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In the last 24 hours, the total volume of the global crypto market was $45.40 billion, a decline of 5.94 per cent. The global crypto market cap, however, saw a bullish increase of 2.98 per cent over the previous day, reaching $1.20 trillion at 10 am IST on Wednesday. Coinmarketcap reported that DeFi was trading at $4.87 billion, accounting for 10.72 per cent of the total crypto market 24-hour volume.
Bitcoin (BTC) has recently seen a rise in price after previously hitting a low of $27,213, with its value approaching the $29,000 mark. BTC’s price had been fluctuating between $26,500 and $28,500, with neither the bulls nor the bears able to break out of this range. Despite multiple attempts by buyers to overcome the $29,000 resistance, they have been unsuccessful.
Bitcoin remains the top cryptocurrency on Coinmarketcap with unchanged market cap.
On April 3, BTC’s price dropped to $27,213, but buyers were quick to make purchases, resulting in a price increase. Since March 18, the cryptocurrency has been hovering between the $28,000 resistance and $29,000 price levels. Despite this volatility, BTC remains in the bullish trend zone, with buyers currently leading over sellers. The cryptocurrency is currently trading above the 21-day SMA, indicating that bulls are in control of the market. Buyers are working to keep BTC’s price above the $29,000 overhead resistance.
If buyers are successful, the price of Bitcoin is expected to reach the psychological marker of $30,000, with further bullish momentum taking it up to the high of $31,000. However, if the bears manage to halt this bullish scenario, the bearish momentum may persist and cause the price to drop below the 21-day SMA. This could result in increased selling pressure and a potential low of $25,200. If the price falls below the $25,000 support level, the downtrend is likely to continue. Currently, Bitcoin’s price is at level 60 of the 14-period Relative Strength Index, indicating that it still has room to increase further.
Bloomberg Senior Commodity Strategist Mike McGlone has stated that Bitcoin is more decentralised than other cryptocurrencies, such as Ether, making it “untouchable” despite ongoing regulatory pressures on the crypto industry. In a recent conversation with crypto podcaster Scott Melker on April 3, McGlone argued that those who do not have some exposure to the cryptocurrency market are “seriously silly.” Unlike other currencies, regulators cannot banish Bitcoin due to its decentralisation.
Despite the positive outlook for Bitcoin, its price has approached the $29,000 mark, with buyers aiming to revisit the overhead resistance at this level. However, the price is getting closer to the market’s overbought zone, which could impact its upward trend. Nevertheless, in a strongly trending market, the overbought condition may not last.
Bitcoin continues to maintain its position as the number one cryptocurrency on Coinmarketcap based on its market cap, which remains unchanged from yesterday. Its dominance at 10 am IST was 45.86 per cent, a decrease of 0.22 per cent over the previous day.
Ethereum (ETH) witnessed a 5.76 per cent increase in price to $1,913.00, with a 24-hour trading volume of $11.67 billion. A sustained momentum in Ethereum’s price against Bitcoin may benefit the overall altcoin market, as it tends to thrive from ETH’s display of strength against BTC.
Ethereum: The second largest cryptocurrency by market cap.
If buying pressure increases from current levels, Ethereum’s price may rise by 6% to challenge the next resistance level at $1,982. In a highly bullish scenario, the altcoin could surpass the $2,000 mark and reach the $2,093 resistance level, marking a 12% increase from the current price.
On-chain data analysis by IntoTheBlock indicates that the next significant resistance area lies between $2,046 and $2,902, where over 8.5 million addresses had previously purchased more than 26.69 million ETH at an average price of $2,537.
However, if profit-takers decide to take early profits, Ethereum’s price could correct downwards and break the $1,753 support level. This would expose ETH to further downside risks, leading to a free fall towards the 50-, 100-, and 200-day EMAs at $1,687, $1,603, or $1,589 levels, respectively.
Three days after US attorney John Deaton suggested a prolonged wait for Judge Analisa Torres’s summary judgment, Ripple’s price (XRP) broke below what was once a crucial support level of $0.507. This news reduced XRP’s bullish momentum, leading to a downtrend at the start of the month. However, community members remain optimistic and anticipate a favourable ruling, which provides investors on the side-lines with an opportunity to buy the altcoin at discounted rates.
Altcoins refer to all cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin.
If this group of buyers takes advantage of the situation, Ripple’s price could climb back above the $0.507 resistance level, turning it back into support before facing the $0.531 area. If XRP surpasses this barrier, it could aim to reach the late March highs at $0.558, potentially opening the path for further gains.
Conversely, if selling pressure increases, Ripple’s price could continue its downward trend, breaking below the $0.477 support level. In extreme cases, XRP could drop further to hit the $0.443 level, which would represent a 12% decline from the current price.
Dogecoin (DOGE) was the most trending cryptocurrency for the second consecutive day, with a 1.46 per cent increase in price to $0.09776.
ICON (ICX) emerged as the top gainer, with a 16.52 per cent increase in price to $0.4412 and a 24-hour trading volume of $682.96 million. UNUS SED LEO was the top loser, experiencing a decline of 1.23 per cent in price to $3.38, with a 24-hour trading volume of $1.25 million.
Tether (USDT) maintained a stable price, experiencing no change in the last 24 hours and trading at $1, with a 24-hour trading volume of $33.88 billion. It ranked third on CoinMarketCap. Solana (SOL) experienced a 3.84 per cent increase in price to $21.22 in the last 24 hours.
Avalanche was trading at $18.13, up by 5.95 per cent, while its 24-hour trading volume was $187.48 million. Cardano (ADA) witnessed a 1.30 per cent increase in price and is ranked seventh, with a 24-hour trading volume of $375.43 million. Shiba Inu saw a 0.93 per cent increase in price to $0.00001141.
Yearn.finance experienced a 5.02 per cent increase in price to $8,787.63 in the last 24 hours, while its 24-hour market cap was $288.17 billion. The volume of DeFi was $4.87 billion, accounting for 10.72 per cent of the total crypto market 24-hour volume.
With its in-depth analysis and coverage of the latest news and trends, AIBC News is the best source of information for those seeking to stay informed and make informed decisions in the crypto market. Head over to our news site for our daily market analysis, expert insights, and breaking news updates on everything related to Blockchain, Crypto, AI and emerging tech.
https://youtu.be/p5GHF7Scubc
This news was shared at the AIBC Europe Summit in Malta during a fireside chat between Michael Saylor, Founder, Chairman and CEO of MicroStrategy and Mike Costache, a blockchain investor and entrepreneur since 2016. The founding member of the BMC, and renowned bitcoin investor, Michael Saylor, commented on the matter: “Bitcoin mining is rapidly becoming more efficient. In 2021, mining efficiency, the actual petahash per megawatt, has been growing quarter over quarter. In Q3, it increased 23%. This is hyper growth, and this is not well-appreciated by the mainstream and most market players. At BMC, we are all coming together in order to educate the public and gather some insight about what’s happening in the bitcoin mining business and how we are using energy.”
Watch the fireside chat below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnlPdn5NNxk
The Bitcoin Mining Council was created in May by nine leading North American mining companies to promote sustainable energy use and industry transparency. Elon Musk’s tweets about crypto mining’s “insane” energy use have caused the Bitcoin rate to plummet last May. After this, Michael Saylor, a renowned Bitcoin evangelist whose personal crypto holdings currently amount to 17,732 BTC (worth $1 billion) plus another 114,042 BTC (worth $6.8 billion) held by his publicly-traded company MicroStrategy, initiated the conversation between market leaders. Elon Musk attended the first meeting and called it “potentially promising.” This reaction was followed by his public promise to resume accepting Bitcoin for Tesla purchases when there’s confirmation of reasonable (~50%) clean energy usage by crypto miners.
Mining bitcoin or any other form of cryptocurrency is an energy-intensive process. Just as the energy industry is forced to adapt and embrace various types of renewable energy, so does cryptocurrency mining. According to the recent findings from BMC published in October, “the global mining industry’s sustainable electricity mix had grown to approximately 57.7%, during Q3 2021, up 3% from Q2 2021, making it one of the most sustainable industries globally.” One of the most important figures published by BMC relates to the fact that only 0.11% of the world’s electricity consumption is used for bitcoin mining.
GMT is now the 30th member to join the BMC in its campaign for industry transparency, sharing best practices, and educating the public on the benefits of Bitcoin and mining. The company has already shared its data for the latest BMC’s survey of the sustainable power mix, and is now actively working on a strategy to further prioritize the use of renewable energy in its operations. In the future, GMT intends to operate on 100% sustainable power.
About GMT:
On April 26, 2021, GMT launched its token backed by real computing power. The project’s goal is to simplify the mining process for everyone by handling the logistics, providing around-the-clock uninterrupted service, and securing the energy-efficient consumption costs. There are currently over 17,000 GMT token holders receiving daily bitcoin mining rewards without the hurdles of physical maintenance of the equipment.
During the first six months of the project’s existence, GMT increased the hash rate of the device park from 100,000 Th/s to almost 400,000 Th/s. The company’s strategy for the next two years is to take over 4% of the world’s BTC production, and 20% in the long term.
You can safely assume that everyone has heard about Bitcoin by now. The popular and mostly valuable cryptocurrency is known for having earned some lucky people, a lot of money. It was first introduced to the public more than a decade ago through an anonymous creator. Since then, the value has been highly fluctuant with a volatile trading history. If you bought Bitcoins early and owned some in 2010, you were very lucky.
This year, the value of a single Bitcoin jumped from around $0.0008 to $0.08. The cryptocurrency was created by Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator’s alias, and was meant to be used or daily transactions and as a way to challenge the traditional banking infrastructure after the terrible financial collapse in 2008.
Bitcoin had another large jump during the spring of 2011, when the price jumped from $1 per Bitcoin in April to $32 in June. This answers to a 3200% jump in only three months. However, this was followed by a sharp recession and the price for Bitcoin ended up at a mere $2 in November the same year.
These numbers are from the early days of bitcoin and seems small when comparing it to today’s value. During the pandemic that started in 2020 the price of Bitcoin would decrease due to financial issues. We can still see an increase during the course of this year when the value increased by 224% in the 12 months. This was mostly because of an institutional interest in cryptocurrencies in general. January 2021 was a historical month for Bitcoin when it beat all its previous price records, selling at more than $40.000.
What are cryptocurrencies and where can you buy them
Cryptocurrencies is a payment method and a strictly digital asset that can be purchased, used, held and sold online. It is a currency that is regulated by supply and demand, as many other currencies. However, it is not reregulated by a national bank or financial institute.
Cryptocurrencies are known for having highly fluctuating value which makes them risky to buy and trade. However, many cryptocurrencies’ owners have experienced and extreme increase in value when it comes to currencies such as Bitcoin. Buying cryptocurrencies can be done online by everyone that wishes to be a part of this world and own a coin or two. Some online brokers offer cryptocurrency purchases, other places to buy is at
Following the increasing popularity, more and more places offer cryptocurrencies as a valid payment form. You will meet this at many online stores but also some physical. Some uudet pikakasinot also allow you to finance the games using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. Bitcoin can either be bought online or in Bitcoin ATMs, which you will find in some countries. You can bot buy and sell Bitcoins in the ATMs; however, most people choose to buy and hold cryptocurrencies to be used as a financial investment.
In other words, Bitcoin is not used exactly how Nakamoto visioned it when he created the asset in 2008, but stores and online website are slowly but surely picking it up. In general, cryptocurrencies are becoming a more “everyday phenomenon” and people are more prone to it. While it used to be highly associated with crime and illegal acts, people are starting to realize that the currency itself is not illegal at all. The reason why it has been used for such, is because it is viewed as a more safe and anonymous payment method. This is because It uses blockchain technology.
Bitcoin is famous for using blockchain technology, making it more anonymous and safer. This can be described as a digital accounting book that is both decentralized and distributed, which makes it possible to register, track and make visible all digital transactions. It also stores data in blocks that are linked to each other using cryptography.
Blockchain is especially suitable in situations where there is a lack of trust in those who store and manage data because it is highly difficult to change it. This is because data that has already been stored cannot be changed without changing all the data stored afterwards, which is very difficult to do in practice. Blockchain is therefore resistant to changes in data stored in the ledger.
Bitcoin have had a highly changing value and a history rich in content. Following its ups and downs are interesting and it is difficult to imagine just how important it has become.
Next up: Malta Week
Don’t miss out on amazing networking opportunities and exclusive industry insights at Malta Week. Four leading shows will bring the best of the business back-to-back to a first-class meeting point. Malta Week will consist of events of SiGMA, AIBC, Med-Tech World and AGS, each presenting the top developments of their focal industries.
The cross-collaboration of each brand make Malta Week the number one destination for leading think-tanks of the gaming sector, emerging tech, digital health and digital marketing. The middle of the Mediterranean is the perfect place for multi-faceted business deals and face-to-face conversations with leading affiliates, policy makers and thought leaders.
Vivek Ranadive confirmed on Clubhouse that the Sacramento Kings will become the first major sports franchise that will offer bitcoin as a form of payment to its players and staff. More moves like this may see America take centre stage in the crypto industry.
Coindesk further confirmed these claims via a speaker on the Clubhouse platform, hosted by Tim Draper.
This move further establishes Ranadive’s claims that the Sacramento Kings are the most forward thinking franchises when it comes to cryptocurrencies. The NBA team had accepted bitcoin payments for hot dogs back in 2014 while in the year of 2019, the franchise launched reward tokens for fans.
The NBA is one of the most proactive franchises in the US when it comes to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The basketball association is already topping the list in digital collectibles through NBA TopShot.
Furthermore, NBA franchise owners, including Vivek Ranadive, have formed an NBA Blockchain advisory committee. The committee also includes crypto enthusiast and investor Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks, Joe Tsai (Brooklyn Nets), Ted Leonsis (Washington Wizards), Steve Pagliuca (Boston Celtics) and Ryan Smith (Utah Jazz).
The aim of this committee is to advise the NBA on how to incorporate blockchain and crypto solutions for the league such as:
About AIBC Dubai:
AIBC UAE will take place on the 25th to 26th May, 2021, in the emirate of Dubai. The event will bring together key brands and individuals from the converging sectors of AI, blockchain, IoT, Quantum Tech to discuss and shape the future of emerging tech.
It is one of the leading events globally for blockchain, AI, crypto, and other emerging technologies, and gathers together an elite selection of delegates, policymakers and thought leaders from across the globe. Such international recognition has helped propel AIBC Summit become a favourite on the world circuit for emerging tech conferences and expos.
JP Morgan has stated that Bitcoin’s decrease in volatility is making it more attractive to institutional investors.
Bitcoin’s price volatility, which will be discussed in our next AIBC Summit, has decreased in recent weeks and has subsequently become more attractive to investors seeking low-correlation assets to diversify their portfolios. This is encouraging news for Bitcoin enthusiasts and early adopters of the cryptocurrency as Bitcoin’s major barrier to many was the volatility factor.
JP Morgan said that the recent changes may increase bitcoin adoption and the global also evaluated how much Bitcoin must cost to reach the level of gold investments in the private sector:
“The recent change in the correlation structure of bitcoin relative to traditional asset classes. Mechanically, the bitcoin price would have to rise [to] $130,000, to match the total private sector investment in gold.”
JP Morgan also believes that once bitcoin’s volatility is in line with gold’s volatility, then the long-term price goal would be $130k, adding:
“Considering how big the financial investment into gold is, any such crowding out of gold as an ‘alternative’ currency implies big upside for bitcoin over the long term.”
This new estimate is lower than their initial prediction of $146,000 due to the fall in price of gold.
“The decline in the gold price since then has mechanically reduced the estimated upside potential for bitcoin as a digital alternative to traditional gold, assuming an equalization with the portfolio weight of gold.
A convergence in volatilities between bitcoin and gold is unlikely to happen quickly and is likely a multi-year process. This implies that the above $130,000 theoretical bitcoin price target should be considered as a long-term target.”
JP Morgan bitcoin’s price is based on the bank’s expectation that gold and bitcoin’s volatility will become close but there is still a long way to go as Bitcoin’s volatility stands at 86% while gold is at 16%. This is a long term target but one that is looking likely.
News: news.bitcoin
About AIBC Dubai:
AIBC UAE will take place on the 25th to 26th May, 2021, in the emirate of Dubai. The event will bring together key brands and individuals from the converging sectors of AI, blockchain, IoT, Quantum Tech to discuss and shape the future of emerging tech.
It is one of the leading events globally for blockchain, AI, crypto, and other emerging technologies, and gathers together an elite selection of delegates, policymakers and thought leaders from across the globe. Such international recognition has helped propel AIBC Summit become a favourite on the world circuit for emerging tech conferences and expos.
Italy’s largest bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, more than doubled its crypto holdings during the first quarter of 2026, increasing its digital asset exposure from roughly $100 million at the end of 2025 to approximately $235 million by 31 March 2026.
The sharp increase highlights growing institutional demand for cryptocurrency investments among major European banks as traditional financial institutions continue expanding into digital assets, Bitcoin ETFs and Ethereum investment products.
According to a report from local crypto outlet Criptovaluta.it, Intesa Sanpaolo significantly expanded its Bitcoin holdings through additional investments in the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF and BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF.
The Italian banking giant also entered Ethereum investments for the first time through BlackRock’s iShares Staked Ethereum Trust. In addition, the bank acquired exposure to XRP via the Grayscale XRP Trust ETF, with the position reportedly valued at around $26 million.
The bank’s growing crypto portfolio reflects a broader trend of institutional crypto adoption across Europe, particularly among major financial institutions seeking exposure to regulated digital asset investment products.
Intesa Sanpaolo also opened a new position in iShares Bitcoin Trust call options, marking its first derivatives-based crypto trade. The bank previously confirmed that its cryptocurrency positions are held for proprietary trading purposes. However, it has not disclosed whether the assets are also used to hedge products offered to professional clients. The latest portfolio expansion places Intesa among the most active traditional European banks participating in the growing Bitcoin ETF and Ethereum ETF market.
While increasing exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP, Intesa sharply reduced its position in Solana, according to Cointelegraph. Its holdings in the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF dropped from 266,320 shares in the previous quarter to just 2,817 shares, representing an almost complete exit from the Solana-focused investment product.
On the equities side, Intesa Sanpaolo made several adjustments to its crypto-related stock portfolio. The bank added 165,600 shares of BitGo for the first time while fully exiting its position in Bitmine. It also increased its holdings in Coinbase from 1,500 shares to 10,357 shares, signalling growing confidence in crypto trading infrastructure and digital asset services. At the same time, the bank closed out its put options on Strategy and reduced its stake in Cantor Equity Partners II, the listing vehicle linked to tokenisation firm Securitize.
The investment expansion follows broader strategic moves by Intesa Sanpaolo into the digital asset sector. Last month, Ripple announced it would provide custody services to the Italian banking group, strengthening the bank’s involvement in crypto infrastructure and institutional blockchain services.
According to Cointelegraph, Intesa Sanpaolo’s crypto expansion comes as more European banks launch digital asset products and retail crypto trading services. BBVA recently became the first major Spanish bank to offer 24/7 Bitcoin and Ether trading through its mobile banking app. Meanwhile, BPCE introduced in-app crypto trading through regulated subsidiary Hexarq, targeting 12 million customers by 2026.
In Belgium, KBC Group has also expanded retail crypto services as demand for regulated digital asset access continues rising across Europe. At the infrastructure level, a consortium of major European banks including BNP Paribas, ING, UniCredit and Deutsche Bank formed Qivalis to launch a MiCA-compliant euro-backed stablecoin in the second half of 2026.
Japan’s leading securities firms are preparing to enter the cryptocurrency investment market as the country moves closer to introducing a new regulatory framework for digital assets.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia, major brokerage firms, including SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities, plan to introduce cryptocurrency investment trusts once Japan’s Financial Services Agency finalises the rules governing such products.
The move signals growing institutional interest in digital assets in Japan and follows the rapid expansion of crypto exchange-traded funds in the United States.
SBI Securities, part of SBI Group, and Rakuten Securities, a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, are expected to offer investment products that allow retail and institutional clients to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies through existing brokerage accounts.
The products are likely to include cryptocurrency investment trusts and exchange-traded funds linked to digital assets such as bitcoin.
By offering crypto exposure through traditional investment accounts, the companies aim to simplify access for customers who may not want to use dedicated cryptocurrency exchanges or manage digital wallets directly.
The report said the investment products will be developed by companies within the wider financial groups rather than by the brokerage businesses alone.
Interest in crypto investment products is expanding across Japan’s financial sector.
In a survey conducted by Nikkei, 11 additional firms said they are considering entering the market after the regulatory framework is completed. These companies include Nomura Securities, Daiwa Securities and Mizuho Securities.
The participation of large financial institutions could broaden access to digital assets for mainstream investors in Japan and increase competition within the country’s investment market.
Japanese financial groups have taken a cautious approach to cryptocurrencies in recent years because of regulatory uncertainty and past market volatility. However, the planned legal changes are encouraging firms to prepare new investment offerings.
Japan is currently revising how cryptocurrencies are classified under national financial laws.
In early April, the Japanese government approved a draft amendment that would classify cryptocurrencies as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. At present, cryptocurrencies are mainly treated as payment tools.
If approved by parliament, the revised law could take effect during fiscal 2027.
The proposed changes would place digital assets under a regulatory framework similar to traditional securities products. This could strengthen investor protection measures and create clearer compliance standards for financial institutions offering crypto-related products.
The reforms are also expected to support the launch of regulated crypto investment products, including spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Japan’s planned crypto investment products follow strong growth in the United States market.
Spot cryptocurrency ETFs were approved in the US in January 2024. Since then, bitcoin ETFs have attracted significant investor demand.
According to data provider SoSoValue, US spot bitcoin ETFs now hold more than $100 billion in net assets.
The rapid growth of the US market has increased interest among financial firms in other regions, including Japan, where regulators are now reviewing similar investment structures.
The introduction of crypto investment trusts and ETFs in Japan could mark a major shift in how traditional financial institutions participate in the digital asset industry.
Crypto.com is now the first cryptocurrency platform authorised by the UAE Central Bank to provide regulated cryptocurrency payment services within the nation’s financial system after receiving a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence from the UAE.
With a regulated framework, the clearance enables Crypto.com to facilitate digital asset payments for services related to the government. The technology would reduce volatility concerns and guarantee compliance with central bank rules by quickly converting cryptocurrency payments into UAE dirhams or certified stablecoins.
A major regulatory step has been taken with Crypto.com’s recent clearance in the UAE, which permits its licensed firm to process cryptocurrency payments for government services under Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) framework. While settlements are made in dirhams, the licence creates a partnership with Dubai Finance that allows citizens to pay fees in digital assets. As the first site with exclusive access to these services, Crypto.com gains a solid foundation in the finance scene of the area.
The initiative is in line with the UAE’s larger efforts to incorporate digital finance into public processes while upholding regulatory control. In contrast to the compliance issues frequently encountered in the cryptocurrency sector, Crypto.com’s global strategy of obtaining licences and cultivating relationships with regulators is strengthened.
Dubai’s efforts to become a cashless economy are a part of a larger digital transformation plan that aims to make the emirate one of the world’s most developed economies. By 2026, the government wants 90 per cent of transactions to be cashless; this change is anticipated to boost the economy by billions of dirhams every year. Dubai is integrating digital payments into regular services, such as government transactions, making them as commonplace as card payments rather than treating cryptocurrency as a distinct entity.
In addition to drawing fintech innovation and foreign investment, this shift helps firms by lowering transaction friction, increasing efficiency, and promoting e-commerce growth. The goal is to establish a completely integrated financial ecosystem that smoothly integrates digital payments, blockchain, fintech, AI, and traditional banking.
Through bitcoin wallets connected to Crypto.com’s licensed platform, citizens of the UAE will be able to pay for permits, registrations, and other government services. The rapid conversion feature, which immediately converts cryptocurrency payments into UAE dirhams before they reach government accounts, is what makes it useful.
The UAE’s crypto licence may soon cover regular travel and shopping in addition to government services. According to reports, Dubai Duty Free and Emirates Airlines may use cryptocurrency payments when more permits are obtained. If put into practice, travellers might use digital assets to pay for services, book flights, and shop duty-free while retailers would still earn dirhams through rapid conversion.
The UAE’s changing crypto laws are changing the global market by showing that innovation and regulation can coexist. Through the VARA, which manages licensing and compliance for digital asset companies, Dubai has established organised frameworks rather than enforcing prohibitions. Global businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs who like to work in settings with clear regulations are drawn to this clarity.
The cryptocurrency payment system in the UAE is perhaps the beginning of a larger regional change in the Middle East. Gulf countries are already making significant investments in fintech, digital infrastructure, and diversification; Dubai’s example may inspire others to do the same. The area is well-positioned for the adoption of digital finance due to its high smartphone usage, sophisticated banking institutions, youthful, tech-savvy populace, and robust government support.
South Korean investors have withdrawn more than $41 billion from the cryptocurrency market over the past year, as falling bitcoin prices and collapsing trading volumes triggered a major shift towards traditional equities.
New data from the Bank of Korea showed the total value of virtual assets held by domestic investors fell to approximately $41.17 billion by the end of February 2026, down sharply from $82.76 billion at the market’s peak in January 2024.
The figures represent a decline of more than 50 per cent in just over 12 months, underlining the scale of capital flight from digital assets as investors seek safer and more stable returns elsewhere.
The decline coincided with a sharp slowdown across the wider crypto market, particularly in bitcoin trading activity, as reported by Bitcoin News. Meanwhile, average daily trading volume reportedly dropped from $11.62 billion in December 2024 to $3.06 billion by February 2026. Won-denominated exchange deposits also fell from $7.27 billion in late 2024 to $5.30 billion in February.
Analysts said the downturn was driven by a combination of falling cryptocurrency valuations and surging stock market performance, encouraging investors to rotate capital into equities.“The shift reflects an overall decline in valuation and a pivot toward more stable, interest-bearing domestic and international stock markets,” the report noted.
However, stablecoins continued to attract growing interest from South Korean investors. Holdings of dollar-pegged stablecoins climbed to a record $592.7 million in December 2024 before easing slightly to $412.5 million by February 2026. Stablecoin holdings are still more than double what they were in July 2024, when total holdings were only $60.1 million.
The crypto sell-off comes as global equity markets continue to outperform many digital assets. South Korean retail investors have increasingly redirected capital into domestic and international shares, particularly technology and artificial intelligence-related stocks, amid expectations of stronger long-term returns.
Despite the sharp decline in holdings, South Korea remains one of the world’s most influential retail crypto markets. The country has historically recorded some of the highest trading activity globally, with local investors playing a major role in bitcoin, ethereum and altcoin demand during previous crypto bull runs.
However, regulators have also tightened oversight of digital assets in recent years. South Korea will start taxing crypto gains at 22 per cent beginning January 2027. This will target investors who earn more than 2.5 million won (around $1,800) annually from digital assets. The policy is expected to affect about 13.26 million crypto investors.
According to officials, cryptocurrency revenues should be handled similarly to income from conventional investments. The National Tax Service is now collaborating with major exchanges like Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, and Gopax to build systems capable of managing the expected transaction volume.
Apart from this, South Korea is preparing to tighten oversight of digital assets through a proposed law that would bring stablecoins and tokenised real-world assets under existing financial regulations. A draft of the “Digital Asset Basic Act”, outlines a framework that integrates parts of the crypto sector into the country’s current legal system rather than creating entirely new rules.
South Korea will start taxing cryptocurrency gains at 22 per cent beginning January 2027, targeting investors who earn more than 2.5 million won (around $1,800) annually from digital assets, according to South Korea news outlet Edaily. The policy is expected to affect roughly 13.26 million crypto investors as the government tightens oversight of the rapidly growing market.
According to officials, cryptocurrency revenues ought to be handled similarly to income from conventional investments. Critics worry that the existing regulatory framework could not be robust enough to successfully implement these regulations. Industry watchers are keeping a close eye on South Korea’s strategy since it may have an impact on how other Asian markets regulate cryptocurrency.
Income from cryptocurrency lending and transfers will be subject to taxation in South Korea starting on January 1, 2027, under the category of “other income.” Any yearly earnings beyond 2.5 million won, or about $1,800, will be subject to a 22 per cent tax rate that combines a 2 per cent local surcharge with a 20 per cent national tax. However, given that stock traders have recently benefited from more favourable tax benefits, some contend that the comparatively low threshold is unjust to regular cryptocurrency investors.
Officials insist the framework was established in earlier amendments and will move forward as planned, emphasising that all income should be taxed equally. The National Tax Service is now collaborating with major exchanges like Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, and Gopax to build systems capable of managing the expected transaction volume.
South Korea’s cryptocurrency tax policies go beyond trading profits. After an individual’s yearly gains exceed 2.5 million won, or around $1,800, earnings from buying and selling assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum are taxable. The restrictions also apply to income from cryptocurrency lending, where investors lend their assets through exchanges or DeFi platforms. This type of income is managed in a manner akin to that of interest received in traditional finance.
The government is proceeding with the 2027 implementation in spite of opposition, supported by new reporting mechanisms under the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF). Establishing uniform criteria so that investors and regulators can easily navigate the system is currently the actual challenge.
The question of why earnings from digital assets are regarded differently from those from traditional investments is at the heart of the fairness argument. Although many investors agree to pay taxes, they contend that cryptocurrency traders are subject to more stringent regulations than stock investors, who have recently benefited from more favourable tax treatment.
This, according to critics, establishes a two-tier system that discourages people from participating in the local cryptocurrency market. Since cryptocurrency transactions already resemble commodities that are governed by value-added tax laws, some are concerned about possible double taxation. Another problem is enforcement, which results in uneven compliance because users on domestic exchanges are simpler to monitor than those trading on decentralised or foreign platforms.
Although the government recognises these issues and sees the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework as a step toward improved cross-border monitoring, detractors contend that regulations frequently fail to keep up with the speed at which technology is developing, leaving gaps, especially in decentralised systems.
The complexity tax in South Korea is anticipated to change the sector in a number of ways. Retail traders may go to more difficult-to-monitor offshore, decentralised platforms or reduce their speculative behaviour. Clearer laws may draw in more institutional investors, but domestic exchanges may have to pay more for compliance.
The tax could push everyday investors to move away from quick, short-term trades and instead focus on long-term, more strategic investing, with careful tax planning. At the same time, smaller platforms may struggle to keep up with the added reporting and regulatory requirements, while larger exchanges are better equipped to handle them.
The impending 22 per cent cryptocurrency tax in South Korea is indicative of a larger worldwide change in how governments handle digital assets. With regulation and taxation becoming commonplace, what was before seen as a specialised experiment is now being integrated into conventional financial institutions.
Rules in one nation may have an impact on other nations since international reporting systems like CARF are intended to promote cross-border cooperation. The 2027 implementation in South Korea is not solely a matter of domestic policy. Over the next ten years, it may influence how cryptocurrency taxes and regulations change globally.
Morgan Stanley has officially entered the retail crypto trading market with the launch of low-cost cryptocurrency trading on E*Trade, offering fees that undercut major rivals including Coinbase, Robinhood, Charles Schwab and Fidelity.
The Wall Street bank quietly launched a pilot version of the service on 6 May, enabling select E*Trade users to buy and sell Bitcoin, Ether and Solana directly through their brokerage accounts. The platform charges a flat 0.5 per cent transaction fee, or 50 basis points, making it one of the cheapest crypto trading options among major US financial institutions.
The move marks a significant expansion of Morgan Stanley’s digital asset ambitions as traditional banks intensify competition with crypto-native exchanges for retail investors.
Morgan Stanley’s pricing strategy immediately positions E*Trade among the lowest-cost crypto trading platforms in the market. Charles Schwab recently introduced spot Bitcoin and Ether trading at 75 basis points, while Fidelity charges roughly 1 per cent per transaction. Coinbase retail trading fees can exceed 0.5 per cent depending on account tier and payment method.
Although Robinhood markets itself as commission-free, its spreads reportedly range between 35 and 95 basis points, often resulting in higher effective trading costs for customers. Industry analysts believe the move could trigger an industry-wide fee war similar to the race towards ultra-low expense ratios in the Bitcoin ETF market.
The crypto trading pilot is expected to expand to all 8.6 million E*Trade customers later in 2026, potentially creating one of the largest retail crypto onboarding channels in the US brokerage industry.
Unlike crypto ETFs or fund-based exposure, the E*Trade service provides direct ownership of digital assets. Customers can hold Bitcoin, Ether and Solana inside their brokerage accounts without paying additional fund management fees.
The service does not currently support staking. Morgan Stanley partnered with crypto infrastructure provider Zerohash to power the platform’s backend operations, including liquidity, custody and trade settlement. The arrangement also removes the complexity of private key management for retail users.
The E*Trade launch forms part of Morgan Stanley’s broader expansion into digital assets and blockchain-based financial services. Earlier this year, the bank launched its MSBT Bitcoin ETF with a 0.14 per cent expense ratio. The fund reportedly attracted more than $100 million in inflows within days of launch.
According to media, the company is also developing additional crypto investment products tied to Ether and Solana while pursuing regulatory approvals that would allow direct crypto custody and staking services.
Morgan Stanley has also applied for a national trust bank charter through the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, a move that could strengthen its position in digital asset custody infrastructure.
Morgan Stanley’s entry into retail crypto trading intensifies pressure on established crypto platforms such as Coinbase and Robinhood. Coinbase generated $3.32 billion in consumer transaction revenue in 2025 and recently launched commission-free stock and ETF trading to compete more directly with traditional brokerages. Meanwhile, the company has cut around 700 jobs, or roughly 14 per cent of its global workforce, as the company responds to weaker trading activity and accelerates a broader shift towards artificial intelligence-driven operations. Robinhood, meanwhile, generated approximately $901 million from crypto-related activity last year, accounting for roughly one-fifth of its annual net revenue.
According to Crypto News, Morgan Stanley may hold a major advantage through its vast distribution network. The firm’s 16,000 financial advisers oversee approximately $9.3 trillion in client assets, giving the bank access to an investor base that crypto-native firms struggle to match.
The bank is also preparing a proprietary digital wallet expected to launch in the second half of 2026. The wallet is designed to support cryptocurrencies alongside tokenised stocks, bonds and real estate assets as tokenisation becomes an increasingly important trend across global financial markets.
Morocco is shifting from prohibiting the use of cryptocurrencies to creating a framework for regulated digital assets. According to local media reports, authorities are re-evaluating previous prohibitions amid the growing global use of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The change reflects growing awareness of blockchain-based financial systems and their ability to facilitate cross-border transactions. To mitigate risks associated with volatility, consumer protection, and financial stability, authorities simultaneously focus on implementing monitoring measures.
In 2017, Morocco took a strong stand against cryptocurrencies and outlawed their use and transactions nationwide. To support this decision, the authorities cited a number of issues, such as possible threats to financial stability, difficulties with regulatory compliance, and the potential for digital currencies to weaken the value of the national currency.
The absence of consumer protections was another concern raised by regulators, who cautioned that consumers can be vulnerable to fraud or losses for which they have no redress. Money laundering, capital flight, and tax evasion were among the other hazards mentioned because it is hard to track down anonymous transactions. Although the ban was intended to reduce these risks, it did not completely stop cryptocurrency use, as it was still used unofficially.
Between 2019 and early 2025, Morocco’s cryptocurrency user base increased from 3.65 million to over 6 million, accounting for approximately 16 per cent of the nation’s total population. This increase is especially noteworthy because it occurred in spite of a nationwide ban, demonstrating that public demand for digital currencies remained robust and flourished well beyond the purview of official regulation.
Morocco is now among the top 25 nations worldwide for cryptocurrency adoption, thanks to its rapid growth, according to Chainalysis. Morocco’s stance emphasises to politicians the necessity of addressing the reality of widespread use rather than relying solely on prohibition.
Morocco is moving from outright banning cryptocurrencies to regulating them. The goal of a proposed law that is nearing final approval is to bring cryptocurrency activity under state supervision instead of keeping it illegal. Reducing dangers like fraud and unstable finances while allowing for the controlled usage of digital assets is the aim. To align Morocco’s approach with broader practices and make it easier to incorporate into the global financial system, the proposed framework relies on international standards, such as those set by international organisations and the European Union.
Morocco’s proposed crypto law puts licensing requirements on service providers, including exchanges and custodians, to guarantee that only compliant organisations may operate. Another crucial factor is the possibility of cryptocurrencies becoming acknowledged as financial instruments, which would give them legal standing and establish a more open transaction system.
There are more obvious advantages to regulating cryptocurrencies in Morocco than to keeping them completely prohibited. Authorities may lower fraud and hold service providers accountable by implementing standards and licensing, which will give users and companies greater assurance.
Morocco is starting to regulate cryptocurrencies, which could have a big impact on the country’s economy. In addition to attracting investment and fostering innovation, a regulated market may increase financial access for those who do not use traditional banking institutions. With 16 per cent of people now using it, cryptocurrency is probably going to become more ingrained in daily financial transactions in the future.
