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Morgan Stanley Bitcoin ETF Launch Looms as NYSE Confirms Listing

Zabi
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Morgan Stanley Bitcoin ETF Launch Looms as NYSE Confirms Listing

Morgan Stanley appears close to launching its spot Bitcoin ETF, following a key listing update that points to an imminent debut.

According to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, exchange listing announcements typically indicate that a product is operationally ready to go live. In this case, the update marks a significant milestone for one of Wall Street’s largest institutions as it deepens its push into the crypto ETF market.

Key Points

  • Morgan Stanley’s spot Bitcoin ETF is expected to launch soon, following a formal update to the exchange listing.
  • The ETF will trade on NYSE Arca under the ticker MSBT.
  • The firm submitted an updated S-1 filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, advancing regulatory approval.
  • If launched, Morgan Stanley would become the first major U.S. bank to issue a spot Bitcoin ETF.
  • The bank’s scale (≈$6.2T in assets and 16,000 advisors) could make it a significant distribution channel for crypto ETF adoption.

Regulatory Progress Points to Imminent Launch

The anticipated launch follows months of regulatory progress. In January 2026, Morgan Stanley filed its initial application for a spot Bitcoin ETF. More recently, the firm submitted an updated S-1 registration to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), indicating that the process has advanced.

The revised filing confirmed key details about the product. The fund, named the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust, is expected to trade on NYSE Arca under the ticker MSBT. 

Meanwhile, the New York Stock Exchange’s formal listing announcement further reinforces expectations that the ETF could begin trading in the near term.

Potential First Among Major Banks

Against this backdrop, Morgan Stanley’s entry carries added significance. While asset management giants such as Fidelity and BlackRock have already rolled out spot Bitcoin ETFs, Morgan Stanley would become the first major U.S. bank to do so. As Balchunas noted, such a development would have seemed unlikely just a few years ago.

In addition, the firm’s scale amplifies its potential impact. With roughly 16,000 financial advisors overseeing about $6.2 trillion in client assets, Morgan Stanley has a distribution network that could significantly influence adoption.

Adoption Trends Show Cautious Advisor Approach

However, despite the momentum, adoption patterns suggest a measured approach within the industry. A Morgan Stanley executive noted that crypto ETFs are still in an early phase of integration into traditional portfolios. Financial advisors, in particular, continue to evaluate their role within long-term investment strategies.

Providing further context, Amy Oldenburg, the bank’s head of digital asset strategy, explained that individual investors currently drive most activity. She stated that roughly 80% of ETF transactions on the platform come from self-directed accounts, indicating that retail demand remains the primary driver.

Gradual Expansion Since 2024

This cautious but growing interest aligns with Morgan Stanley’s broader strategy over the past two years. In 2024, the firm first allowed its brokerage clients to access spot Bitcoin ETFs. Since then, it has steadily expanded availability, signaling a gradual but deliberate approach.

Now, with its own ETF nearing launch, Morgan Stanley appears poised to take a more prominent role in the digital asset space. The move could influence other traditional banks’ approach to crypto investment products in the future.

Cardano Founder Says Privacy Tech Like Midnight Is Rewriting Finance

Lele Jima
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Cardano Founder Says Privacy Tech Like Midnight Is Rewriting Finance

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson believes new privacy-focused systems like Midnight are changing how finance works by playing by different rules.

He recently used subtle humor to make this point while responding to ongoing discussions about stablecoins, banking, and blockchain privacy.

Key Points

  • Charles Hoskinson argues that privacy-enabled infrastructure, powered by Midnight, could fill a critical gap in traditional finance.
  • Cardano SPO identifies Midnight as the driving force behind financial strategies in the U.S. and U.K.
  • Hoskinson believes the Monument–Midnight deal is one of the most significant in Cardano’s history, with potential to drive major capital inflows.
  • He also frames Midnight as the home of “Web 2.5,” a hybrid model that bridges traditional finance with decentralized infrastructure.

Divisions Between UK and US Financial Strategies

The discussion gained momentum after the Midnight Foundation partnered with Monument Bank to tokenize retail deposits, marking a first for a U.K.-regulated bank. Through this initiative, the partners will bring traditional savings products on-chain while preserving key safeguards such as deposit insurance and regulatory compliance.

Following the announcement, a prominent Cardano community figure, “Stake with Pride,” highlighted a sharp contrast between the U.K. and U.S. approaches to on-chain finance.

Specifically, the Cardano SPO argued that stablecoins in the United States are losing their yield advantage to traditional banks, pointing to regulatory moves such as the proposed restrictions on passive yield in the Clarity Act.

In contrast, the U.K. is taking a different path. According to the post, financial institutions are actively integrating interest-bearing accounts directly on-chain while maintaining user confidentiality.

Moreover, the commentary positioned Midnight as a key enabler of this shift, citing the recent partnership as clear evidence of its real-world relevance.

Cardano Founder Reacts

In response, Hoskinson shared a GIF of Steve Harvey casually remarking, “I’m just saying,” effectively backing the Cardano SPO’s argument.

Although the reaction appeared lighthearted, it carried a deeper implication: the industry narrative may be shifting in favor of privacy-focused blockchain solutions.

Notably, Hoskinson has already described the Monument–Midnight collaboration as one of the most significant deals in Cardano’s history, projecting that it could attract substantial capital inflows into the ecosystem. However, his latest reaction suggests that the impact extends beyond a single partnership.

Midnight Is Home to Web 2.5 Ventures

Meanwhile, Charles Hoskinson has actively championed the project after committing $200 million to its development. In recent weeks, he has also intensified efforts to build momentum toward the privacy blockchain’s mainnet launch this month, even describing the period as “Midnight Week.”

Notably, the project has already secured partnerships with major players, including Google and Telegram. However, Hoskinson expects the list to continue expanding as more institutions seek efficient privacy-focused blockchain solutions. In his view, the collaboration with Monument Bank Limited further validates that trajectory.

Yesterday, Hoskinson argued that Midnight is more than a typical blockchain initiative. Instead, he frames it as the home of “Web 2.5” ventures, a model designed to bridge traditional finance with decentralized infrastructure.

Coinbase Survey Shows 25% of Institutions Plan to Add XRP to Their Allocations in 2026

Sam Wisdom Raphael
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Coinbase Survey Shows 25% of Institutions Plan to Add XRP to Their Allocations in 2026

A survey by Coinbase confirms that 25% of institutions plan to include XRP in their allocations in 2026.

The crypto market has struggled since October 2025, with total market value dropping by $1.45 trillion over this period. During the same time, XRP has fallen by nearly 51%, showing that altcoins have faced the same pressure as Bitcoin (BTC).

Despite this sustained downturn, large institutional investors have not stepped away from the market. Instead, they have begun adjusting their strategies. A Coinbase survey confirmed that 25% of institutions plan to add XRP to their allocations this year.

Key Points

  • The total crypto market has lost $1.45 trillion since October 2025, with XRP declining by nearly 51% within the same period.
  • Despite the ongoing downturn, a January 2026 survey by Coinbase confirms that institutions continue to seek out crypto exposure.
  • Per the survey, 73% of institutions plan to increase crypto allocations in 2026, while 29% expect exposure above 5% of AUM, up from 18%.
  • Data indicates that 18% of institutions already held XRP as of January 2026, with 25% planning to add it to their allocations in 2026.
  • Also, 56% of institutions are expected to hold assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum in 2026, showing a diversification trend that includes XRP.

Institutions Remain in Crypto with a Change in Strategy 

The January 2026 survey by Coinbase, carried out with Ernst & Young, included 351 institutional investors, with 96% managing more than $1 billion in assets. 

In terms of location, 60% came from the United States, 20% from Europe, and the rest came from other regions. The results show that institutions plan to remain in the market but have begun adjusting their investment strategies.

Per the findings, 73% of institutions plan to increase their crypto holdings in 2026. Also, 29% expect crypto to make up more than 5% of their total assets, up from 18% before. 

While optimism has eased slightly, it remains strong. Specifically, the share of investors expecting prices to rise dropped from 79% to 74%, but most still believe the market will improve over the next year.

Meanwhile, institutions are changing how they invest. About 66% now use ETFs or ETPs, and 81% prefer regulated investment options. Also, risk control has become more important, with 49% increasing their focus on risk management. 

When it comes to custody, 66% now focus on regulatory compliance, up from 25%, and 66% also prioritize security, compared to just 8% before. Further, while 65% say clear rules would encourage them to invest more, 66% still see unclear regulations as a major concern.

XRP Seeing Growing Interest 

Within this trend, XRP is becoming more important in institutional portfolios. The survey lists XRP as one of the main assets outside of Bitcoin and Ethereum that institutions either hold or plan to add. Specifically, it sits alongside other major altcoins such as SOL, BNB, TRX, ADA, DOGE, and LINK.

As of January 2026, 18% of institutions already hold XRP, but 25% confirmed plans to add it during the year. More broadly, the share of investors holding assets outside Bitcoin and Ethereum, including XRP, is expected to reach 56% in 2026. 

Institutions Planning to Increase XRP Allocations
Institutions Planning to Increase XRP Allocations

Bitcoin still leads the market, with 94% of institutions holding it as of January 2026. However, there are signs of change. Only 91% plan to continue or increase their Bitcoin exposure in 2026, suggesting that some investors are moving away to other assets like XRP and similar altcoins.

Growth in Stablecoins, DeFi, and Tokenization

The survey also shows growing interest in newer areas of crypto. Notably, stablecoins are leading this trend, with 86% of institutions either using them or planning to use them. Most use them for instant settlement, mentioned by 88%, and cash management, mentioned by 85%. 

Interest in decentralized finance is also rising. So far, 13% of institutions are already active in DeFi, while 43% plan to join by 2028, bringing the expected total to 56%.

Tokenization is another important area gaining attention. Notably, the data shows that 64% of asset managers are interested in tokenized assets, while 11% have already invested. Meanwhile, 62% plan to invest in this area by 2027.

Unlock Tokenized Stocks: Exchange xStocks on StealthEX

Esra Zuhal
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Unlock Tokenized Stocks: Exchange xStocks on StealthEX

The tokenized stocks market has officially entered the mainstream. As of March 2026, the sector’s aggregate market cap has crossed the 1billion milestone, attracting over 185,000 holders, a staggering leap from roughly 20 million and fewer than 1,500 users just fifteen months earlier. At the forefront of this explosion sits xStocks, the leading tokenized equities platform by trading volume and holder count.

Now, exchanging xStocks tokens is easier than ever. 10 of the most popular xStocks tokens — spanning tech giants, ETF indices, and cultural icons — are available for seamless swap on StealthEX, the non-custodial crypto exchange where users can trade them against 2,000+ other cryptocurrencies with no account registration required.

What Is the xStocks Ecosystem?

xStocks is a tokenized equity platform that brings exposure to real-world stocks and ETFs onto the blockchain. Developed by Swiss company Backed Finance, the platform’s token issuance is handled by a separate regulated entity — Backed Assets (JE) Limited, registered and licensed in Jersey — ensuring the regulated activity remains ring-fenced from the broader DeFi ecosystem (bitrue.com).

Each xStock token is a 1:1 backed tracker certificate that provides economic exposure to the price movement of a corresponding stock or ETF. Crucially, these are not direct equity shares — holders do not receive voting rights. Instead, a real underlying share is held in a regulated custody account for every token in circulation, and this backing is verifiable at any time through a public Proof of Reserves dashboard. Dividends generated by the underlying assets are automatically reinvested into the token’s value rather than paid out as cash.

The tokens are deployed across multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, TON, and Ink, giving users flexibility in how and where they hold their tokenized equities.

As of early 2026, xStocks has recorded more than 25 billion in total trading volume with over 4 billion settled on-chain and 85,000+ unique holders. The platform accounts for roughly 25% of the total tokenized stock sector value and about 17% of its user base.

The real value of tokenized stocks goes far beyond 24/7 market access. The key upgrade lies in the ability to freely transfer assets on-chain, compose them within DeFi protocols, and use them as collateral — turning what was once a static brokerage position into a dynamic, capital-efficient financial instrument.

The 10 Top xStocks Tokens Available on StealthEX

Here are the ten xStocks tokenized stock tokens you can now exchange on StealthEX, each offering blockchain-based exposure to some of the world’s most recognized companies and indices.

  1. Tesla xStock (TSLAX) — The flagship of the xStocks ecosystem. TSLAX tracks Tesla (TSLA) and is the largest xStock token by every measure: 20K holders, $86M market capitalization, and a token price of around $400 as of March 2026. For anyone seeking on-chain exposure to the electric vehicle and clean energy giant, TSLAX is the most liquid and widely held option.
  2. NVIDIA xStock (NVDAX) — Tracking NVIDIA (NVDA), the semiconductor powerhouse behind the AI revolution, NVDAX is the second-largest xStock with 15,500 holders and a total market capitalization of $42,907,540. As demand for AI infrastructure continues to surge, NVDAX offers a tokenized way to gain exposure to one of the market’s most consequential companies.
  3. S&P 500 xStock (SPYX) — Rather than tracking a single stock, SPYX mirrors the S&P 500 ETF (SPY), providing diversified exposure to 500 of the largest U.S. companies in a single token. With 12,5K holders and $61 million in market capitalization, SPYX is ideal for those seeking broad market exposure on-chain.
  4. Alphabet xStock (GOOGLX) — GOOGLX tracks Alphabet, the parent company of Google. With 11,3K holders and a $57.8 million market cap, it remains one of the most popular tokenized equities, reflecting Alphabet’s dominance in search, cloud, and AI.
  5. Circle xStock (CRCLX) — A unique entry in the xStocks lineup, CRCLX tracks Circle — the company behind the USDC stablecoin. Holding $116.8 million in assets with 8,400 holders, CRCLX offers exposure to the growing stablecoin infrastructure sector directly on-chain.
  6. MicroStrategy xStock (MSTRX) — Deployed on Solana, MSTRX tracks MicroStrategy, the enterprise software firm famous for its massive Bitcoin treasury strategy. With 6,400 holders and $138.5 million in assets, it effectively serves as a leveraged proxy for Bitcoin exposure through a tokenized equity.
  7. Nasdaq xStock (QQQX) — Tracking the Nasdaq-100 ETF (QQQ), QQQX provides diversified exposure to the top 100 non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq — a tech-heavy basket that includes Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. The token market capitalization is $36M and appeals to those who prefer index-level diversification.
  8. Meta xStock (METAX) — METAX tracks Meta Platforms (META), the social media and metaverse conglomerate. With 3,300 holders and a $42M market cap, it offers tokenized exposure to one of the world’s largest advertising and technology companies.
  9. Amazon xStock (AMZNX) — AMZNX tracks Amazon (AMZN), the global leader in e-commerce, cloud computing (AWS), and increasingly, AI services. As one of the most recognized brands on the planet, Amazon’s tokenized counterpart is a natural fit for DeFi-native portfolios.
  10. GameStop xStock (GMEX) — GMEX tracks GameStop (GME), the stock that became synonymous with the retail trading revolution and meme stock culture. While more speculative in nature, GMEX carries cultural significance and appeals to a community-driven investor base that values accessibility and decentralization.

How to Exchange xStocks on StealthEX

StealthEX is a non-custodial, instant cryptocurrency exchange — meaning it never holds your funds and requires no registration or account creation. Swapping any of the 10 xStocks tokens listed above for other digital assets takes just a few steps:

  • Choose the crypto pair and enter the amount, for example, BTC to TSLAX.
  • Click the “Start Exchange” button.
  • Provide the recipient crypto wallet address where you’d like to receive your swapped crypto.
  • Complete the swap. Send Bitcoin to the provided deposit address.
  • Tesla xStock will arrive directly in your wallet — no intermediary, no account lockup.

StealthEX offers competitive exchange rates, a clean and intuitive interface, and the peace of mind that comes from a fully non-custodial model. Whether you’re rotating from tokenized equities into stablecoins, diversifying into altcoins, or simply consolidating your portfolio, StealthEX makes the process frictionless.

About StealthEX

StealthEX is a non-custodial cryptocurrency exchange supporting 2,000+ digital assets. Designed with a privacy-first philosophy, StealthEX requires no account creation or sign-up — users simply select their trading pair, enter an amount, and swap. The platform is available as a web application and through API integrations for businesses and partners looking to embed exchange functionality into their own products. StealthEX also offers an exchange widget and an affiliate program, serving both retail users and enterprises. The mission is straightforward: make cryptocurrency exchange simple, fast, and accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise. Explore available trading pairs and start exchanging with StealthEX.io.

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Crypto Leaders from Coinbase, a16z Secure Front Seats at the Table in Trump’s Tech Council

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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Crypto Leaders from Coinbase, a16z Secure Front Seats at the Table in Trump’s Tech Council

A newly formed U.S. technology advisory council under Donald Trump includes several high-profile figures from the crypto industry.

Specifically, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) brings together key players from crypto and venture capital, adding blockchain voices to U.S. policymaking.

Key Points

  • Crypto leaders from Coinbase and a16z secure seats on Trump’s new tech advisory council.
  • PCAST brings blockchain voices into U.S. policymaking alongside AI and quantum experts.
  • Notable appointments include David Sacks, Marc Andreessen, and Fred Ehrsam.
  • Council signals crypto’s growing role in finance, regulation, and U.S. tech strategy.

Crypto Figures Secure Seats at the Table

Among the most notable appointments is David Sacks, serving as co-chair and the White House AI and crypto czar. Another prominent name is Marc Andreessen, a major crypto investor through Andreessen Horowitz. Fred Ehrsam, co-founder of Coinbase and Paradigm, also holds a seat on the council.

Their inclusion highlights the recognition of crypto as a key pillar within emerging technologies, alongside artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Broader Tech Powerhouse Lineup

Meanwhile, the council extends beyond crypto, featuring some of the most influential names in global technology:

  • Mark Zuckerberg
  • Larry Ellison
  • Jensen Huang
  • Sergey Brin
  • Michael Dell
  • Lisa Su

The group will act as a high-level advisory body, helping shape U.S. strategy on artificial intelligence, crypto, and other frontier technologies.

Focus on Innovation and Global Tech Dominance

The council was established through a January 23, 2025, executive order to ensure the United States maintains leadership in rapidly evolving sectors. The mandate emphasizes:

  • Strengthening national competitiveness in emerging tech
  • Addressing workforce challenges tied to automation and innovation
  • Guiding regulation in areas like AI and digital assets
  • Countering global rivals in the race for technological dominance

The administration has called the initiative part of a push toward a “Golden Age of Innovation,” where private-sector leaders play a direct role in shaping national policy.

What This Means for Crypto

Having top crypto figures on this council confirms that digital assets are now being taken seriously in U.S. policy talks. They are no longer on the sidelines as they are important to finance, security, and global competition.

With input from companies like Coinbase and Andreessen Horowitz, the industry could get clearer rules, more institutional interest, and better alignment between innovation and regulation.

This also marks a shift away from the earlier tensions between the U.S. government and tech leaders under the previous administration. Now, major executives are working more closely with policymakers.

As the council grows to its full 24 members, new appointments and its first meeting will give a clearer picture of how U.S. crypto policy will develop.

Ripple Teams Up with Singapore Central Bank to Modernize Cross-Border Trade via RLUSD

Zabi
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Ripple Teams Up with Singapore Central Bank to Modernize Cross-Border Trade via RLUSD

Ripple has confirmed its participation in the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s BLOOM project to test programmable solutions for cross-border trade settlements.

The project will leverage the XRP Ledger alongside Ripple’s dollar-pegged stablecoin, RLUSD, to streamline and automate payments between businesses. The move marks a significant step toward a more efficient international trade infrastructure.

Key Points

  • Ripple is joining a central bank–led initiative to modernize cross-border payments.
  • BLOOM is spearheaded by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to improve wholesale settlement systems.
  • The pilot will use the XRP Ledger and Ripple’s RLUSD for programmable trade payments.
  • Smart contracts will automate settlement based on real-world trade conditions, such as shipment delivery.
  • The project brings together major banks and fintech firms to test interoperable digital money systems.

Expanding Digital Settlement Capabilities

BLOOM, led by Singapore’s central bank, aims to explore the use of stablecoins and tokenized bank liabilities for more efficient cross-border payments. By creating a collaborative platform for financial institutions, the initiative seeks to address long-standing inefficiencies in wholesale payment and settlement systems.

Within this framework, Ripple’s participation will demonstrate how digital assets can enhance transparency, reduce friction, and improve operational efficiency in global trade.

Ripple and Unloq Partnership

To bring its solution to life, Ripple is partnering with fintech firm Unloq, which will provide its SC+ platform.

At the core of the system are smart contracts that automatically release payments once shipment conditions are met. This approach integrates trade obligations, financing workflows, and settlement rules into a single execution layer. RLUSD will act as the primary settlement asset, enabling secure and predictable cross-border transactions.

Fiona Murray, Ripple’s Managing Director for Asia Pacific, highlighted Singapore’s supportive regulatory environment, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation. She noted that the country continues to drive growth in the digital asset space.

Building on Singapore’s Digital Currency Initiatives

In a broader context, the BLOOM initiative builds on MAS’s earlier work under Project Orchid. Specifically, that effort explored the concept of a digital Singapore dollar and its supporting infrastructure.

While Orchid focused on foundational research, BLOOM shifts attention toward interoperability, aiming to connect various forms of digital money, including tokenized bank deposits and stablecoins.

Moreover, the initiative introduces programmable compliance features and explores automated, or “agentic,” payment systems. These additions reflect a growing emphasis on efficiency, control, and intelligent financial automation.

Broad Coalition of Global Participants

To support its ambitions, BLOOM has attracted a diverse group of global participants. Major financial institutions, including JPMorgan, DBS Bank, and Standard Chartered, are contributing their expertise.

Additionally, they are joined by technology firms such as Coinbase and Stripe, as well as infrastructure providers like Anchorage Digital and Circle. Consequently, this wide-ranging collaboration strengthens the platform’s ability to address complex settlement challenges from multiple perspectives.

Ripple’s Broader Strategy

Ripple’s participation in BLOOM aligns with its broader strategy of expanding into regulated markets. For instance, the company recently obtained an Australian Financial Services License through an acquisition and announced a $750 million share buyback, valuing the firm at $50 billion.

Overall, these developments underscore Ripple’s strategy of scaling its global presence while maintaining compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks.

Cardano: Midnight Powers First UK Bank to Tokenize Retail Deposits

Lele Jima
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Cardano: Midnight Powers First UK Bank to Tokenize Retail Deposits

Monument partners with Midnight Foundation, the team behind Cardano-based Midnight, to become the first UK-regulated bank to tokenize retail customer deposits.

According to a press release, the initiative leverages Midnight’s privacy-enhancing infrastructure to bring traditional savings products on-chain while maintaining full regulatory protections. 

Key Points 

  • Monument Bank Limited has partnered with Midnight Foundation to tokenize retail customer deposits on a public blockchain. 
  • The initiative marks the first time a UK-regulated bank has brought retail deposits on-chain. 
  • Monument will roll out the initiative in three structured phases, with phase one expected to tokenize up to £250 million ($334.17 million) in customer deposits. 
  • Customers can access tokenized products without managing or holding digital assets. 

Monument Bank Taps Midnight Privacy Features to Tokenize Retail Deposits 

Monument Bank, a Bank of England-regulated institution, is taking a first-mover position in the UK’s evolving digital finance landscape by introducing tokenized retail deposits on Midnight, Cardano’s privacy blockchain. 

Through this initiative, customers can hold interest-bearing savings as digital tokens, with each token representing funds securely held at the bank.

Moreover, the system uses Midnight’s privacy-focused infrastructure to keep transaction data confidential and accessible only to the bank and its customers. Additionally, it aligns with regulatory standards, ensuring blockchain adoption does not compromise compliance or consumer protection. 

Phased Rollout 

According to the announcement, Monument will roll out the system in three phases. First, the bank will bring up to £250 million ($334.17 million) in deposits on-chain while maintaining full backing and protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Each deposit will be tokenized on a one-to-one basis, remaining interest-bearing and fully redeemable in GBP.

Next, Monument will expand into tokenized investment products, including commodity funds, private equity, and structured assets, delivered directly through its app. In doing so, it aims to democratize access to investment opportunities reserved for ultra-wealthy investors. Notably, customers will gain exposure without needing to buy, hold, or manage digital assets themselves.

Lastly, the bank will introduce Lombard-style lending, enabling customers to borrow against their tokenized investments. As a result, users can access liquidity without selling their assets, effectively extending private banking-style services to a broader audience.

Beyond these phases, Monument plans to extend tokenization capabilities to other institutions through its Banking-as-a-Service platform, potentially accelerating adoption across the financial sector.

Industry Context and Growing Momentum Around Midnight 

The partnership comes amid rising global interest in tokenized financial infrastructure, a sector projected to reach up to $16 trillion by 2030. 

In parallel, Securitize and the New York Stock Exchange have partnered to develop a tokenized securities infrastructure, while the U.S. SEC approved Nasdaq’s request to facilitate tokenized trading. 

Meanwhile, the development precedes the mainnet launch of Midnight, expected later this month. Although Midnight is yet to go live as a partner chain on the Cardano mainnet, it has already attracted major partners, including AlphaTon Capital, which aims to leverage its privacy infrastructure for advanced applications such as self-preserving AI for Telegram’s massive user base.

Additionally, Charles Hoskinson has emphasized that Midnight will continue to attract high-profile partnerships, and the Monument Bank collaboration reinforces this outlook. 

XAUT Perpetual Futures Volume on Binance Hits New Record Peak Above $6B

Sam Wisdom Raphael
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XAUT Perpetual Futures Volume on Binance Hits New Record Peak Above $6B

XAUT, the tokenized gold stablecoin from Tether, recently claimed a new record high in perpetual futures trading volume on Binance.

The gold-backed stablecoin XAUT has seen a massive rise in trading activity, reaching a new all-time high daily perpetual volume above $6 billion on Binance despite gold’s recent price struggles. This surge pushed it into the fifth position among the most traded perpetual pairs.

Key Points

  • XAUT reached a record $6.40 billion in daily perpetual trading volume on March 23, 2026.
  • Trading volume surged from $1.592 million in December 2025 to the $6.4 billion peak, marking a 402,626% increase within three months.
  • The recent peak comes amid gold’s price struggles, which recently fell below $5,000 due to geopolitical tensions, including the Iran conflict.
  • Data suggests XAUT gained traction quickly, moving from 453rd place to the top 10 in perpetual trading rankings within a month.

Surge in XAUT Perpetual Activity on Binance

JA Maartunn, an analyst at CryptoQuant, highlighted this recent feat in an analysis. He confirmed that the rise in XAUT’s perpetual trading volume has now pushed it from 453rd in perpetual volume on Binance as of last December to the fifth position. 

The analyst insisted that the recent development is beyond normal price-driven trading activity. According to him, it suggests that traders have begun looking beyond traditional crypto assets in the blockchain ecosystem, and XAUT’s growth shows this growing interest. 

Maartunn also pointed out that Binance has continued to expand its offerings in this regard to meet the growing user demand, with METAUSDT, NVDAUSDT, and GOOGLUSDT perpetual pairs set to launch on March 26, 2026, each with up to 10x leverage.

XAUT Volume Grows from Millions to Billions

Data from the accompanying chart shows that the rise in XAUT perpetual volume has been incredibly sharp. In late December 2025, daily volume stood at just $1.592 million. By January 2026, it had increased, moving between $10 million and $48 million before reaching $300 million by the end of the month.

XAUT Perpetual Volume on Binance CryptoQuant
XAUT Perpetual Volume on Binance | CryptoQuant

The pace picked up in February 2026, when volume crossed $1 billion and climbed to a peak of $4.17 billion in early February before dropping to $540 million soon after. From there, volume moved within a wide range between $120 million and $3 billion, with occasional moves above $3 billion but still below the earlier $4.17 billion peak.

The latest surge has now pushed above the early February peak. Notably, the move to $6.40 billion set a new all-time high and marked a 402,626% increase from the $1.592 million recorded in December 2025.

Gold Seeing Price Struggles 

The increase in XAUT trading comes on the back of increased volatility in physical gold prices. Over the same period, gold (XAU) rose from $4,202 per ounce to a record $5,602 in late January 2026. This rise likely helped drive interest in tokenized gold.

However, prices later fell below $5,000 and continued to drop after February 28. The ongoing Iran conflict has added pressure on gold, leading to weaker investor sentiment. Despite this decline, interest in XAUT has stayed strong, leading to the latest record in trading volume.

Tokenized Gold in Crypto Markets

The recent milestone comes after an earlier update from Maartunn on February 26, when XAUT moved from 453rd place in Binance’s perpetual rankings into the top 10. Notably, the impressive increase in trading activity shows how tokenized real-world assets have begun garnering interest in crypto markets.

For the uninitiated, XAUT is issued by Tether on networks like Ethereum and Tron, and represents a digital token backed one-to-one by a fine troy ounce of physical gold that meets LBMA Good Delivery standards. The gold is stored in secure vaults in Switzerland. 

Binance does not currently offer XAUT for spot trading. Instead, users can access it through the Binance Web3 Wallet or decentralized exchanges, while the platform focuses on perpetual futures for the asset. XAUT now holds a market cap of $2.54 billion, with a fully diluted valuation of $3.21 billion.

While XRP Price Dips, Long Positions Are Gradually Piling Up

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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0
While XRP Price Dips, Long Positions Are Gradually Piling Up

XRP is slipping in price, but derivatives data suggests the market may be positioning for a rebound rather than a deeper sell-off.

According to analyst CW, the recent decline in XRP has not been accompanied by a rise in short positions. Instead, long positions are gradually increasing, pointing to growing confidence among traders despite the pullback.

Key Points

  • XRP dips, but rising long positions suggest traders are positioning for a rebound rather than further downside.
  • Open interest climbs to $2.60B, signaling fresh positions as traders lean toward long exposure at lower price levels.
  • Lack of short buildup points to reduced downside pressure, with accumulation hinting at a possible recovery ahead.
  • Despite short-term weakness, analysts still eye $5–$10 targets, though volatility remains a key risk factor.

XRP Long Positions Are Piling Up

Notably, this shift is visible in futures market behavior, where open interest (OI) continues to climb. Data from CoinGlass shows XRP OI has reached $2.60 billion, marking a 7.51% increase over the past 24 hours.

Rising OI alongside a declining price implies that traders are opening new positions, leaning, in this case, toward long exposure at lower levels.

At the time of writing, XRP is trading around $1.42, up slightly on the day but still down nearly 4% over the past week.

Futures Market Signals Reduced Downside Pressure

CW noted that the lack of short-position buildup suggests limited downside pressure in the futures market. Instead of aggressively betting against XRP, traders appear to be accumulating, potentially anticipating a recovery.

CW's XRP chart
CW’s XRP chart

The latest derivatives data adds another layer to the current technical outlook. A veteran analyst recently warned that XRP may still be in a corrective phase resembling a Wave 2/5 retracement. In that scenario, the price could briefly push toward the $1.51 resistance level before a larger Wave 3 move drives it lower.

Key levels the price could fall to include $1.12, where a possible double bottom could form, or around $0.87, which many see as a strong long-term accumulation zone.

This supports the idea that the current price action may be part of a broader “final shakeout,” a phase to test market conviction before a larger move.

Long-Term Outlook Remains Intact

Despite short-term uncertainty, the long-term bullish narrative around XRP has not changed. Some analysts still maintain that the asset could reach significantly higher levels once the accumulation phase is complete.

Among the widely forecast targets are the psychological level at $5 and a potential move into double digits.

Bitrue: XRP Should Be $10

Earlier today, crypto exchange Bitrue claimed XRP should already be trading at $10 amid ongoing debate about Bitcoin’s price targets. With the coin currently around $1.40, it would need to rise more than 7x to reach $10, implying a market cap of about $612 billion.

Bitrue has long been bullish on XRP, especially after Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC ended.

Some in the crypto community agree that XRP is undervalued, citing institutional interest and blockchain adoption as key drivers. However, skeptics point to its history of slow growth and warn that even if it reaches $10, bearish volatility is likely.

Dogecoin Price Forecast for Mar 25: Here’s Why DOGE Still Needs a Stronger Push

Maxwell Mutuma
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Dogecoin Price Forecast for Mar 25: Here’s Why DOGE Still Needs a Stronger Push

Dogecoin is recovering, but mixed trend signals and nearby resistance show buyers still need stronger momentum to confirm upside.

Dogecoin is changing hands around $0.09663, up 1.64% on the day after rebounding from an earlier dip below $0.093. The one-day chart shows DOGE spending much of the previous session under pressure before recovering steadily. 

It has since reclaimed the $0.09507 level and is pushing toward the $0.097 area. That move suggests buyers regained short-term control, with the latest price action favoring a near-term recovery narrative.

The wider market data still shows a mixed backdrop. Dogecoin is up over the 4-hour, 24-hour, and 30-day periods, but remains down over the 7-day, 90-day, and 1-year timeframes. At the same time, it has recorded $1.08 billion in open interest and $2.32 billion in futures volume.

Notably, this supports the view that DOGE may try to hold its rebound if buying pressure remains intact.

Can Dogecoin Hold Its Rebound?

Dogecoin’s daily chart shows a modest recovery, with DOGE trading above $0.09 after rebounding from the $0.089 area. The recent candles suggest buyers have regained some short-term control, but the Parabolic SAR still sits above the price at around $0.1035.

Dogecoin Price Prediction
Dogecoin Price Prediction

This typically means the broader daily trend has not fully turned bullish yet. In technical terms, DOGE is recovering, but it still needs a stronger push above the Parabolic SAR resistance to confirm a full trend reversal.

The MACD paints a more constructive near-term picture. The histogram has turned positive, while the MACD line (-0.000700) has moved above the signal line (-0.001022). This points to improving momentum and fading bearish pressure. 

Even so, both lines remain below the zero line, which suggests the rebound is still in its early stages rather than a confirmed breakout. For now, traders may view $0.089 as near-term support, while the SAR zone near $0.1035 stands out as the next resistance level.

Is This the Next Leg for Dogecoin?

On the social media commentary end, Trader Tardigrade said Dogecoin’s 4-hour chart is showing a constructive setup, with the price action forming the right shoulder of an inverse head and shoulders pattern.

DOGE 4H Analysis
DOGE 4H Analysis

In technical analysis, that structure is often seen as a potential bullish reversal signal, especially when the price begins to stabilize and climb after forming the head.

The analyst said the next key step is a break above resistance, which appears near the highlighted neckline zone on the chart. If DOGE clears that level, Trader Tardigrade said $0.098000 could become the next price area to watch.

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