Latest Market Updates: As of 28th April 2026.
Today in crypto, momentum is building on multiple fronts. In Washington, officials have hinted that plans for a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve may soon move closer to reality.
On the corporate front, Block has launched a Bitcoin proof-of-reserves system to enhance transparency in its holdings. Meanwhile, Marathon Digital is establishing a new foundation focused on Bitcoin network health and adoption. Elsewhere, Israel’s regulators have approved a shekel-pegged stablecoin.
US Signals Imminent Progress on Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
At the Bitcoin 2026 Conference, White House advisor Patrick Witt indicated that a significant update on the proposed U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve may be approaching.
Specifically, he noted that progress has continued since President Donald Trump signed an executive order in 2025. The directive established a framework for a reserve built primarily from Bitcoin already held by the government through asset seizures.
According to Witt, officials have been refining both legal and operational structures, and a key breakthrough has now been reached. A formal announcement, he suggested, could arrive within weeks.
However, he also emphasized that additional congressional action would still be required to make the framework permanent.
In parallel, lawmakers are pushing to solidify the initiative. Senators Cynthia Lummis and Nick Begich have reintroduced legislation under a new name, the American Reserves Modernization Act (ARMA).
The proposal would authorize the accumulation of up to one million Bitcoin over five years without increasing federal spending.
Block Expands Transparency With Verifiable Bitcoin Holdings
In the corporate crypto adoption space, Block Inc., the online payments firm, has rolled out a new proof-of-reserves system. The initiative aims to increase transparency across its Bitcoin holdings.
The system covers the company’s treasury and major platforms, including Cash App and Square. This enables users to independently verify Bitcoin balances through blockchain-based cryptographic signatures rather than relying on internal disclosures.
In a post on X, Block, led by Jack Dorsey, stated that trust alone is no longer sufficient and that verification should be accessible to the public.
The company disclosed holdings of 8,883 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $681.4 million. This position places it among the top 15 corporate Bitcoin holders globally.
The move reflects a broader industry shift toward transparency following the collapse of FTX in 2022. Since then, major exchanges including Binance, OKX, Kraken, Bitfinex, and Bitget have implemented similar verification systems, making proof-of-reserves a growing standard across the sector.
MARA Launches Foundation to Strengthen Bitcoin Ecosystem
Meanwhile, mining firm MARA Holdings has announced the formation of the MARA Foundation. This new initiative aims to strengthen Bitcoin’s long-term network resilience and global adoption.
The foundation will focus on several areas, including mitigating future technological risks such as quantum computing threats, encouraging self-custody practices, and improving fee market efficiency.
MARA has committed an initial $100,000 in funding, with the community to help decide how resources are allocated among Bitcoin-focused projects.
Beyond funding, the foundation plans to develop educational resources for developers, institutions, and policymakers to encourage informed participation in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Israel Clears Launch of Shekel-Based Stablecoin
Turning to international developments, Israel’s Capital Market, Insurance and Savings Authority has approved the issuance of a shekel-pegged stablecoin called BILS, developed by Bits of Gold.
The approval follows a two-year pilot program conducted on the Solana blockchain. Regulators confirmed that reserves backing the stablecoin will be held in segregated domestic accounts to ensure transparency and financial stability.
The project is part of a coordinated regulatory effort involving the Israel Tax Authority and the Finance Ministry, aimed at enabling controlled expansion of digital asset activity within the country.
According to Bits of Gold CEO Youval Rouach, BILS is designed to bridge the Israeli shekel with global digital markets, enabling real-time payments and blockchain-based financial services.
The approval also comes amid a strong currency backdrop, with the Israeli shekel trading at a multi-decade high against the U.S. dollar, around 0.34 USD per shekel at the time of reporting.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
