Strategy raised $776 million this week, which could lead to the purchase of over 11,000 BTC.
US Bitcoin ETFs had $767 million in inflows in the same period.
STRC hints at $776 million in Bitcoin buying power
As of Saturday, BTC/USD had risen more than 7% over the past week to around $70,625. Over the same period, the benchmark S&P 500 (SPX) was down 1.60%.
BTC/USD vs. SPX weekly chart performance. Source: TradingView
The divergence came as STRC.LIVE estimates indicated that Strategy may have raised enough cash through at-the-market sales of its STRC instrument this week to buy more than 11,000 BTC.
At current prices, that would amount to roughly $776 million in Bitcoin.
STRC weekly data (March 9–13). Source: STRC.LIVE
STRC is Strategy’s exchange-traded income-paying instrument that helps it raise investor cash for Bitcoin buys. When it trades at or above its $100 par value, Strategy can issue more shares and turn that demand into fresh BTC-buying capital.
Last week, Strategy had purchased 17,994 BTC, equivalent to about $1.28 billion at that time. About 30% of the BTC allocation was funded by STRC sale proceeds.
A similar sequence played out after Israel’s June 2025 strikes on Iran. Bitcoin dipped in the immediate aftermath, then flipped higher, gaining about 25% over the next two months.
During the January 2020 US–Iran flare-up after General Qasem Soleimani’s killing, Bitcoin rose more than 50% overall, even though the first reaction included a brief price drop.
Conversely, a bear flag formation on the Bitcoin chart increases the likelihood of a bull trap.
Bear flags form when the price rises inside an ascending, parallel channel after a strong downtrend. They usually resolve when the price breaks below the lower boundary and falls by as much as the previous downtrend’s height.
As of Saturday, Bitcoin showed signs of upside exhaustion near the flag’s upper boundary, also aligning with the 50-day exponential moving average (50-day EMA, the red line) at around $72,750.
BTC/USD daily price chart. Source: TradingView
Applying the bear flag principle to Bitcoin’s chart places the measured downside target at around $51,000.
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. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
Tech investor and former Coinbase chief technology officer Balaji Srinivasan has called on the crypto industry to develop more financial tools for refugees and stateless people.
In a Saturday post on X, Srinivasan said the number of displaced individuals could grow as global conflicts intensify and economic migration increases. He pointed to examples ranging from Ukrainians fleeing war to workers leaving the Gulf countries amid regional tensions.
“We should build more crypto tools for refugees and stateless people,” Srinivasan wrote, suggesting that blockchain-based systems can provide financial infrastructure when traditional institutions fail or become inaccessible.
Srinivasan described crypto as “wartime mode for the internet,” arguing that decentralized networks were designed to operate even under hostile conditions such as cyberattacks, infrastructure failures or financial restrictions. He said that public blockchains can continue processing transactions even if centralized systems face disruptions.
Crypto rarely builds for refugees despite clear need
His comments came in response to a separate post from Andi Duro, founder of research site TwoCents, who argued that while crypto could serve refugees effectively, the industry rarely builds products specifically for them.
“It’s very unfortunate that crypto is a great solution for refugees who are stateless and forced to interact with crumbling institutions and payment rails,” Andi wrote. “But nobody in crypto builds for refugees because they’re not useful consumers for gambling.”
Srinivasan calls on crypto to build more tools for refugees. Source: Balaji Srinivasan
However, Srinivasan noted that crypto has had some success in building such tools. He pointed out the growing role of stablecoins, which he said are already gaining global reach as a borderless form of digital money. “But we can do more,” he added.
As Cointelegraph reported, the market capitalization of the USDC (USDC) stablecoin is nearing a record $80 billion as supply surges in recent weeks. USDC’s circulating supply reaching roughly $79.2 billion, surpassing its previous high set in December after rising from about $70 billion in early February.
One Dubai-based analyst attributed the spike to capital flight from the United Arab Emirates amid turbulence in the real estate market. The DFM Real Estate Index has dropped sharply since the start of the war.
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
Opinion by: Ana Carolina Oliveira, chief compliance officer at Venga
Crypto doesn’t have a money laundering problem on its own. At least, not when compared to traditional finance, where the practice is at least twice as prevalent and over 90% of which is believed to go undetected. Money laundering is a general problem wherever we see the transfer of funds. That’s the good news.
Blockchain records everything for posterity. When money laundering does occur, an indelible record is created that allows the illicit financial flows to be traced from end to end.
Just because crypto doesn’t have a particular money laundering problem doesn’t mean that money laundering has been eradicated. The anti-money laundering system needs to evolve as a whole to strengthen preventive and investigative measures across traditional finance as well as centralized and decentralized finance (CeFi and DeFi) environments.
This evolution requires greater communication within the sector, improved feedback mechanisms, a deeper understanding of emerging typologies and more effective dissemination of new trends.
The recently published European Union AML Regulation (Regulation EU 2024/1624) sets some rules on this matter, but more needs to be done in practice. Achieving this calls for regulators and industry leaders to create the kind of guardrails that go beyond “box-checking” compliance.
Crypto must do better
It’s not enough to have AML procedures in place. These need to be constantly enhanced to ensure that crypto overcomes its misunderstood reputation as a high-risk money-laundering environment and strengthens its barriers to keep aggressively combating this practice.
This demands a cultural change in how we approach money laundering, with an emphasis on greater information sharing. Otherwise, criminals will simply shift operations from high AML venues to softer crypto targets where they can continue to ply their trade.
Crypto “enables” money laundering in exactly the same manner as fiat. The architecture may be different, but the outcome is the same: bad actors doing bad things with funds that facilitate everything from ransomware to, in the most egregious cases, terrorism.
Blockchain’s pseudonymity may be a feature, not a bug, but it makes it hard to know who you’re dealing with when it comes to self-hosted wallets, exacerbated when mixers are used to obfuscate the source of funds.
When you can’t easily identify the origin or owner of the funds, you will struggle to prevent money laundering.
That is the reality for fiat and crypto alike. A single exchange, no matter how robust its AML and Know Your Transaction tooling, lacks the visibility into everything that’s taking place onchain. Collectively, however, all crypto platforms possess vast knowledge of who’s doing what onchain, and when that “what” strays into the realm of suspected criminality, that information must be shared.
At present, initiatives like the Travel Rule, wallet screening and onchain analytics form a powerful AML barrier, but responsibility and the costs associated with creating the pathways to combat illicit activity, are delegated to individual entities. To give just one example, the Travel Rule mandates a SWIFT/IBAN-style identification system, but the industry has been left alone to create the technology and integration to facilitate this exchange of information.
In other words, regulators have delegated the implementation of a “crypto SWIFT system” to the industry. In a sector characterized by multi-jurisdictional companies that are subject to different geo-specific regulations, this compliance burden is colossal and labyrinthine. The ideal solution is for a global compliance standard to be implemented industry-wide.
Given the difficulties of getting different regulators and regions to agree to such a framework, the onus falls to the crypto industry, once more, to self-regulate. States and other national competent authorities must do better in regulating and setting the path for the industry to comply.
Fewer loopholes, more freedom
The biggest crypto money-laundering challenge at present is the difficulty of identifying who owns the wallets, and not the technology itself. Because the United States, EU and Asia have different thresholds and rules when it comes to sharing information, performing due diligence and enforcing the Travel Rule, there are loopholes that bad actors exploit.
Closing off these loopholes won’t just curtail money laundering; it will also empower legitimate users to enjoy the financial freedom that crypto provides. The freedom to transact, to trade and to tokenize without running into brick walls every time they change exchanges or switch regions. Because crypto is borderless, compliance needs to follow suit. Compliance needs to work everywhere, every time.
That’s why the industry needs to collaborate to share information, adopt best practices and signal to the world that blockchain is open for business but closed to criminals who have nowhere to hide their ill-gotten gains.
We’ve mastered the AML tools. Now we need to master the art of talking. Exchange to exchange. Platform to platform. Region to region. FIU to obliged entities. TradFi with CeFi. That’s how crypto’s stance on money laundering goes from low-tolerance to no-tolerance.
If we can achieve that, the industry will flourish.
Opinion by: Ana Carolina Oliveira, chief compliance officer at Venga.
This opinion article presents the author’s expert view, and it may not reflect the views of Cointelegraph.com. This content has undergone editorial review to ensure clarity and relevance. Cointelegraph remains committed to transparent reporting and upholding the highest standards of journalism. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before taking any actions related to the company.
AAVE trades at $110.22 after 4.6% decline, but analysts project 20% upside to $131-137 range within days as technical indicators show potential reversal from oversold levels.
Recent analyst predictions paint an optimistic picture for AAVE despite today’s 4.6% decline. Terrill Dicki noted on March 7th that “AAVE rebounds 6.70% to $113.11 as analysts eye $137 breakout target. Technical indicators show neutral RSI at 40.90 with key resistance at $125 ahead.”
CoinCodex provided a specific AAVE price prediction on March 11th, stating that “AAVE is expected to reach a price of $131.92 by Mar 15, 2026.” This ambitious target represents nearly 20% upside from current levels.
Aishwarya Shashikumar echoed this bullish sentiment, noting that “The price has the potential to rise 20.52% reaching $131.92 within the next five days,” reinforcing the $131-132 target zone that multiple analysts are eyeing for this Aave forecast.
AAVE Technical Analysis Breakdown
The current technical setup for AAVE shows mixed signals with lean toward oversold conditions. Trading at $110.22, AAVE sits just above the lower Bollinger Band at $105.13, with a %B position of 0.33 indicating the price is in the lower third of the band range.
The RSI reading of 44.10 places AAVE in neutral territory, suggesting neither overbought nor oversold extremes. However, the MACD histogram at 0.0000 indicates bearish momentum may be weakening, potentially setting up for a reversal.
Key moving averages tell a story of recent weakness, with AAVE trading below both the 20-day SMA ($112.78) and 50-day SMA ($121.30). The price remains significantly below the 200-day SMA at $195.44, highlighting the longer-term downtrend that needs to be overcome.
Critical resistance levels emerge at $116.32 (immediate) and $122.41 (strong resistance), while support holds at $106.99 and strengthens at $103.75.
Aave Price Targets: Bull vs Bear Case
Bullish Scenario
The bull case for this AAVE price prediction centers around a break above the $116.32 resistance level. A sustained move above this threshold could trigger momentum buying toward the $122.41 strong resistance zone.
If AAVE can reclaim the 20-day moving average at $112.78 and establish it as support, the path opens toward analyst targets in the $131-137 range. The Bollinger Band upper limit at $120.43 represents an initial target, with a breakout potentially extending the rally to the analyst-projected $131.92 level.
Volume confirmation above $15 million would strengthen the bullish thesis, as current 24-hour volume of $13.9 million sits below ideal breakout levels.
Bearish Scenario
The bear case warns of further downside if AAVE fails to hold the $106.99 immediate support. A break below this level could accelerate selling toward the critical $103.75 support zone.
Extended weakness below the lower Bollinger Band at $105.13 would signal continued distribution and could target the psychological $100 level. The bearish MACD setup suggests momentum remains fragile, making any rally susceptible to quick reversals.
Should You Buy AAVE? Entry Strategy
For this Aave forecast, aggressive traders might consider scaling into positions near current levels around $110, with additional purchases on any dip toward the $106-107 support zone.
Conservative buyers should wait for a decisive break above $116.32 with volume confirmation before initiating positions. This approach reduces risk but may miss early-stage recovery moves.
Stop-loss placement should consider the $103.75 critical support level, representing roughly 6% downside risk from current prices. Position sizing should reflect AAVE’s daily ATR of $7.66, indicating significant intraday volatility.
Conclusion
This AAVE price prediction suggests cautious optimism for the next 1-2 weeks, with analyst targets in the $131-137 range appearing achievable if technical resistance levels are cleared. The convergence of multiple analyst forecasts around $132 provides compelling upside potential of approximately 20%.
However, traders should remain mindful that cryptocurrency markets remain highly volatile, and technical setups can change rapidly. The success of this Aave forecast depends heavily on broader market conditions and AAVE’s ability to generate sustained buying interest above key resistance levels.
Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results.
US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) logged their first five-day inflow streak of 2026, bringing in roughly $767.32 million this week.
The funds recorded $180.33 million in net inflows on Friday, extending the run of positive flows that began earlier in the week. The strongest day of the streak came on Tuesday, when spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs attracted $250.92 million, according to data from SoSoValue.
The last time the funds saw a comparable streak was in late November 2025, when spot Bitcoin ETFs logged five consecutive days of net inflows from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2, bringing in a combined $284.61 million.
Spot Bitcoin ETF flows so far this year. Source: SoSoValue
Overall, the ETFs now hold $91.83 billion in net assets, with cumulative net inflows reaching $56.14 billion and roughly $4.93 billion in total value traded on the day.
Meanwhile, US spot Ether (ETH) ETFs recorded $26.69 million in net inflows on Friday, extending a four-day run of positive flows. The streak began on Tuesday, when the funds added $12.59 million, followed by $57.01 million on Wednesday and a stronger $115.85 million on Thursday, the largest inflow during the period.
The four-day stretch has brought roughly $212.14 million into spot Ether ETFs, reversing the outflows seen earlier in March. As of today, cumulative net inflows into US spot Ether ETFs stands at $11.79 billion, while total net assets across the funds reached $12.26 billion, with about $1.30 billion in value traded on the day.
The recent stretch marks the first sustained inflow run for spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs this year after a volatile start to 2026 that saw several days of heavy outflows across the products.
Rising tensions in the Middle East and volatility in energy markets are weighing on global risk sentiment. According to Bitunix analysts, escalating conflict around the Strait of Hormuz and elevated oil prices have increased macro uncertainty and reduced expectations for aggressive Federal Reserve rate cuts, prompting investors to focus on short-term liquidity rather than long-term risk exposure.
Against this backdrop, Bitcoin remains range-bound. Bitunix said derivatives liquidation heatmaps show a key short-liquidity cluster near $71,300, which is acting as near-term resistance, with a larger concentration between $72,000 and $73,500.
On the downside, liquidity support sits around $69,000, with deeper long liquidation levels near $68,800, suggesting BTC may continue consolidating unless macro catalysts trigger a breakout.
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
Bitcoin turned down from the $74,000 level, indicating that the bears remain sellers on rallies.
Several major altcoins are showing strength and are likely to break above their immediate resistance levels.
Bitcoin (BTC) turned down from the $74,000 level, indicating that the bears are vigorously defending the level. Glassnode said in its latest Week On-chain newsletter that BTC is stuck between the realized price (average acquisition cost of all circulating supply) at $54,400 and true market mean (the cost basis of actively transacted coins) at $78,000. Rally attempts are likely to witness rejection at the $78,000 level.
Historical data also does not support a sharp rally in BTC in 2026. Data from Binance Research shows that BTC has seen drawdowns of 56%, 73%, and 64% during the 2014, 2018 and 2022 US midterm election years. However, there is a ray of hope for the bulls as the two years following the midterm elections have seen massive gains in BTC.
Crypto market data daily view. Source: TradingView
Notwithstanding the uncertainty, a positive sign in favor of the bulls is that BTC has emerged as the best performing macro asset since the start of the US and Israel-Iran war. It shows investors are not panicking and dumping their BTC positions. That increases the likelihood of a bottom formation in BTC.
Could buyers propel BTC and select major altcoins above their overhead resistance levels? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.
Bitcoin price prediction
BTC rallied toward the overhead resistance at $74,508, where the bears are mounting a strong defense.
The 20-day exponential moving average ($69,271) has flattened out, and the relative strength index (RSI) has jumped into the positive zone, signaling an advantage to buyers. That increases the possibility of a break above the $74,508 level, completing a bullish ascending triangle pattern. The BTC/USDT pair may then skyrocket to $84,000.
Sellers will have to tug the BTC price below the support line to signal a comeback. If they do that, the pair may collapse to the $62,500 to $60,000 support zone.
Ether price prediction
Sellers are attempting to halt Ether’s (ETH) relief rally at the 50-day simple moving average ($2,173), but the bulls continue to exert pressure.
If buyers do not allow the ETH price to slip back below the 20-day EMA ($2,036), it enhances the prospects of a rally to $2,600. Such a move suggests that the downtrend may be over.
Sellers are likely to have other plans. They will attempt to swiftly pull the price back below the 20-day EMA. If they can pull it off, it suggests that the ETH/USDT pair may extend its range-bound action between $1,750 and $2,200 for some more time.
BNB price prediction
BNB (BNB) reached the 50-day SMA ($680), where the bears are expected to mount a strong defense.
However, if buyers overcome the barrier at the 50-day SMA, the BNB price may ascend to $730 and subsequently to $790. Such a move suggests that the BNB/USDT pair may have bottomed out at $570.
Alternatively, if the price turns down from the 50-day SMA and breaks below the 20-day EMA, it suggests that the bears remain in command. The pair may drop to $607 and thereafter to $570.
XRP price prediction
XRP (XRP) has risen above the 20-day EMA ($1.39), indicating that the selling pressure is reducing.
The relief rally is expected to face selling at the 50-day SMA ($1.49) and then at the $1.61 level. If the XRP price turns down from the overhead resistance but rebounds off the 20-day EMA, it suggests a change in sentiment from selling on rallies to buying on dips. That increases the possibility of a rally to the downtrend line of the descending channel pattern.
This positive view will be negated in the near term if the price turns down from the 50-day SMA and breaks below $1.27. The XRP/USDT pair may then plummet to the support line.
Solana price prediction
Solana (SOL) has gradually risen to the top of the $76 to $95 range, indicating that selling pressure is reducing.
If buyers overcome the barrier at $95, the SOL/USDT pair might travel to the $117 level. Sellers are expected to fiercely defend the $117 level, but on the way down, if the SOL price does not dip below $95, it suggests that the pair may have bottomed out in the short term.
Contrarily, if the price turns down sharply from the $95 level, it signals that the bears remain in control. The pair may continue to oscillate between $95 and $76 for a few more days.
Dogecoin price prediction
Dogecoin (DOGE) has been trading between the 50-day SMA ($0.10) and the $0.09 level for the past few days.
The tightening range suggests a possible range expansion in the near term. A close above the 50-day SMA opens the gates for a rally to the breakdown level of $0.12. If the DOGE price turns down from the $0.12 level, it signals a possible range formation. The DOGE/USDT pair may consolidate between $0.09 and $0.12 for a while.
A close above the $0.12 resistance clears the path for a rally to the $0.16 level, while a break below the $0.09 support signals the resumption of the downtrend.
Hyperliquid price prediction
Hyperliquid (HYPE) closed above the $36.77 resistance on Thursday, indicating that the bulls are attempting to take charge.
There is minor resistance at $38.43, but it is likely to be crossed. The HYPE/USDT pair may march to $43 and later to $50.
The first sign of weakness will be a close below the $36.77 level. That suggests the bears are selling on rallies. The HYPE price may descend to the 20-day EMA ($32.57), which is a critical support to watch out for. If the price rebounds off the 20-day EMA with force, the bulls will again attempt to resume the recovery. Sellers will be back in control on a close below the 50-day SMA ($30.65).
The 50-day SMA ($0.28) may act as a resistance, but it is likely to be crossed. The ADA/USDT pair may then rise to the downtrend line of the descending channel pattern. A close above the downtrend line signals a potential short-term trend change. That clears the path for a rally to $0.39 and subsequently to $0.44.
Instead, if the ADA price turns down sharply from the downtrend line, it signals that the bears remain sellers on rallies. That might keep the pair inside the channel for some more time.
Bitcoin Cash price prediction
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) has pierced the 20-day EMA ($471), indicating that the bulls are on a comeback.
If the price closes above the 20-day EMA, the BCH/USDT pair may surge to the 50-day SMA ($514). Sellers are expected to defend the 50-day SMA, as a close above it opens the doors for a rally to $600.
Contrary to this assumption, if the BCH price turns down sharply from the moving averages, it indicates that the bears remain in control. That increases the likelihood of a break below the $443 level. The pair may then plunge to $375.
Monero price prediction
Buyers held Monero’s (XMR) pullback at the 20-day EMA ($348), indicating that the dips are being viewed as a buying opportunity.
That improves the prospects of a break above the 50-day SMA ($366). If that happens, the XMR/USDT pair may climb to the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of $414 and later to $452.
Time is running out for the bears. They will have to swiftly yank the XMR price below the $333 level to weaken the bulls. The pair may then tumble to $309, where the buyers are expected to step in.
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. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
SKILLS 2026 survey shows Harvey gaining ground on specialist tools like Kira in contract review, signaling potential consolidation in legal AI market.
Law firms are increasingly running a two-layer technology stack—broad AI platforms for cross-practice work paired with specialist tools for complex workflows—according to the 2026 SKILLS Legal AI Survey results released this week.
The findings highlight a brewing showdown between horizontal platforms like Harvey and entrenched point solutions. Harvey now appears across eight to twelve use-case categories, while specialists like Kira, Relativity, and SimplyAgree maintain deep installed bases in one or two areas each.
“The interesting pressure point is what happens when the horizontal platforms get good enough in those specialist areas,” said Oz Benamram, founder of SKILLS.law, in a Q&A discussing the results.
Contract Review: The Convergence Battleground
Kira currently leads contract review with 44 law firms live on the platform, but Harvey trails closely at 41—despite Harvey’s much broader category reach. Benamram noted Kira has actually lost several firms since last year’s survey, even while maintaining its category leadership.
“That convergence is worth watching, because it forces firms to revisit earlier ‘point solution vs platform’ assumptions,” Benamram said.
The “Consider” numbers tell the forward-looking story. Growing interest in horizontal platforms within categories previously dominated by specialists suggests the specialist moat may be narrowing.
Partnership Signals Ahead of Potential M&A
One development not captured in the survey data: legaltech providers are beginning to form partnerships where each plays to their strengths. Benamram suggested some of these arrangements could lead to future acquisitions.
For firms navigating vendor selection, Benamram offered pointed advice: map which workflows genuinely require deep specialization versus which ones simply reflect habit. “Once you see that map, the consolidation decisions become much clearer, and it’s much easier to negotiate with vendors from a position of strategy rather than inertia.”
The SKILLS Annual Report draws from respondents at AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 firms. The organization hosts weekly seminars and product demos, with its 2026 Showcase scheduled to feature sessions on operationalizing AI and custom workflows. Previous SKILLS events have included presentations from DLA Piper, Weil Gotshal, and Ballard Spahr on their generative AI implementations.
Firms betting on point solutions should watch those “Consider” metrics closely. The specialist vendors aren’t dead—but the platform players are clearly coming for their territory.
Bitcoin (BTC) aimed for five-week highs at Thursday’s Wall Street open as US inflation trends stayed on track.
Key points:
US inflation data keeps crypto and stocks higher as BTC price action tests $74,000 again.
Bitcoin traders diverge over the future of the move, with a “bearish retest” risking a new price collapse.
BTC/USD finally recrosses its 50-day moving average trend line.
PCE inflation emboldens Bitcoin bulls
Data from TradingView confirmed new local BTC price highs near $74,000 following the January print of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index.
Known as the Federal Reserve’s “preferred” inflation gauge, January PCE matched market expectations, coming in at 0.3% month-on-month and 3.1% year-on-year, per data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
While still at its highest levels since late 2023, the result appeared to soothe risk assets, with US stocks up around 0.5% at the time of writing.
In doing so, both risk assets and crypto began to diverge from a positive correlation to oil seen over the week. WTI crude was down 2% on the day at around $95 per barrel.
CFDs on WTI crude oil one-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView
BTC price forecast: $79,000 or “bearish retest?”
Commenting on Bitcoin, crypto trader Michaël van de Poppe was cautiously upbeat on the outlook.
“Resistance zone for me is between $76-79K for Bitcoin. I don’t expect a fast breakout in one-go, but I would assume that we’re going to see some extra momentum occur on the altcoin markets in that window,” he wrote in a post on X.
“In the meantime; if Bitcoin gets there, it provides a monthly engulfing candle and therefore, it erases the entire correction of February.”
BTC/USDT 12-hour chart. Source: Michaël van de Poppe/X
Others stayed on edge, with trader Daan Crypto Trades warning of a “large drop” if the current trading zone collapsed.
Trader Roman, already bearish, described the ongoing shift higher on BTC/USD as a “bearish retest.”
“RSI bear divs, bear price action (volume down + price up), & complete reset of MACD,” he summarized, referring to the relative strength index (RSI) and moving average convergence/divergence (MACD) price indicators on daily time frames.
BTC/USD one-day chart with RSI, MACD data. Source: Roman/X
In fresh updates on his Telegram channel on the day, meanwhile, independent analyst Filbfilb focused on open interest (OI).
Market observers, he said, should watch for OI to “ditch” — an event that would precede the end of the push higher.
Exchange Bitcoin OI (screenshot). Source: CoinGlass
“No sign yet,” he acknowledged, noting that price was now interacting with its 50-day simple moving average (SMA).
As Cointelegraph reported, this was a key overhead resistance zone of interest during previous breakout attempts.
BTC/USD one-day chart with 50 SMA. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView
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. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
The Bank of England’s (BOE) position on stablecoins is evolving to a more friendly stance, but according to the bank’s deputy governor, constructive dialogue with the industry is still lacking.
The UK’s central bank launched a consultation on stablecoins in November last year. Some of the proposed requirements drew the ire of crypto industry representatives, who claimed they could stifle innovation.
Over the past few months, the bank has been working with industry groups to develop its stance on stablecoins. These include revising backing requirements and rethinking account limits.
Some industry observers believe that the bank is coming around on stablecoins, but there is still work to be done.
Bank of England open to feedback on stablecoin risk
On Nov. 10, 2025, the BOE released a document outlining its vision for a stablecoin regulatory regime. This came two years after an initial discussion paper which, according to the bank, included the perspectives of “banks, non-bank payment service providers, payment system operators, trade associations, academia, and individuals.”
At the time, industry observers told Cointelegraph that BOE was overstating the perceived risks that stablecoins pose to the UK economy. Tom Rhodes, chief legal officer at UK-based stablecoin issuer Agant, said at the time that the bank was “disproportionately cautious and restrictive.”
One of the more controversial measures was stablecoin holdings limits, namely 20,000 pounds for individuals and 10 million pounds for businesses that accept it as a form of payment.
Now, it appears that the bank is coming around. Speaking before the House of Lords Financial Services Regulation Committee on Wednesday, BOE Deputy Governor Sarah Breeden told MPs that it is open to reconsidering those limits.
Breeden speaks before the House of Lords. Source: Parliament
Breeden said that the proposed limits were to mitigate the risk of a large migration of deposits to stablecoins, which has the potential to destabilize banks.
“We proposed holding limits as a way of managing that risk. We are open to feedback on other ways of achieving it,” she said.
However, feedback itself also seems to be an issue, at least according to Breeden. She said, “The pressure from the industry to do it in a different way is very real. What we’ve been a bit disappointed with, is nobody said, ‘Why not do it this way?’”
“I don’t think we’ve yet had constructive engagement on a different way to solve the problem that I might have hoped for. Instead, what we’ve had is ‘don’t do this,’ and ‘I understand why you want to do something’ as opposed to filling the gap.”
Rhodes told Cointelegraph on Thursday that this isn’t necessarily the case. “Over the past two years we have reviewed thousands of pages of consultations from the FCA and the Bank, attended numerous roundtable meetings, and submitted hundreds of pages of input both ourselves and as part of trade associations.”
He said that the main challenge for the industry and regulators is that they are making a “comprehensive regulatory regime for a market that has yet to develop.”
Rhodes explained:
“It’s not possible to provide concrete data in the circumstances, which is why lighter touch principles-based regimes are appropriate at this nascent stage.”
Nick Jones, the founder and CEO of UK-based digital assets platform Zumo, said, “Industry groups have been working hard, and to tight deadlines, to make tangible recommendations.”
He said the feedback could be more constructive if the bank followed the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Spring model. These time-boxed workshops focus on practical applications of the technology to answer regulators’ questions.
The ‘multi-moneyverse’ and what’s next for stablecoins in the UK
Breeden opened her remarks with assurances that at the bank, “we do want to see tokenized money issued by non-banks.”
“We can have what I call a ‘multi-moneyverse’ with greater choice and competition today.”
Such a system, she said in a September speech, is “characterised by choice across different forms of money and payment; with technology driving faster, cheaper, and more innovative payments for the benefit of business, households, and users of financial markets; and — critically — with the whole system underpinned by trust in money itself.”
Inter-monetary competition and its purported benefits have been a core argument from the crypto industry. Rhodes said, “Stablecoins being part of a competitive multi-moneyverse represents a substantial and positive evolution in the Bank’s thinking.”
However, Rhodes noted that this was in “sharp contrast” to BOE Governor Andrew Bailey’s statements, where “he doesn’t see stablecoins as a substitute for commercial bank money.”
Jones said, “Over time, we’ve seen the Bank of England’s scepticism towards digital assets start to dissipate.” It’s “encouraging” that the central bank is more receptive to competing forms of money and that pound sterling-backed stablecoins can co-exist with fiat money.
“It’s clear that different emerging types will fit different use cases — for example, large institutional capital is more comfortable with tokenised deposits while smaller retail payments companies can tap into the network effect of stablecoins,” he said.
The next step, per Rhodes, is a final policy position from the BOE, but revisions are still possible.
The bank expects final rules by the second half of 2026. Source: BOE
The industry is still pushing to remove the holding caps and scrap bank-like capital rules for issuers. Jones said that the latter “are inappropriate for fully-backed issuers, and should be replaced with oversight focused on reserve quality and transparency.”
They also want a reconsideration of reserves. So far, BOE requires issuers to hold 40% of reserve assets in unremunerated Bank of England deposits and up to 60% in high-quality, short-term UK government debt.
This is based on past runs like the Silicon Valley Bank collapse in 2023 which resulted in the USDC stablecoin losing its peg. Breeden told Reuters, “Those numbers are broadly in line with that. That’s why we’re proposing 40% rather than a smaller number.”
“Regulators should perhaps consider remunerating a portion of the 40% held at the Bank of England to help maintain commercial viability,” said Jones.
“The UK can be one of the leaders in stablecoins, but only if regulation is proportionate and competitive.”
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XRP’s (XRP) price was up 3% on Friday to trade above $1.40 as several technical and onchain indicators suggested it was due for a “significant” upward breakout.
Key takeaways:
XRP’s Bollinger Bands indicator now sees the potential for a massive price breakout.
XRP’s falling wedge pattern targets $2.55.
Declining exchange balances and persistent outflows indicate XRP accumulation.
XRP Bollinger Bands point at “significant” breakout
Bollinger Bands, a technical indicator used by traders to assess price momentum and volatility within a certain range, have reached their tightest point in eight months, signaling that volatility should be expected soon.
Another analyst called this a preparation for a “significant breakout.”
XRP’s price continues to “consolidate within a symmetrical triangle structure with tightening Bollinger Bands and a stabilizing RSI,” fellow analyst XRP Update said, adding:
“This volatility compression suggests the market may be preparing for a significant breakout.”
XRP analyst Arthur said, with the Bollinger Bands tightening, a daily candlestick close above $1.50 “would confirm momentum.”
XRP/USD daily chart. Source: X/Arthur
XRP falling wedge pattern targets $2.55
XRP price action is forming a falling wedge pattern on the weekly chart, a structure typically associated with bullish reversals after a prolonged downtrend.
The price has been compressing between two descending trendlines since July 2025, with the lower boundary now acting as key support near the $1.30 psychological level.
Meanwhile, the relative strength index (RSI), on the weekly chart, is rebounding from oversold territory, indicating fading selling momentum.
Historically, similar RSI conditions have preceded strong rebounds in XRP. For example, XRP rallied as much as 85% between July and September 2022 following the RSI’s recovery from oversold conditions.
A confirmed breakout above the wedge’s upper trendline could open the way for a run toward the bullish target of the prevailing chart pattern at $2.55, 78.5% above the current price.
As Cointelegraph reported, bulls must break and sustain the XRP price above the $1.73-$2 supply zone to signal a long-term trend shift.
Declining supply on exchanges backs XRP’s upside
XRP supply on exchanges, or the total amount of coins held on exchange addresses, continues to fall, reflecting accumulation and long-term investor confidence.
The XRP balance on exchanges dropped to 12.8 billion on Friday, levels last seen in May 2021.
XRP reserve on exchanges. Source: Glassnode
A reducing balance means fewer XRP tokens are available for sale, reducing sell-side pressure.
Such outflows typically indicate strong accumulation by large holders, who move funds to cold storage, reducing immediate sell-side pressure and increasing the chances of XRP’s short-term rebound.
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. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
