Tag: CRYPTOS FoxBusiness.

A noteworthy analysis regarding the recovery process in cryptocurrency markets has been published. Data and analysis platform Ecoinometrics revealed that declines in Bitcoin price are directly related to the recovery period.

According to an analysis shared by the platform via X, the deeper the decline in Bitcoin, the longer it takes to return to its previous peak levels. The analysis suggests that each additional 10% increase in the rate of decline adds an average of 80 days to the recovery period.

Calculations based on this model predict that, given Bitcoin’s current low level, it could take approximately 300 days for it to reach its previous all-time high again.

Ecoinometrics specifically emphasized that this data is not a direct price prediction, but merely a timing indicator based on historical trends. Analysts suggest that investors should consider such data in conjunction with broader market dynamics rather than in isolation.

According to the data, Bitcoin has fallen by approximately 45 percent from its peak of $126,000 reached in October 2025, dropping to around $68,900 as of March 27. This decline indicates that volatility persists in the markets and that the recovery process may take time.

Experts point out that both macroeconomic conditions and investor demand need to be supportive for Bitcoin to re-enter a strong upward trend.

*This is not investment advice.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a significant development for cryptocurrency regulation, a prominent U.S. lawmaker has raised serious questions about the legal foundation of Kraken’s Federal Reserve master account, potentially challenging the crypto exchange’s direct access to the nation’s central banking system. Representative Maxine Waters, the ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, has formally questioned the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City about its approval of what it terms a “limited master account” for the digital asset platform. This inquiry comes at a crucial moment for cryptocurrency integration into traditional finance, highlighting ongoing tensions between innovation and regulatory oversight.

Kraken’s Federal Reserve Master Account Faces Legal Scrutiny

According to documents obtained by financial news outlets, Representative Waters sent a detailed letter to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City requesting clarification about Kraken’s banking arrangement. The letter specifically challenges the legal basis for what the Fed calls a “limited master account,” a designation that allows Kraken to directly utilize Federal Reserve payment services without traditional banking intermediaries. Waters argues in her correspondence that no such category as a “limited account” exists within established law or official guidance from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Consequently, she has requested comprehensive information about the conditions and approval process for Kraken’s special status.

The Federal Reserve master account system represents the backbone of the United States payment infrastructure. Financial institutions with these accounts gain direct access to Federal Reserve services including:

• Real-time payment processing through Fedwire Funds Service
• Securities settlement capabilities
• Automated Clearing House (ACH) transaction access
• Direct reserve account maintenance

Traditionally, only depository institutions like banks and credit unions have qualified for these accounts. However, the emergence of novel financial entities has prompted regulatory adaptation. The Kansas City Fed’s approval for Kraken represents a notable exception to historical precedent, potentially setting important precedents for other cryptocurrency exchanges seeking similar access.

Understanding Federal Reserve Master Accounts

Federal Reserve master accounts serve as fundamental components of the U.S. financial system. These accounts enable institutions to hold reserves directly with the Federal Reserve, facilitating interbank transactions and monetary policy implementation. The significance of Kraken obtaining such access cannot be overstated, as it represents a major step toward cryptocurrency integration with traditional finance infrastructure. Master account holders bypass correspondent banking relationships, potentially reducing transaction costs and settlement times significantly.

The Federal Reserve has historically maintained strict criteria for master account eligibility. According to Federal Reserve regulations, eligible institutions typically include:

Kraken’s situation represents a departure from these traditional categories. The exchange operates under state money transmitter licenses rather than federal banking charters, creating regulatory ambiguity that Waters’ letter seeks to address. This development follows years of cryptocurrency exchanges seeking banking relationships amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of the digital asset sector.

Regulatory Context and Historical Precedent

The Federal Reserve Act provides the statutory framework for master account access, but interpretation has evolved alongside financial innovation. In 2021, the Federal Reserve clarified its approach to novel institution applications through official guidance. However, the concept of a “limited master account” remains undefined in published regulations, creating the legal uncertainty that Waters highlights. Previous non-bank entities have occasionally obtained restricted access, but cryptocurrency exchanges represent a particularly complex category due to their unique risk profiles and regulatory status.

Legal experts note that Waters’ inquiry touches on fundamental questions about financial system access. “The Federal Reserve’s payment systems represent critical national infrastructure,” explains financial regulation professor David Carlson. “Determining which entities can directly access these systems involves balancing innovation with systemic risk management. The lack of clear statutory guidance for novel institutions like cryptocurrency exchanges creates regulatory ambiguity that lawmakers are now addressing.”

Political Implications and Regulatory Future

Representative Waters’ position as ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee gives her inquiry particular significance. Political observers note she is considered a leading candidate to return as committee chair if Democrats regain House majority in upcoming elections. This potential leadership role amplifies the importance of her current regulatory questions. Waters has historically taken a cautious approach toward cryptocurrency regulation, emphasizing consumer protection and systemic stability concerns.

The timing of this inquiry coincides with broader cryptocurrency regulatory developments. Multiple federal agencies are currently developing comprehensive frameworks for digital asset oversight. The Securities and Exchange Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and Treasury Department have all increased their focus on cryptocurrency markets. Additionally, Congress is considering several bills that would establish clearer regulatory parameters for digital assets and their service providers.

Industry representatives have responded cautiously to Waters’ inquiry. “Direct access to Federal Reserve services represents an important milestone for cryptocurrency integration,” states Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith. “However, this access must come with appropriate regulatory clarity and oversight. We welcome congressional interest in ensuring the regulatory framework evolves alongside technological innovation.”

Potential Impacts on Cryptocurrency Industry

The outcome of Waters’ inquiry could significantly affect cryptocurrency exchange operations. If the Federal Reserve cannot adequately justify its “limited master account” categorization, Kraken might face modified access conditions. Furthermore, other cryptocurrency exchanges seeking similar arrangements could encounter increased scrutiny. The inquiry also highlights broader questions about how novel financial institutions should integrate with traditional banking infrastructure.

Market analysts suggest several potential consequences:

• Increased regulatory clarity for cryptocurrency banking relationships
• Potential standardization of master account categories for non-bank entities
• Possible congressional action to amend Federal Reserve Act provisions
• Enhanced scrutiny of all non-traditional financial institution applications

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City now faces pressure to provide detailed justification for its decision. Federal Reserve regulations typically allow individual Reserve Banks discretion in master account approvals, but congressional oversight represents a significant check on this authority. The Kansas City Fed’s response to Waters’ inquiry will likely establish important precedents for how Federal Reserve districts handle similar applications moving forward.

Conclusion

Representative Maxine Waters’ inquiry into Kraken’s Federal Reserve master account highlights ongoing tensions between financial innovation and regulatory oversight. The legality of Kraken’s banking access remains uncertain as lawmakers question the Federal Reserve’s categorization approach. This development represents a critical moment for cryptocurrency regulation, potentially influencing how digital asset exchanges integrate with traditional financial infrastructure. As regulatory frameworks continue evolving, clarity around Federal Reserve master account access will significantly shape the cryptocurrency industry’s future development and integration with the broader financial system.

FAQs

Q1: What is a Federal Reserve master account?
A Federal Reserve master account allows financial institutions to hold reserves directly with the Federal Reserve and access its payment systems. These accounts enable direct interbank transactions and are typically reserved for depository institutions like banks and credit unions.

Q2: Why is Representative Waters questioning Kraken’s master account?
Representative Waters questions the legal basis for what the Federal Reserve calls a “limited master account” for Kraken. She argues this category doesn’t exist in law or Federal Reserve guidance, creating regulatory ambiguity about cryptocurrency exchange access to central banking services.

Q3: What distinguishes a “limited master account” from a regular master account?
The Federal Reserve hasn’t publicly defined “limited master account” parameters. Typically, master accounts provide full access to Federal Reserve services, while limited versions might restrict certain functions. However, without official definitions, the distinction remains unclear.

Q4: How could this inquiry affect other cryptocurrency exchanges?
If the Federal Reserve cannot adequately justify Kraken’s arrangement, other exchanges seeking similar access might face increased scrutiny. The inquiry could prompt clearer standards for cryptocurrency exchange banking relationships with the Federal Reserve system.

Q5: What happens if the Federal Reserve cannot provide satisfactory answers?
Unsatisfactory responses could lead to congressional hearings, potential legislation, or revised Federal Reserve guidance. Representative Waters could use her committee position to pursue more formal oversight of Federal Reserve decisions regarding non-traditional financial institutions.

Toncoin is at a critical juncture as it tests the $1 range, a key level that has anchored its trading for weeks. How it reacts here could determine whether the range holds or breaks, setting the stage for either a bullish flip or an accelerated drop. With strong fundamentals in play but the chart still in control, traders are watching closely for the decisive signal.

Range Flip Or Breakdown: What $BTC Pair Tells Us About Toncoin

Charting the $TON/$BTC and $TON/$USDT daily pairs, analyst Umair Crypto points out that Toncoin is at a critical juncture. On the $BTC pair, the RSI has broken above its trendline, signaling early bullish momentum. However, the 200 SMA on this pair remains the key level to watch, as it will determine whether the $1 support on the $USDT pair holds or if the range flips higher.

The $BTC pair has been consolidating within a range for 166 days, and the recent RSI trendline breakout above 50 hints that bullish pressure is building. Meanwhile, on the $USDT pair, price is attempting to recover the 50 SMA, showing early signs of strength, though confirmation is still needed.

From here, two scenarios are possible. If the $BTC pair closes convincingly above the 200 SMA, it would likely trigger a range flip on Toncoin’s $USDT pair to the upside. Conversely, if the $BTC pair gets rejected at the 200 SMA, the range may break down, putting Toncoin at risk of forming a lower low below $1. Such a breakdown would shift the market structure into bearish territory and could accelerate selling pressure, making $1 a crucial level to watch.

$1 Support: More Than Just A Psychological Level

The analyst stressed that the $1 level is far more than a psychological benchmark; it is a critical structural support that anchors the entire $TON/$USDT range. If this level fails, the decline could accelerate sharply, making it a key inflection point for traders and investors alike. Holding above $1 is essential to maintain the current range and prevent a potential breakdown that could trigger further selling pressure.

Even with strong fundamental catalysts, the market has remained largely unresponsive. AlphaTON Capital Corp recently launched a $100 million treasury strategy, while $TON Wallet officially expanded into the US market, both moves signaling growing institutional adoption.

At this critical juncture, the $BTC pair’s 200 SMA is shaping up as the ultimate deciding factor. A decisive close above this level could reinforce $1 as strong support and pave the way for a bullish range flip. Conversely, rejection at the 200 SMA could tip the market into bearish territory, signaling that structural weakness now overrides fundamental optimism.

Featured image from Adobe Stock, chart from Tradingview.com

Coinbase and its top executives have always been seeking clarity from US watchdogs on the use of crypto. In a fresh move, the exchange is ramping up pressure on US lawmakers to revamp how digital assets are taxed. They are arguing that current rules are stuck in a pre-crypto era, which is hampering adoption.

Faryar Shirzad, Coinbase’s CPO, believes that a basic mismatch might be a blockage here. The US tax code was designed for “20th-century money,” while crypto operates in an entirely different way. However, treating crypto purely as “property” means that even the smallest transactions can trigger tax obligations. This will lead to a system where everyday usage is a compliance headache.

Coinbase sees 34% jump in tax queries

Shirzad mentioned that under the current rules, something as simple as paying a gas fee or using a stablecoin for a routine transaction is technically a taxable event. He added that the users are expected to calculate cost basis, track gains or losses, and report them. This happens even when the amounts involved are negligible.

He noted that crypto’s ability to move seamlessly across wallets and platforms makes this even harder. It often leaves gaps in reporting that brokers themselves cannot fully resolve.

According to a report, Coinbase has seen a 34% jump in customer service inquiries. All of them were linked to tax reporting compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, the introduction of new reporting needs is generating what the company describes as a paperwork overload.

It added that millions of Form 1099-DAs will be issued for the 2025 tax year. However, many of them are tied to extremely small transactions. A big portion of these forms relates to proceeds under $600, and hundreds of thousands even track activity below $1.

The volume of reporting risks is doing the opposite. It is not improving the clarity among users and is burying meaningful info under huge amounts of data. Cost basis tracking is another structural issue among users. The exchange estimates that more than 63% of users have gaps in their records. This is purely due to crypto’s move between wallets and exchanges. Because of this, taxpayers either overpay or are forced to manually reconcile transactions, and that too with limited support.

De minimis exemption for small transactions might work here. Similar limits already exist in other parts of the tax code. It can be applied to crypto to eliminate the need to report minor payments.

Euro stablecoin holders jump to 1M

The report highlighted that the GENIUS Act has already established a clearer framework for stablecoins and the market. Meanwhile, the Internal Revenue Code remains largely unchanged for cryptos. The cumulative digital assets market is hovering around the $2.4 trillion mark. A recent sell-off has dragged Bitcoin to trade below the $70k level.

It is expected that the tax rules could push users and innovation offshore. The company framed the issue not just as a compliance challenge, but as a competitiveness one. It warns the US of losing ground in a sector that it is trying to lead.

Data shared by Dune shows that Euro-pegged stablecoin supply has surged from $203 million in January 2023 to $912 million by February 2026. Holders grew from 13,000 to over 1 million during this period. Circle’s $EURC leads this tally with $500 million. However, there are 13 euro-pegged stablecoins in the market. This includes EURS, EURe, $EURI, $EURCV, and more.

Euro stablecoins: $203M → $912M supply. 13K → 1M+ holders.@circle $EURC leads at $500M, but there are 13 euro-pegged stablecoins across the ecosystem — EURS, EURe, $EURI, $EURCV, and more.

Post-MiCA, the euro stablecoin market is growing and fragmenting into specialized… pic.twitter.com/IBzxDSkyzI

— Dune | We Are Hiring! (@Dune) March 26, 2026

Post-MiCA regulatory clarity has pushed this 4.5x supply and 80x holder growth. Euro stablecoins now represent over 80% of the non-USD stablecoin supply in the region. The cumulative stablecoin market holds a cap of more than $319 billion. Tether’s USDT leads the sector with an over $184 billion market cap.

Beyond policy, Coinbase entered traditional finance with crypto. The company recently partnered with Better Home & Finance to allow homebuyers to use digital assets like Bitcoin and USDC as collateral for down payments.

Despite the major announcement, the COIN price dropped by more than 4% in the last session. It has seen a decline of almost 45% over the last 6 months. COIN traded at $173.38 in the last session.

On March 26, Solana ($SOL) price plunged by over 5%, following the downward trend in the crypto sector, forcing its value to drop from $91.81 to $86.54.

This downfall in the seventh biggest cryptocurrency was seen after dropping institutional investments in the cryptocurrency and the growing global tension.

Solana’s $SOL Plunges 5% as Price Falls Below $88

According to CoinMarketCap, Solana ($SOL) dropped by 5% in the latest 24-hour trading period and now trades at approximately $87.57. Its market capitalization is revolving around $52 billion with 24-hour trading volume exceeding $4 billion. This makes the latest candle drop in March 2026, where $SOL has lost ground after failing to hold above the $92 level.

$SOL is below its 50-day simple moving average near $90, and the 200-day average remains far higher at around $139, which confirms the longer-term downward trend. The relative strength index is revolving around 31, which shows oversold conditions but also shows weak buying momentum.

The MACD has turned negative, and the price action forms a bearish flag pattern on the daily chart. One of the major supports of the cryptocurrency is revolving at $85, while the next resistance revolves around $90 to $92. If it breaks above $92, it would spark a rally in the cryptocurrency.

A dip in recent ETF inflows is adding to the pressure. While spot $SOL ETFs have attracted nearly $1 billion in cumulative flows since their July 2025 launch, institutional buying slowed in early March, with many days of net outflows before a modest rebound. Year-to-date inflows reached $222 million by mid-March, but daily figures have stayed modest compared with earlier streaks. This drop is coming even while institutional investment remains visible through 13F filings.

One trader writes in the technical analysis on CoinMarketCap community, “Solana hit the short target today. Entry was around $91.70, and price dropped below $89 during the session, so the move played out as expected. Right now it’s trading near $91.6, still sitting in that $90–$92 area. With the previous high around $139, the structure doesn’t look very strong at the moment.”

“So far there’s no clear reclaim of $92, and price action still feels weak. In similar situations after large drawdowns, it’s common to see another move down rather than an immediate recovery. For now, it seems cautious below $92. Personally, I’d wait to see a clean reclaim and hold before considering any long,” the trader said.

826 million transactions in a single week.

44% of all crypto transactions globally. pic.twitter.com/5DxFKxU4km

— Forward Ind. | NASDAQ-$FWDI (@FWDind) March 26, 2026

Despite the drop in cryptocurrency, the Solana network is showing growth in its activity. The network is now handling over 44% cryptocurrency transactions globally, according to on-chain data shared by co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko. This volume is outperforming any single competitor and shows the network’s position as the busiest blockchain for everyday transfers and decentralized applications.

On the Solaba, the stablecoin supply also crossed $17 billion, and real-world asset value hit an all-time high of around $1.85 billion.

Apart from this, there are major developments taking place. The Firedancer validator client is now fully live and has improved network reliability while cutting the risk of outages. The upcoming Alpenglow upgrade will reduce transaction finality to roughly 150 milliseconds, which makes Solana suitable for high-frequency use cases.

US-based cryptocurrency mining company MARA Holdings has made a significant financial move in its balance sheet management. The company announced that it has entered into special agreements to repurchase $1 billion worth of convertible senior bonds. These transactions target bonds maturing in 2030 and 2031 with a 0% interest rate.

According to the announcement, MARA Holdings plans to repurchase bonds maturing in 2030 with a nominal value of approximately $367.5 million for approximately $322.9 million. Additionally, it was stated that bonds maturing in 2031 with a nominal value of $633.4 million will be repurchased for approximately $589.9 million.

The company announced that it sold a total of 15,133 Bitcoin between March 4 and March 25 to finance these transactions. It stated that approximately $1.1 billion in revenue was generated from these sales.

It was announced that the majority of the proceeds would be used for bond repurchase operations, with the remainder allocated to general corporate spending. J. Wood Capital Advisors acted as an advisor in this financial process.

Experts view MARA’s move as a strategic step to reduce its debt burden and strengthen its balance sheet. However, the company’s large-scale Bitcoin sale is also interpreted as a development that could create short-term pressure on the market.

*This is not investment advice.

CoinDesk Indices presents its daily market update, highlighting the performance of leaders and laggards in the CoinDesk 20 Index.

The CoinDesk 20 is currently trading at 1985.11, down 3.2% (-65.39) since 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

None of the 20 assets are trading higher.

Leaders: CRO (-2.2%) and BTC (-2.2%).

Laggards: AAVE (-5.6%) and ADA (-4.8%).

The CoinDesk 20 is a broad-based index traded on multiple platforms in several regions globally.

Digital assets are making their way into the US housing market as mortgage giant Fannie Mae prepares to accept Bitcoin and other crypto holdings as part of down payments, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

The move allows crypto holders to use assets like Bitcoin directly when buying a home through Fannie Mae-backed mortgages. Instead of selling their crypto for US dollars, they can pledge it as part of the down payment, making it easier to access traditional housing finance. The program is being rolled out with Coinbase and Better Home & Finance.

The change comes after the US Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to draft plans that would let certain crypto assets be used in mortgage underwriting without mandatory conversion to dollars.

Crypto adoption pushes rethink of mortgage lending rules

The rise of crypto, in particular, among younger generations, is forcing a rethink of traditional mortgage lending, as housing affordability becomes a growing global concern.

Major non-bank lender Newrez has started accepting certain crypto holdings as part of mortgage qualifications, allowing homebuyers to leverage digital assets without selling them.

The FHFA, which oversees government-sponsored enterprises, has recognized that integrating digital assets could expand access to homeownership for a cohort increasingly building wealth through crypto.

With homeownership rates among young Americans at historic lows, pressure is mounting to develop mortgage products that reflect modern financial realities.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Vivian Nguyen. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

The leading cryptocurrency, Bitcoin ($BTC), has attracted attention by remaining strong compared to assets like gold and silver despite the US-Iran conflict.

However, Bitcoin is facing obstacles in its short-term upward trend. The continued increase in geopolitical tensions due to the lack of progress in peace talks between the US and Iran, coupled with concerns about war-related inflation, is negatively impacting Bitcoin’s rise.

Recently, $BTC has been moving sideways between approximately $72,000 and $67,000, and in its latest report, crypto analytics company K33 Research stated that these sideways movements in Bitcoin could indicate a bottoming out process.

K33 analysts stated that Bitcoin’s consolidation between $60,000 and $75,000 in the medium term indicates a bottom, supported by reduced selling pressure, stabilization of spot ETF inflows, and a recovery in the supply of long-term investors.

Analysts said that prolonged consolidation could signal a shift in the $BTC market structure and a potential bottom.

K33 Research Head Vetle Lunde stated that this consolidation in Bitcoin has historically been seen as a signal of forming a bottom.

“The $70,000 level, in particular, stands out as an attractive area for medium and long-term investors.”

The modest trend in net inflows into spot ETFs since the end of February suggests that the large-scale sell-off that began last October has ended.

In addition, long-term investors have also abandoned their selling decisions, and the number of long-term investors, which had decreased in late last year, has started to increase again.

However, Lunde also pointed to persistent macroeconomic uncertainties such as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rising oil prices, and reduced expectations of interest rate cuts due to the Fed’s hawkish stance. According to Lunde, these factors are hindering Bitcoin’s rise: “These factors are suppressing risk appetite and limiting the rise.”

*This is not investment advice.