Bitcoin bottom ‘likely’ at $80K, opening door for TON, CRO, MNT and RENDER to rally
Bitcoin (BTC) bulls are trying to start a recovery but selling at higher levels continues to disarm each attack of the range highs. Veteran trader Peter Brandt said in a post on X that Bitcoin has broken down from a bear wedge pattern, giving it a target objective of $65,635.The current macroeconomic environment and the fears of a prolonged trade war have created a 40% possibility of a recession in 2025, according to Coin Bureau founder Nic Puckrin. Puckrin said that a recession and the current macroeconomic uncertainty could put pressure on risky assets such as cryptocurrencies.Crypto market data daily view. Source: Coin360However, not everyone is bearish on Bitcoin in the near term. Analyst Stockmoney Lizards said in a post on X that Bitcoin’s local bottom could be between $82,000 and $80,000. The analyst anticipates Bitcoin to make a reversal next week.If Bitcoin starts a recovery, select altcoins are likely to move higher. Let’s look at the charts of the top cryptocurrencies that are showing a bullish setup.Bitcoin price analysisBitcoin’s failure to rise above the resistance line may have tempted selling by traders. The bears will try to pull the price toward the critical $80,000 support.BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe 20-day exponential moving average ($85,253) is flattish, and the relative strength index (RSI) is just below the midpoint, giving a slight advantage to the bears. If the $80,000 support cracks, the BTC/USDT pair could plunge to $76,606.On the other hand, if the price turns up from the current level or $80,000, it improves the prospects of a rally above the resistance line. If that happens, it suggests an end of the corrective phase. The pair could rally to $95,000 and then to $100,000.BTC/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe 20-EMA has turned down on the 4-hour chart, and the RSI is in the negative territory, signaling that bears are in control. If the price turns down from the current level, the pair could slide to $80,000 and then to $78,000.Buyers will have to drive and maintain the price above the 20-EMA to signal strength. The pair may then rise to the resistance line, which is a critical resistance to watch out for. The bullish momentum is expected to begin on a break above $89,000.Toncoin price analysisToncoin (TON) bounced off the moving averages on March 30, indicating a positive sentiment.TON/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe upsloping 20-day EMA ($3.58) and the RSI in the positive zone indicate advantage to buyers. The bulls will try to strengthen their position by pushing the price above $4.14. If they can pull it off, the TON/USDT pair may start a new upmove to $5 and, after that, to $5.65.Sellers will have to yank the price below the $3.3 support to seize control. Such a move signals that bears remain sellers on rallies. The pair could plummet to $2.81 and eventually to $2.64.TON/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe pair turned up from the uptrend line, indicating that the bulls are viewing the dips as a buying opportunity. The pair could reach the overhead resistance of $4.14, where the bears are expected to step in. However, if buyers pierce the resistance, the pair could start the next leg of the upmove toward $5.The bears will be back in the driver’s seat if they sink and sustain the price below the uptrend line. The pair may then drop to $3.28.Cronos price analysisCronos (CRO) broke out of the moving averages on March 24, signaling that the downtrend could have ended.CRO/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe CRO/USDT pair is facing selling near $0.12, but a positive sign in favor of the bulls is that they have not allowed the price to sustain below the $0.10 support. This suggests that buyers are trying to form a higher low. If the bulls shove the price above $0.12, the pair could rally toward $0.14.Sellers are likely to have other plans. They will try to sink the price below the moving averages and trap the aggressive bulls.CRO/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe pair has been range-bound between $0.10 and $0.12, indicating indecision between the bulls and the bears. The 20-EMA is sloping up gradually, and the RSI is just above the midpoint, giving a slight edge to the bulls. A break and close above $0.11 increases the likelihood of a rally above $0.12.Sellers will be back in the driver’s seat if they sink and maintain the price below the 50-SMA. That could pull the pair down to $0.08.Related: Is XRP price around $2 an opportunity or the bull market's end? Analysts weigh inMantle price analysisMantle (MNT) failed to rise above the 50-day SMA ($0.84) in the past few days, but a positive sign is that the bulls are trying to hold the price above the 20-day EMA ($0.80).MNT/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf the price rebounds off the 20-day EMA with strength, it will suggest a change in sentiment from selling on rallies to buying on dips. That improves the prospects of a break above the 50-day SMA. If that happens, the MNT/USDT pair could ascend to $0.94 and later to $1.06.Contrary to this assumption, if the price continues lower and breaks below $0.77, it will tilt the short-term advantage in favor of the bears. The pair may then tumble to $0.72, delaying the start of the up move.MNT/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe 4-hour chart is facing stiff resistance at $0.85. The pair may dip to $0.77, which is a critical support to watch out for. If the price rebounds off $0.77, it will signal that the bulls are buying on dips. That could keep the pair stuck between $0.77 and $0.85 for some time. A break and close above $0.85 could push the pair toward $0.95.Sellers will have to pull the price below $0.77 to gain the upper hand. The pair could then drop toward $0.69.Render price analysisRender (RNDR) has been in a strong downtrend for several weeks, but the bulls pushed the price above the 50-day SMA ($3.77) on March 25, signaling demand at lower levels.RNDR/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bears have pulled the price to the 20-day EMA ($3.57), which is an important level to watch out for. If the price rebounds off the 20-day EMA with force, the bulls will try to propel the RNDR/USDT pair to $5 and later to $6.20.This positive view will be invalidated in the near term if the price continues lower and closes below $3.05. That signals aggressive selling at higher levels. The pair may slump to $2.83 and subsequently to $2.52.RNDR/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe 20-EMA has turned down, and the RSI is in the negative territory on the 4-hour chart, indicating an advantage to sellers. A break and close below the uptrend line will further strengthen the bears, pulling the pair to $3.The first sign of strength will be a break and close above the moving averages. That could open the doors for a rally to $4. The up move could accelerate after the pair closes above $4.20, completing a bullish head-and-shoulders pattern. This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Binance debuts centralized exchange to decentralized exchange trades
Crypto exchange Binance has debuted centralized exchange (CEX) to decentralized exchange trades (DEX), allowing customers to use funds from their Binance wallets to execute DEX trades — eliminating the need for asset bridging or manual transfers.According to the exchange, customers can use Circle’s USDC (USDC) and other supported stablecoins to acquire tokens on the Ethereum, Solana, Base, and BNB Smart Chain networks.The new CEX to DEX feature is also compatible with other tools on the platform, including Binance Alpha, which gives users the ability to discover emerging tokens in early-stage development, and the Binance quick buy tool.Incorporating CEX to DEX trading unlocks a smoother user experience and reduces the complexity of swapping digital assets. This reduction in complexity addresses the technical barrier to entry inherent in the user experience that makes it difficult for new users to interact with digital assets. Complex user interfaces and clunky user experience are some of the most widely cited issues in crypto.An online meme poking fun at the complexities in crypto. Source: Kev.EthRelated: Web3’s UX problem — and how to fix it, feat. Ponder OneOvercoming crypto’s user experience problem and getting crypto out of the AOL eraIn November 2024, The WalletConnect Foundation and Reown established a standard framework for crypto wallets to enhance the user experience and promote ease of use.Pedro Gomes, director of the WalletConnect Foundation, told Cointelegraph that the wallet standards framework focused on several key areas, including "minimizing clicks, reducing transaction friction, interoperability, and providing clear and accessible information."Anurag Arjun, co-founder of Avail — a unified chain abstraction solution — and the Polygon layer-2 network, also told Cointelegraph that current blockchain abstraction techniques are fragmenting liquidity across the ecosystem.The Polygon co-founder said that each blockchain network has its own set of security assumptions, presenting challenges for interoperability; Arjun specifically cited bridging techniques as cumbersome for the end user.Sandeep Nailwal, who founded Polygon alongside Arjun, recently voiced similar sentiments and said that crypto needs to enhance user experience before achieving mass adoption, likening the current state of crypto to the internet in the late 1990s.Nailwal told Cointelegraph that crypto needs to adopt smoother fiat onboarding, better custody solutions that feature key recovery, and hardware wallets built into mobile devices to bring crypto out of the “AOL era” and achieve mass appeal.Magazine: They solved crypto’s janky UX problem — you just haven’t noticed yet
Opinion by: Maksym Sakharov, co-founder and group CEO of WeFi The current markets are experiencing tailwinds as a result of the tariffs imposed by the US administration and retaliatory measures from trading partners. So far, however, market proponents say that Trump’s tariffs are primarily a negotiation strategy, and their effect on businesses and consumers will remain manageable.Market uncertainty drives institutional interest Adding to the uncertainty are the inflationary pressures that could challenge the US Federal Reserve’s rate-cutting outlook. Besides that, an impending fiscal debate in Washington over the federal budget is also causing jitters in the market. Resolving the debt ceiling remains a pressing issue, as the Treasury currently relies upon “extraordinary measures” to meet US financial obligations. The exact timeline for when these measures will be exhausted is unclear, but analysts anticipate they may run out after the first quarter. While the administration has proposed eliminating the debt ceiling, this could face resistance from fiscal conservatives in Congress. According to a recent report, one sector experiencing steady growth is stablecoins despite this macroeconomic uncertainty. Much of the volume is driven by flows in Tether’s USDt (USDT) and USDC (USDC). Dollar-pegged stablecoins dominate the market Stablecoins started as an experiment — a programmable digital currency that would make it easier for users to enter the crypto market and trade different digital assets. A decade later, they are a critical part of the broader digital financial infrastructure.The stablecoin market cap currently stands at a record $226 billion and continues to expand. Demand in emerging markets drives this growth. A recent ARK Invest report states that dollar-pegged stablecoins dominate the market. They account for over 98% of the stablecoin supply, with gold- and euro-backed stablecoins only sharing a small portion of the market.In addition to this, Tether’s USDt accounts for over 60% of the total market. ARK’s research suggests that the market will expand and include Asian currency-backed stablecoins.Recent: US will use stablecoins to ensure dollar hegemony — Scott BessentBesides that, digital assets are going through a shift marked by “stablecoinization” and “dollarization.” Asian nations like China and Japan have offloaded record amounts of US Treasurys. Saudi Arabia has ended its 45-year petrodollar agreement, and BRICS nations are increasingly bypassing the SWIFT network to reduce reliance on the US dollar. Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) were traditionally the primary entry points into the digital asset ecosystem. Stablecoins have, however, taken the lead over the past two years, now representing 35%–50% of onchain transaction volumes.Despite global regulatory headwinds, emerging markets have been adopting stablecoins. In Brazil, 90% of crypto transactions are undertaken via stablecoins, primarily used for international purchases.A Visa report ranks Nigeria, India, Indonesia, Turkey and Brazil as the most active stablecoin markets, and Argentina ranks second in stablecoin holdings. Additionally, six out of every 10 purchases in the country were made using stablecoins pegged to the dollar, with near parity between USDC and USDT.This shift toward stablecoins in Argentina is driven by high inflation and the need to protect against the devaluation of the Argentine peso. People in countries with unstable currencies turn to stablecoins, like USDT, to safeguard their wealth. Deobanks and their role in high-risk areasStablecoins have paved the way for a new generation of financial services. For example, stablecoins have provided the foundation for decentralized onchain banks, or deobanks, that embrace stablecoins as their native currency.Deobanks make digital banking and financial services accessible to everyone, even people who do not meet strict account opening criteria. They also attract people who do not trust traditional institutions with their money. Users keep complete control of their funds through non-custodial accounts and enjoy real-time transaction transparency.Deobanks’ decentralized nature replaces intermediaries with smart contracts that connect personal wallets directly to digital bank accounts. This approach cuts costs and speeds up transactions. Onchain data transparently preserves every transaction detail. The result is a financial model that is both efficient and inclusive. What lies aheadAnalysts predict the stablecoin market cap will surpass $400 billion in 2025. Deobanks bring a new edge to this growth, using stablecoins to drive economic growth and expand digital payment networks. They open fresh avenues for cross-border commerce and new opportunities for financial inclusion. In the next few years, the combined rise of stablecoins and next-generation onchain banks will transform how money moves across borders and transactions are processed. The blockchain integration at the back end and stablecoin foundation will promote lower fees, faster payments and broader access to financial services. The trend represents a shift away from outdated systems and signals a more resilient financial ecosystem.Opinion by: Maksym Sakharov, co-founder and group CEO of WeFi .This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.
Trump’s trade war pressures crypto market as April 2 tariffs loom
Concerns over a global trade war continue to pressure traditional and cryptocurrency markets as investors brace for a potential tariff announcement from US President Donald Trump on April 2 — a move that could set the tone for Bitcoin’s price trajectory throughout the month.Trump first announced import tariffs on Chinese goods on Jan. 20, the day of his inauguration as president.Global tariff fears have led to heightened inflation concerns, limiting appetite for risk assets among investors. Bitcoin (BTC) has fallen 18%, and the S&P 500 (SPX) index has fallen more than 7% in the two months following the initial tariff announcement, according to TradingView data, TradingView data shows.“Going forward, April 2 is drawing increased attention as a potential flashpoint for fresh US tariff announcements,” Stella Zlatareva, dispatch editor at digital asset investment platform Nexo, told Cointelegraph.S&P 500, BTC/USD, 1-day chart. Source: TradingView Investor sentiment took another hit on March 29 after Trump pressed his senior advisers to take a more aggressive stance on import tariffs, which may be seen as a potential escalation of the trade war, the Washington Post reported, citing four unnamed sources familiar with the matter.The April 2 announcement is expected to detail reciprocal trade tariffs targeting top US trading partners. The measures aim to reduce the country’s estimated $1.2 trillion goods trade deficit and boost domestic manufacturing.Related: Bitcoin ‘more likely’ to hit $110K before $76.5K — Arthur HayesBitcoin ETFs, whales continue accumulatingDespite mounting uncertainty, large Bitcoin holders — known as “whales,” with between 1,000 BTC and 10,000 BTC — have continued to accumulate. Addresses in this category have remained steady since the beginning of 2025, from 1,956 addresses on Jan. 1 to over 1,990 addresses on March 27 — still below the previous cycle’s peak of 2,370 addresses recorded in February 2024, Glassnode data shows.Whale address count. Source: Glassnode“Risk appetite remains muted amid tariff threats from President Trump and ongoing macro uncertainty,” according to Iliya Kalchev, dispatch analyst at Nexo, who told Cointelegraph:“Still, BTC accumulation by whales and a 10-day ETF inflow streak point to steady institutional demand. But hawkish surprises — from inflation or trade — may keep crypto rangebound into April.”Related: $1T stablecoin supply could drive next crypto rally — CoinFund’s PakmanThe US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds halted their 10-day accumulation streak on March 28 when Fidelity’s ETF recorded over $93 million worth of outflows, while the other ETF issuers registered no inflows or outflows, Farside Investors data shows.Bitcoin ETF Flows. Source: Farside InvestorsDespite short-term volatility concerns, analysts remained optimistic about Bitcoin’s price trajectory for late 2025, with price predictions ranging from $160,000 to above $180,000.Magazine: SCB tips $500K BTC, SEC delays Ether ETF options, and more: Hodler’s Digest, Feb. 23 – March 1
$65K Bitcoin price targets pile up as 'Spoofy the Whale' buys the dip
Bitcoin (BTC) circled $83,000 on March 30 after weekend volatility brought new ten-day lows.BTC/USD 4-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewBTC price action deals snap weekend downsideData from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTC/USD gradually recovering after a trip to $81,600 the day prior.With no added selling pressure from the ongoing rout in US stock markets, Bitcoin managed to erase most of the downside to come full circle versus the last Wall Street close.“Quite the volatility for a weekend indeed,” popular trader Daan Crypto Trades summarized in part of his latest content on X. “Looking like it might end up opening on Monday where it closed on Friday as most of the dump has been retraced now.”BTC/USDT 15-minute chart with CME futures data. Source: Daan Crypto Trades/XDaan Crypto Trades eyed the potential for a new gap in CME Group’s Bitcoin futures markets to be created thanks to the erratic market moves.“Would be nice to not open with a gap for once so we can focus on everything else instead,” he argued, adding that a “big week” lay ahead.Others had little hope for a short-term turnaround in Bitcoin’s fortunes. Veteran trader Peter Brandt even doubted the stability of the multimonth lows seen earlier this month.I am not a big fan of inverted H&S patterns with downward slanting necklines. H&S patterns with horizontal necklines are far more reliable $BTC pic.twitter.com/GKGUZbrab8— Peter Brandt (@PeterLBrandt) March 29, 2025“Don't shoot the messenger. Just reporting on what the chart says until it says something different,” he told X followers this week, giving a new lower BTC price target. “Bear wedge completed with 2X target from the double top at 65,635.”BTC/USD 1-day chart. Source: Peter Brandt/XBrandt’s is not the only $65,000 BTC price prediction currently in force.Can “spoofy” $78,000 Bitcoin bids be trusted?Updating his market observations, meanwhile, Keith Alan, co-founder of trading resource Material Indicators, doubled down on his suspicions that a large-volume entity had been manipulating BTC price action lower in recent weeks.Related: 'Bitcoin Macro Index' bear signal puts $110K BTC price return in doubtAs Cointelegraph reported, the entity, which Alan dubbed “Spoofy, The Whale,” had used overhead liquidity to pressure the price lower and stop it from gaining traction above $87,500.This form of order book manipulation, known as “spoofing,” is a common feature in crypto and can involve both bid and ask liquidity.“While I have no real way of confirming that it is the same entity using ask liquidity to herd price into their own bids, it certainly appears that Spoofy has been buying this dip and has bids laddered down to $78k,” he concluded on the day.An annotated chart showed all key liquidity clusters thought to be of dubious origin, with Alan now giving reason for optimism.He concluded: “In the grand scheme of things, none of this means BTC price can’t go lower, but it does mean that the whale that has been suppressing BTC price for the last 3 weeks is using a DCA strategy to buy this dip…and so am I.”BTC/USDT order book data for Binance. Source: Keith Alan/XThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Crypto trader turns $2K PEPE into $43M, sells for $10M profit
A savvy cryptocurrency trader reportedly turned $2,000 into more than $43 million by investing in the memecoin Pepe at its peak valuation, despite the token’s extreme volatility and lack of underlying technical value.The trader made an over 4,700-fold return on investment on the popular frog-themed Pepe (PEPE) cryptocurrency, according to blockchain intelligence platform Lookonchain.“This OG spent only $2,184 to buy 1.5T $PEPE($43M at the peak) in the early stage. He sold 1.02T $PEPE for $6.66M, leaving 493B $PEPE($3.64M), with a total profit of $10.3M(4,718x), Lookonchain wrote in a March 29 X post.Source: LookonchainThe trader realized over $10 million in profit despite Pepe’s price falling over 74% from its all-time high of $0.00002825, which it reached on Dec. 9, 2024, Cointelegraph Markets Pro data shows.PEPE/USD, all-time chart. Source: Cointelegraph Markets ProMemecoins are considered some of the most speculative and volatile digital assets, with price action driven largely by online enthusiasm and social sentiment rather than fundamental utility or innovation.Still, they’ve proven capable of generating life-changing returns. In May 2024, another early Pepe investor turned $27 into $52 million — a 1.9 million-fold return — according to onchain data.Related: $1T stablecoin supply could drive next crypto rally — CoinFund’s PakmanMemecoins are stealing the spotlight from altcoinsDespite their intrinsic lack of utility, memecoins continued to steal the spotlight from more established cryptocurrencies, Stella Zlatareva, dispatch editor at digital asset investment platform Nexo, told Cointelegraph:“High-beta, i.e., volatile tokens, are stealing the spotlight. Case in point, memecoins surged 5.6% on average, with DOGE, PEPE, and FLOKI responding to rate cut optimism and broader crypto strength.”Top 100 cryptocurrencies, weekly performance. Source: CryptobubblesWhile investor demand for memecoins has surged, it may also be siphoning capital from more established assets. For example, Solana (SOL) has fallen more than 51% since the launch of the Official Trump (TRUMP) token in January, according to Cointelegraph data.Related: Friday’s US inflation report may catalyze a Bitcoin April rallyMemecoins “don’t tend to draw in much external capital flow; instead existing eco-system capital ‘round-robins’ from one meme to the next,” Dan Hughes, founder of the decentralized finance platform Radix, told Cointelegraph, adding:“Even in the case of TRUMP, most of the inbound liquidity was outflow from other crypto assets, people selling their crypto portfolio to buy TRUMP in extreme FOMO [fear of missing out].”SOL/USDT, 1-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewInsider scams and fraudulent activity have plagued the memecoin industry, and US regulators are taking note. On March 5, New York lawmakers introduced a bill aimed at protecting crypto investors from rug pulls and similar insider scams shortly after the scandal around the Libra (LIBRA) token, which was endorsed by Argentine President Javier Milei.Magazine: Memecoins are ded — But Solana ‘100x better’ despite revenue plunge
Is XRP price around $2 an opportunity or the bull market's end? Analysts weigh in
XRP (XRP) has dropped nearly 40% to around $2.19, two months after hitting a multi-year high of $3.40. The cryptocurrency is tracking a broader market sell-off driven by President Donald Trump’s trade war despite bullish news like the SEC dropping its case against Ripple.XRP/USD daily price chart. Source: TradingViewHowever, XRP is still up 350% from its November 2024 low of $0.50, suggesting a consolidation phase after a strong rally. This sideways action has sparked discussions over whether it’s the end of the bull run or a prime buying opportunity.No buying opportunity until XRP falls further XRP has been consolidating between $1.77 (support) and $3.21 (resistance) since January, with repeated rejections near the top of the range and fading bullish momentum.According to analyst CrediBULL Crypto, XRP’s recent bounce attempt stalled below $2.20, reinforcing bearish control. He now expects the price to revisit the range lows around $1.77 for a potential long entry. XRP/USD four-hour price chart. Source: TradingViewThe rectangle-shaped green support area on the chart extends as low as $1.50, signaling a high-demand zone where bulls could step in.A short-term marketwide bounce—led primarily by Bitcoin (BTC)—could trigger a temporary recovery, argues CrediBULL, emphasizing that only a clean breakout above $3.21 would confirm a bullish trend reversal. Until then, XRP remains in a sideways structure, with CrediBULL’s strategy focused on watching for reactions at the $1.77 support level before committing to a long position.Source: XXRP bull flag may lead to 450% price rallyCrediBULL highlighted XRP’s sideways range between $1.77 and $3.21 as a consolidation zone, waiting for a clear breakout to confirm the next trend. Interestingly, that very range may be forming a bull flag, according to analyst Stellar Babe. XRP/USD weekly price chart. Source: TradingView/Stellar BabeA bull flag forms when the price consolidates inside a parallel channel after undergoing a strong uptrend. It resolves when the price breaks above the upper trendline and rises by as much as the previous uptrend’s height.Related: XRP price may drop another 40% as Trump tariffs spook risk tradersStellar Babe’s analysis notes that If XRP breaks above the flag’s upper boundary range at $3.21. Its projected target, based on the height of the flagpole, is around $12, up around 450% from current prices.XRP’s five-year channel hints at rally to $6.50XRP is currently consolidating within a long-term bullish structure, according to a recent analysis by InvestingScoope. The chart shows XRP trading inside a five-year ascending channel, with the current move resembling the March 2020 to April 2021 rally based on price behavior and momentum indicators.XRP/USD weekly price chart. Source: TradingView/InvestingScoopeDespite the pullback, the broader bullish cycle stays intact as long as XRP holds above the 50-week moving average (1W MA50). InvestingScoope notes that this phase mirrors March 2021, which preceded a strong breakout. If the pattern continues, XRP price could be preparing for its next leg up with a potential target of $6.50 in the months ahead.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Stablecoin rules needed in US before crypto tax reform, experts say
United States cryptocurrency regulations need more clarity on stablecoins and banking relationships before lawmakers prioritize tax reform, according to industry leaders and legal experts.“In my view, tax isn’t necessarily the priority for upgrading US crypto regulation,” according to Mattan Erder, general counsel at layer-3 decentralized blockchain network Orbs.A “tailored regulatory approach” for areas including securities laws and removing “obstacles in banking” is a priority for US lawmakers with “more upside” for the industry, Erder told Cointelegraph.“The new Trump administration is clearly all in on crypto and is taking steps that we could have only dreamed about a few years ago (including during his first term),” he said. “It seems likely that crypto regulation will be able to have it all and get much more clear and rational regulation in all areas, including tax.”Still, Erder noted there are limits to what President Donald Trump can accomplish through executive orders and regulatory agency action alone. “At some point, the laws themselves will need to change, and for that, he will need Congress,” he said.Trump’s March 7 executive order, which directed the government to establish a national Bitcoin reserve using crypto assets seized in criminal cases, was seen as a signal of growing federal support for digital assets.Related: Trump turned crypto from ‘oppressed industry’ to ‘centerpiece’ of US strategyDebanking concerns remainDespite the administration’s recent pro-crypto moves, industry experts say crypto firms may continue to face difficulties with banking access until at least January 2026.“It’s premature to say that debanking is over,” as “Trump won’t have the ability to appoint a new Fed governor until January,” Caitlin Long, founder and CEO of Custodia Bank, said during Cointelegraph’s Chainreaction daily X show.The Crypto Debanking Crisis: #CHAINREACTION https://t.co/nD4qkkzKnB— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) March 21, 2025Industry outrage over alleged debanking reached a crescendo when a June 2024 lawsuit spearheaded by ​​Coinbase resulted in the release of letters showing US banking regulators asked certain financial institutions to “pause” crypto banking activities.Related: Bitcoin may benefit from US stablecoin dominance pushStablecoin legislation could unlock new growthDavid Pakman, managing partner at crypto investment firm CoinFund, said a stablecoin regulatory framework could encourage more traditional finance institutions to adopt blockchain-based payments.“Some of the potentially soon-to-pass legislation in the US, like the stablecoin bill, will unlock many of the traditional banks, financial services and payment companies onto crypto rails,” Pakman said during Cointelegraph’s Chainreaction live X show on March 27.“We hear this firsthand when we talk to them; they want to use crypto rails as a lower-cost, transparent, 24/7, and no middleman-dependent network for transferring money.”The comments come as the industry awaits progress on US stablecoin legislation, which may come as soon as in the next two months, according to Bo Hines, the executive director of the president’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets.The GENIUS Act, an acronym for Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins, would establish collateralization guidelines for stablecoin issuers while requiring full compliance with Anti-Money Laundering laws.Magazine: SEC’s U-turn on crypto leaves key questions unanswered
What are crypto-backed mortgages, and how do they work?
What are crypto-based mortgages? Crypto-backed mortgages are a kind of loan where borrowers use their cryptocurrency holdings, such as Bitcoin (BTC) or Ether (ETH), as collateral to secure financing for real estate purchases. This approach allows you to access funds without selling your digital assets. By retaining crypto ownership, borrowers can still benefit from future price increases.There are various types of crypto-backed mortgages: purchase mortgages, cash-out refinancing and bridge loans. Purchase mortgages: These help you finance real estate using crypto as collateral. Cash-out refinancing: It allows you to refinance your existing mortgages by leveraging your crypto assets to access additional funds. Bridge loans: These loans provide short-term financing, helping you cover the period between purchasing a new property and selling an existing one.Crypto mortgages are particularly appealing if you want to preserve your holdings while securing real-world assets. However, you need to consider the volatility of cryptocurrencies and carefully assess the risks before opting for a crypto-backed mortgage.Lenders usually accept stablecoins such as Tether (USDt) and USDC (USDC) or major cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH. Some lenders may accept a diversified portfolio of cryptocurrencies as collateral, which is known as cross-collateralization.Did you know? With traditional mortgages becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, particularly for younger individuals, alternative solutions are gaining traction. Fintech startups are addressing this demand by offering adjustable or fixed-rate mortgages secured by substantial cryptocurrency holdings. Crypto-based mortgages vs traditional mortgages Crypto-backed and traditional mortgages differ from eligibility requirements to risk factors. Traditional mortgages rely on credit history, income verification and down payments, while crypto-backed mortgages use digital assets as collateral. The approval process for crypto mortgages is often faster, but they come with higher interest rates and volatility risks. Additionally, regulatory uncertainties make crypto-backed loans less widely accepted in real estate markets. A comparison of the two mortgage types is given below: How do crypto-backed mortgages work? The basic mechanism of crypto-backed mortgages is that depositors calculate the value of the crypto the borrower proposes to collateralize and release a loan against the amount. To assess the value of the crypto assets, the lenders may apply a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which indicates the percentage of the collateral value you can borrow. For example, if the LTV ratio is 50%, you can secure a loan of $25,000 for collateralized crypto assets worth $50,000. Overcollateralization helps to create a buffer, which helps the lender if the value of the collateral goes down. Smart contracts are used to automate the execution of loan terms. Here is a step-by-step look at the functioning of crypto-backed mortgages: Step 1: Find a lender – Look for a financial institution or decentralized finance (DeFi) platform that offers crypto-backed mortgages. Compare different lenders based on their interest rates, fees and supported cryptocurrencies.Step 2: Apply and submit proof of ownership – Submit an application for getting a loan against the crypto you hold. You also need to provide proof of ownership of your digital assets. The lender will assess the worth of your crypto holdings to determine your borrowing limit. Some lenders may consider other financial factors, such as credit history.Step 3: Move crypto to escrow account – Once approved, you need to pledge the required amount of crypto by transferring it into an escrow account. This crypto acts as security for the mortgage loan. Step 4: Prep the loan – Complete the loan agreement, which outlines key terms like repayment schedules, interest rates and what happens if your collateral’s value drops. Usually, if the value of the crypto drops, you will need to deposit more crypto in the escrow account so that the loan remains overcollateralized. If you fail to deposit additional crypto, the lender may liquidate your crypto deposits.Step 5: Disbursal of loan – The loan funds are typically disbursed in fiat currency for purchasing the property.Step 6: Make mortgage payments – Repay the loan according to the agreed terms. The interest rate may differ in line with the market value of the collateralized crypto.Step 7: Recover your collateral – If you complete all payments as per the loan agreement, you will get back your cryptocurrency from escrow. If you fail to repay it, the lender may liquidate your collateral to cover the outstanding amount.Did you know? Freddie Mac data shows that when fixed-rate mortgages were introduced in 1971, interest rates were about 7.5%. However, by 1980, they had dramatically increased to almost 20%. Benefits of crypto-backed mortgages Thanks to crypto-backed mortgages, you can access funds to invest in real estate without selling digital assets. You can leverage your crypto assets to take advantage of real estate market growth. Here are some key benefits of using a crypto-backed mortgage:Faster and simpler process: Compared to traditional mortgages, crypto-backed loans generally have a quicker and more streamlined approval process. Lenders use smart contracts to execute loan terms, making the whole process efficient and without prejudice.Liquidity without selling: You can access funds to invest in real estate without liquidating your crypto holdings. This is particularly beneficial during a real estate market upswing as you can retain your crypto assets while securing finances for real estate investment.Investment growth potential: Crypto-backed mortgages enable you to enjoy double growth. You benefit from appreciation in the prices of the real estate and the growth of your crypto assets.Broader accessibility: Crypto-backed mortgages provide financing opportunities for anyone who lacks traditional credit histories. If you have just settled in a country and don’t have financial records there, crypto-backed loans become a viable option. Tax benefits: Since no assets are sold, you can avoid immediate capital gains tax. This allows you to access value without triggering taxable events. Challenges in crypto-backed mortgages While crypto-backed mortgages offer some unique advantages, they also come with several challenges you must consider. From price volatility to regulatory uncertainties, these factors can impact the feasibility and cost of securing a mortgage with cryptocurrency. Here are some key challenges in crypto mortgaging:Higher costs: Compared to conventional mortgages, crypto-backed loans often have steeper interest rates. Since lenders consider these loans riskier, they set higher costs to protect themselves from potential losses.Price volatility: Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, meaning their value can fluctuate significantly. If the value of the pledged crypto collateral drops, you may need to add more assets or partially repay the loan to prevent liquidation.Limited market adoption: Many sellers may not be willing to deal with a prospective buyer who has arranged their loan using cryptocurrencies. This might limit your property purchase options.Regulatory uncertainty: The legal framework for crypto-backed mortgages is still evolving. Shifting regulations could impact the availability, terms or tax treatment of these loans, creating uncertainty for borrowers.Did you know? With $12.1 trillion in outstanding mortgage debt spread across 84 million loans, the average American mortgage holder owes $144,593. These home loans represent a massive 70.2% of all consumer debt in the US, highlighting their crucial importance to the nation’s financial health. How to decide on a crypto-backed mortgage? Before deciding on your cryptocurrency-backed mortgage, you need to make a thorough assessment of your financial status and risk tolerance. Begin by analyzing your cryptocurrency portfolio. Determine how much of your holdings you could pledge and consider how these assets may perform in the future. Given the volatility of cryptocurrencies, collateralizing a single asset may be risky. Diversifying your collateral across various cryptocurrencies may help avoid potential losses if prices fluctuate. You also need to carefully analyze the loan terms. Understanding the interest rates, payback plan and any other expenses related to the mortgage is essential. Consider the risks, such as asset liquidation if their value falls dramatically or if you fail to meet repayment terms.As crypto-backed mortgages are a relatively new financial instrument, seeking professional guidance may help if you feel unsure about it. Consulting with financial and real estate experts specializing in crypto lending can assist you in navigating the process, structuring your loan and aligning your mortgage decision with your long-term investment and financial objectives.
Vitalik Buterin meows at a robot, and the crypto world loses it
A video of Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin kneeling in front of a robot and seemingly letting out a “meow” sound has gone viral — and, as usual, the crypto industry is already speculating what it might mean for Ether’s future.“The future of Ethereum is in this man’s hands… Meow,” crypto influencer Wendy O said in a March 29 X post. Cork Protocol co-founder Phil Fogel shared the video and commented that “so much” of his professional life and net worth depend on Buterin but reiterated that the entertaining interaction makes him “bullish.”Community links video to Ether price speculationPseudonymous crypto trader Scott Crypto Warrior shared the video with his 514,300 X followers and said, “Pray for our ETH bags.” The short clip shows Buterin on his knees, gesturing at a four-legged robot and letting out what sounds like a “meow” before patting it on the head. At the time of publication, Buterin has yet to address the video on social media himself.Source: RinorMany of those commenting on the video allude to having Ether (ETH) in their portfolio, while its relative strength against Bitcoin (BTC) is at its lowest value in almost five years.Crypto commentator, The Count of Monte Crypto said in a March 29 X post,” Sure, the man is free to do whatever he wants, why should we care, why should we care, however, the fact that a vast majority of my investment relies on this guy is making me a bit stressed.”Pseudonymous crypto trader “sgp” said, “while Ethereum is doing -5% 1-minute candles, Vitalik is busy meowing at a robot.”Source: Ali BryantButerin’s quirky antics have always entertained the crypto industry. At Token2049 Singapore in September 2024, Buterin called out some “cringe” anthems for crypto projects and even started singing on stage, receiving a positive reaction from both the live audience and those on social media.Meanwhile, since Ether reclaimed the $4,000 price level in December 2024, it has dropped nearly 55%. At the time of publication, Ether is trading at $1,841, down 13.34% over the past month, according to CoinMarketCap data.Ether is trading at $1,841 at the time of publication. Source: CoinMarketCapEther sitting below $2,000 has crypto trader Alex Becker convinced it is a prime long-term buying opportunity.Related: Vitalik outlines strategy for scaling Ethereum and strengthening ETH“I can’t fathom looking at a sub $2k ETH and thinking you’re not going to be in big profit sometime in the next 2 years. Easiest asset trade in biblical history right now,” Becker said in a March 29 X post.Meanwhile, Castle Island Ventures’ Nic Carter recently said that Ether’s declining appeal as an investment comes from layer-2s draining value from the main network and a lack of community pushback on excessive token creation.Magazine: Bitcoin ATH sooner than expected? XRP may drop 40%, and more: Hodler’s Digest, March 23 – 29
