boost returns alongside potential price gains.

What fees does the Grayscale Sui Staking ETF charge?

GSUI charges a 0.35% fee, waived for three months or until assets hit $1B, lowering early investor costs.

Is the Sui Staking ETF better than a spot crypto ETF?

Unlike spot ETFs, GSUI adds staking yield to price exposure, offering dual returns but still carrying market risk.

Robinhood Launches $1B Fund to Let Retail Investors Buy Pre-IPO Shares

Robinhood Ventures Fund I IPO

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Robinhood Markets has announced a new plan aimed at giving everyday investors access to private companies before they go public, an area that has usually been limited to venture capital firms and large institutions.

The company has launched Robinhood Ventures Fund I (RVI) and started its IPO roadshow for a public offering of about $1 billion in common shares. The shares are expected to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker RVI.

Retail investors can request IPO shares at an expected price of $25 each. The offering includes 40 million shares 35 million from the fund and 5 million from Robinhood Markets. Goldman Sachs is managing the offering. Underwriters also have the option to purchase up to 6 million additional shares within 30 days.

What the Fund Will Invest In

RVI plans to invest in a group of well-known private companies, including:

  • Databricks
  • Revolut
  • Airwallex
  • Boom Supersonic
  • Mercor
  • Oura
  • Ramp

The fund also has an agreement to buy shares of Stripe after its IPO.

These companies operate in areas like fintech, software, consumer technology, and aerospace. Through this fund, individual investors may gain exposure to businesses that are still private — something that has traditionally required large capital or accredited investor status.

Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev said the goal is to give retail investors earlier access to companies that often see major growth before listing publicly.

Why This Move Now?

Robinhood’s latest earnings report showed mixed performance, with crypto trading revenue declining in Q4 2025. Slower trading activity across both stocks and crypto has pushed the company to look for new revenue sources.

Launching RVI appears to be part of that effort, expanding beyond regular stock and crypto trading into private market investments.

Market Reaction

Robinhood’s stock (HOOD) fell 0.70% in the past 24 hours. Trading volume also declined 27.47% compared to the previous session, reaching $2.37 billion.

The drop in price and volume suggests investors are cautious, especially as Robinhood moves into private market investing while overall retail trading activity remains subdued.

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FAQs

What is Robinhood Ventures Fund I (RVI)?

Robinhood Ventures Fund I (RVI) is a $1B public fund offering retail investors exposure to private companies before IPOs, trading on NYSE under RVI.

How can retail investors buy RVI IPO shares?

Investors can request RVI IPO shares at an expected $25 price through Robinhood before listing, subject to allocation and availability.

Why is Robinhood launching RVI now?

After slower stock and crypto trading in Q4 2025, Robinhood is expanding into private markets to diversify revenue and growth.

What are the risks of investing in RVI?

Private investments can be volatile, less liquid, and long-term focused, so returns may vary and capital could be at risk.

Russia May Block Foreign Crypto Exchanges by Summer 2026

Russia blocking foreign crypto exchanges 2026

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Russia could begin blocking foreign cryptocurrency exchange websites as early as summer 2026, according to experts cited by RBC. The move may align with the government’s plan to introduce new crypto regulations by July 1, bringing digital asset trading under formal state supervision.

At present, cryptocurrency trading in Russia operates mostly outside direct government control. Daily trading volume is estimated at around 50 billion rubles, highlighting the scale of crypto activity in the country.

Plan to Shift Crypto Trading to Russian Platforms

Russian officials appear focused on keeping crypto-related revenue inside the country. Sergey Shvetsov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Moscow Exchange, stated that Russian traders pay roughly $15 billion every year in fees to overseas crypto exchanges.

With new digital asset laws expected soon, authorities are likely aiming to redirect crypto trading, Bitcoin transactions, and altcoin investments toward regulated domestic platforms. This could strengthen oversight of crypto wallets, exchanges, and blockchain transactions within Russia’s financial system.

Nikita Zuborev, a senior analyst at Bestchange.ru, said large-scale website blocking is a “likely scenario.” He suggested that Roskomnadzor could restrict access to unregistered crypto exchanges using tools such as DNS blocking and tighter monitoring of internet traffic.

Concerns Over Black Market Growth

However, experts warn that strict restrictions may not stop foreign crypto trading completely. If international platforms are not allowed to obtain local licenses or partner with Russian brokers, users may turn to peer-to-peer trading, VPN services, and decentralized exchanges.

Zuborev noted that such steps could increase crypto fraud, raise transaction costs, and push parts of the digital currency market into the shadow economy. Instead of reducing crypto activity, tough enforcement could simply make it harder to track.

Given the size of Russia’s crypto market and the popularity of platforms like Binance, analysts believe a full ban would be difficult to enforce in practice.

Belarus-Style Crypto Regulation Model

Dmitry Machikhin, founder of BitOK, suggested Russia could adopt a model similar to Belarus, where cryptocurrency trading is limited to approved domestic exchanges operating under special legal rules.

Legal experts also point out that foreign crypto platforms could be blocked for failing to comply with Russian data storage and localization requirements. At the same time, Roskomnadzor is reportedly developing AI-based systems to better monitor and filter online traffic, which could improve enforcement.

What’s Next for Russia’s Crypto Market?

While tighter crypto regulation appears likely, the long-term outcome will depend on how Russia balances control and innovation. Authorities may choose a controlled legalization approach, allowing regulated crypto exchanges to operate domestically. Alternatively, stricter isolation from global cryptocurrency markets could reshape how Russians buy Bitcoin, trade altcoins, and use digital assets.

For now, the focus is clear: bring crypto trading, exchange activity, and blockchain transactions under national oversight — and keep more of the revenue within Russia’s financial system.

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FAQs

When will Russia start blocking foreign crypto exchanges?

According to experts, Russia could begin blocking foreign cryptocurrency exchange websites as early as summer 2026, likely aligning with new regulations planned for July 1.

Why is Russia planning to block foreign crypto sites?

Authorities aim to redirect the estimated $15 billion in annual trader fees from overseas platforms to regulated domestic exchanges, bringing digital asset trading under formal state supervision.

How will Russia block access to crypto exchanges?

Experts suggest Roskomnadzor may restrict unregistered platforms using DNS blocking, tighter internet traffic monitoring, and new AI-based systems to filter online activity.

Can Russians still use Binance after the 2026 ban?

A full ban would be difficult to enforce due to the market’s size. However, access will likely be restricted unless foreign platforms obtain local licenses or partner with Russian brokers.

Abu Dhabi Funds Now Hold Over $1B in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF

Bitcoin ETF investment 2026

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Two Abu Dhabi-based investment firms, Mubadala Investment Company and Al Warda Investments, increased their Bitcoin exposure in the fourth quarter of 2025, even as the crypto market declined sharply.

Both firms added shares of iShares Bitcoin Trust, a spot Bitcoin ETF managed by BlackRock. The move shows continued interest in regulated crypto investment products despite market volatility.

Mubadala raised its holdings to 12.7 million IBIT shares after buying nearly four million additional shares in Q4. Al Warda increased its position to 8.2 million shares. By the end of 2025, their combined Bitcoin ETF investment was worth more than $1 billion.

Buying During the Bitcoin Price Drop

The timing is notable. The Bitcoin price fell about 23% in Q4 2025. Instead of waiting for recovery, both firms added exposure during the correction.

The weakness continued into early 2026, with Bitcoin falling another 23% year-to-date. As a result, the combined value of their holdings has dropped to just above $800 million, assuming no further purchases.

Still, the strategy reflects long-term positioning rather than short-term trading. Large institutions are increasingly using spot Bitcoin ETFs to gain crypto market exposure. These exchange-traded funds offer:

  • Regulated investment structure
  • Easier portfolio management
  • High liquidity
  • Reduced custody risks

For sovereign wealth funds and asset managers, Bitcoin ETFs provide a simpler way to invest in digital assets without directly holding crypto.

Corporate Treasury Bitcoin and Ethereum Buying

Institutional accumulation is not limited to government-backed funds. Corporate treasury strategies also show continued crypto buying despite unrealized losses.

Strategy purchased 2,486 BTC at an average price of $67,710, investing $168 million. The company now holds 717,131 BTC valued at roughly $48.8 billion. With an average Bitcoin purchase price of $76,027, it is currently sitting on about $5.8 billion in unrealized losses.

Meanwhile, BitMine Immersion Technologies bought 45,759 ETH at an average price of $2,001, investing $91.6 million. The firm now holds 4.37 million ETH worth around $8.67 billion. Its average acquisition cost of $3,801 leaves it with nearly $8 billion in paper losses.

Despite the decline in the Bitcoin and Ethereum price, both companies continue to expand their digital asset holdings.

Bitcoin Market Outlook: Bearish Phase or Long-Term Confidence?

The crypto market trend in early 2026 looks weak. Bitcoin price action remains under pressure, retail investor activity is subdued, and global economic uncertainty continues to weigh on risk assets.

However, institutional investors appear to be taking a different approach. Sovereign wealth funds, corporate treasuries, and asset managers are increasing exposure through regulated crypto investment vehicles like spot Bitcoin ETFs.

While short-term price momentum suggests a correction phase, capital inflows from large institutions point to growing long-term confidence in Bitcoin and Ethereum as strategic assets.

The key question now is whether this is simply a prolonged crypto market downturn — or quiet accumulation before the next major cycle in the digital asset market.

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FAQs

Why are investment firms buying Bitcoin ETFs during a price drop?

Institutions like Mubadala often use market corrections to build long-term positions, viewing the price dip as a buying opportunity rather than a signal to sell.

Why are companies continuing to buy crypto despite market losses?

Corporate treasuries and sovereign wealth funds are likely focused on Bitcoin and Ethereum’s long-term strategic value rather than reacting to short-term price volatility.

Is the current crypto market downturn a sign of a bear market?

While price action is weak, the continued buying from large institutions suggests this could be a phase of accumulation rather than the start of a prolonged bear market.

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