News
20 Mar 2026, 07:30
Nordic Crypto Exchange Safello Cross Lists Bittensor Staked TAO ETP on Nasdaq Stockholm

Safello has expanded its regulated cryptocurrency offerings by cross-listing the Bittensor Staked TAO Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) on Nasdaq Stockholm to increase Nordic investor access. Safello, the Nordic crypto exchange, announces the cross-listing of the Safello Bittensor Staked TAO ETP (STAO) on Nasdaq Stockholm as of 19 March 2026. Previously exclusive to the SIX Swiss Exchange,
20 Mar 2026, 07:25
Bittensor Price Up by 15% as Big Names Signal Support

Bittensor price is up by more than 15% today, March 20, 2026. The project was praised by Canadian-American venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang agreed with the significance of the idea. Prices of Bittensor’s subnets like Templar and Targon also rose. Bittensor’s native token TAO, has surged by more than 15% today, March 20, 2026. With this surge, the price of the token is hovering around the $304 mark. This surge has been driven by Canadian-American venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya in presence of NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, who praised the project on All-In Podcast. During his podcast, he praised Bittensor’s cutting-edge decentralized AI tech. After this podcast was aired, investors realized that Bittensor could be the next big thing and started pouring their money into the project and the price of the token flared up. The trading volume on the platform has also increased and it currently stands at 92.87% as per the chart shared below. At press time, the price of the token stands at $304.07 with a surge of 17.27% in the last 24-hours as per CoinMarketCap. TAO 24-hours chart Project’s Endorsement on All-In Podcast Ignites the Rally In the recent episode of the All-In Podcast , Chamath Palihapitiya highlighted the achievements of the Bittensor project and also pointed out as to how far decentralized AI has come. The Bittensor Subnet 3 training run proved that a large-scale model, like a 4 billion parameter Llama, can be trained using distributed compute from everyday participants instead of relying only on big tech infrastructure. To this praise, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang agreed and he compared it to a modern version of folding at home, where many individuals contribute small amounts of power to achieve something big together. His point was that this kind of system could reshape how AI is built, making it more open, global and less dependent on centralized players. This praise has worked as a big approval from the head of the world’s AI chip kingpin hit like lightning, which somewhere or the other validates Bittensor’s vision of a peer-to-peer machine intelligence marketplace. Why Templar and Targon Subnets Are Rising? Prices of Bittensor subnets like Templar and Targon also rose after this episode was aired. This was mainly because of increasing demand for these tokens within the Bittensor ecosystem. As TAO grows, users usually move their funds to these subnet tokens so that they can take part in specific AI projects. Strong performance and better rewards also attract more contributors, which pushes activity and value. At press time as per CoinMarketCap, Templar is up by 42% in the last 24 hours and the price of the token stands at $25.11 and Targon is up by 12.28% in the last 24 hours and the price of the token stands at $14.14. At the same time, social media buzz can also increase interest, which also results in faster price gains. What Does Bittensor Do? Bittensor is a decentralized network where people contribute computing power and AI models and for doing so, the users get rewarded. For instance, Bittensor is a platform that lets anyone join, train AI models and share output on a blockchain-based network. Participants are called miners and validators. Miners provide AI models or compute and validators check if the outputs are useful or not. This platform is a place which turns AI into a shared, incentivized ecosystem instead of a corporate monopoly. During the AI boom between 2023-2025, when tools like ChatGPT went mainstream, Bittensor saw strong growth as interest in decentralized AI started picking up. It began gaining attention as an alternative to big tech-controlled AI, with its ecosystem expanding through more subnets and contributors joining the network. This also translated into increased activity and growth in its native token TAO. The recent distributed Llama training example further reinforces this momentum and shows that Bittensor is not just theoretical but already capable of delivering real, working decentralized AI solutions. Also Read: Grayscale Seeks First-Ever TAO ETP With Bittensor Trust Conversion
20 Mar 2026, 07:25
Digital Assets Declared Essential: 72% of Financial Leaders Herald New Era for Financial Services

BitcoinWorld Digital Assets Declared Essential: 72% of Financial Leaders Herald New Era for Financial Services A landmark 2025 survey from Ripple delivers a powerful verdict: digital assets are no longer a speculative niche but a foundational component of modern finance. According to the study, which polled over 1,000 executives globally, a decisive 72% of financial leaders now assert that digital assets are essential for financial services. This finding signals a profound maturation within the sector, moving beyond experimentation towards strategic integration. The data, reported by Cointelegraph, provides concrete evidence of a paradigm shift as institutions prioritize infrastructure, with 89% highlighting custody as a top concern and 74% identifying stablecoins as vital cash flow tools. Digital Assets Reshape Financial Services Infrastructure The Ripple survey, conducted in the first quarter of 2025, captures a financial industry at an inflection point. Consequently, the high conviction rate among leaders stems from several converging factors. Firstly, the demand for faster, cheaper cross-border payments continues to drive adoption. Secondly, asset tokenization projects for real-world assets like bonds and commodities are gaining real traction. Furthermore, regulatory clarity in major jurisdictions has provided a more stable operating environment. This combination of pull factors has transformed digital asset capabilities from optional to operational. Industry analysts compare this shift to the early adoption of the internet by financial firms. Initially, many viewed online banking as a novelty. However, it rapidly became a non-negotiable service. Similarly, blockchain-based settlement and digital asset offerings are transitioning from competitive advantages to table stakes. The survey’s global scope, encompassing leaders from North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, indicates this is a worldwide trend, not a regional anomaly. The Critical Role of Stablecoins and Custody Solutions Beyond the headline figure, the survey details specific use cases gaining prominence. The 74% of leaders viewing stablecoins as a cash flow management tool reflects their utility in treasury operations. For instance, corporations use them for near-instant settlements and as a hedge against local currency volatility. Meanwhile, the overwhelming 89% prioritizing digital asset custody underscores a focus on security and risk management. Robust custody solutions are the essential gateway enabling larger institutional participation. Key findings from the Ripple survey include: 72% believe digital assets are essential for financial services. 74% view stablecoins as a tool for managing cash flow. 89% consider digital asset custody a top priority. Survey base: Over 1,000 financial industry leaders globally. From Skepticism to Strategic Integration: A Timeline of Change The journey to this consensus has been gradual. A retrospective analysis shows a clear evolution in institutional posture. In the early 2020s, exploration was limited to dedicated blockchain teams. By mid-decade, pilot programs for payments and custody emerged. The 2025 survey results, therefore, represent the culmination of years of testing and learning. Major banks and asset managers have now moved past the proof-of-concept phase. They are actively building or partnering to deploy scalable solutions. This timeline is supported by parallel data from other sources. For example, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has published numerous reports on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and tokenization. Likewise, financial consultancies like Deloitte and PwC have consistently tracked rising institutional investment in blockchain infrastructure. The Ripple data point acts as a confirming milestone within this broader narrative of technological adoption. Expert Analysis on the Survey’s Implications Financial technology experts interpret the survey as a demand signal for continued innovation. “When nearly three-quarters of industry leaders label something as ‘essential,’ it redirects capital and talent,” notes Dr. Anya Petrova, a fintech researcher at the Global Digital Finance Institute. “The focus now shifts to interoperability, regulatory compliance, and seamless user experience. The building blocks are acknowledged; the next phase is about constructing reliable systems.” This perspective aligns with the survey’s emphasis on custody—a foundational layer of trust. Moreover, the data suggests a redefinition of “financial services.” Traditionally, this term encompassed banking, lending, and investing. Today, it increasingly includes digital asset issuance, crypto-native lending protocols, and blockchain-based verification services. The leaders surveyed likely have this expanded definition in mind, recognizing that future revenue streams and operational efficiencies are tied to these new capabilities. Practical Impacts on Banking and Corporate Finance The survey’s implications translate into tangible changes across finance. In corporate treasury departments, teams are evaluating stablecoins for liquidity management. In investment banking, teams are structuring tokenized debt offerings. In retail banking, planners are considering how to offer digital asset exposure to clients. This operationalization is the direct result of the strategic priority highlighted by the 72% figure. Consider the following comparison of traditional versus emerging digital asset-enabled services: Traditional Service Digital Asset-Enabled Evolution International Wire Transfer Blockchain-based cross-border payment (e.g., using XRP or stablecoins) Securities Custody Digital asset custody for tokenized securities and native cryptocurrencies Corporate Treasury Management Utilization of programmable stablecoins and DeFi yield protocols Trade Finance Smart contract-executed letters of credit on blockchain networks This transition, however, is not without challenges. Institutions must navigate complex regulatory landscapes, manage technological risk, and ensure consumer protection. The high priority placed on custody solutions directly addresses the security dimension of these challenges. Ultimately, the survey reveals an industry that is cautiously but decisively building for a hybrid digital future. Conclusion The 2025 Ripple survey provides unequivocal evidence that digital assets have achieved mainstream strategic importance within financial services. The conviction of 72% of financial leaders marks a critical turning point, moving the discussion from “if” to “how.” With stablecoins seen as vital for cash flow and custody solutions deemed a top priority, the focus is now on secure, scalable implementation. This collective shift in perspective will undoubtedly accelerate innovation, shape regulatory discussions, and redefine the core offerings of financial institutions worldwide. The era of digital assets as an essential component of finance has formally arrived. FAQs Q1: What was the main finding of the Ripple survey? The primary finding was that 72% of the over 1,000 surveyed financial leaders believe digital assets are an essential component of financial services, indicating a major shift in institutional strategy. Q2: How do financial leaders view stablecoins according to the survey? The survey revealed that 74% of respondents view stablecoins as a practical tool for managing corporate cash flow, highlighting their use in treasury operations and settlements. Q3: Why is digital asset custody considered a top priority? With 89% prioritizing it, custody is seen as the critical security foundation that enables institutions to hold digital assets safely, manage risk, and meet compliance standards, thereby facilitating wider adoption. Q4: Does this survey suggest all financial firms will use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin? Not necessarily. The term “digital assets” is broad and includes stablecoins, tokenized real-world assets (like bonds or real estate), and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), in addition to cryptocurrencies. The survey reflects adoption across this spectrum. Q5: What is the significance of this survey for the average consumer? This institutional shift will likely lead to more mainstream financial products incorporating blockchain technology, potentially resulting in faster, cheaper international payments, new investment vehicles, and enhanced transparency in financial services over time. This post Digital Assets Declared Essential: 72% of Financial Leaders Herald New Era for Financial Services first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
20 Mar 2026, 07:16
Bitcoin Holds $70K as BTC ETF Outflows Impact the Market Mood

Bitcoin dips below $69K before recovering near $70K, with $406M in liquidations led by long positions. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs record $90M outflows, led by BlackRock and Fidelity funds. Macro pressure builds as the Federal Reserve holds rates steady, while institutional interest persists with Morgan Stanley ETF filing. Bitcoin slipped below the $70,000 mark during early trading hours, before easing slightly. The drop came in amid continued outflows from US spot exchange-traded funds, which have begun to filter through to short-term sentiment. The asset dropped briefly under $69,000 before bouncing back above the psychological $70,000 level. Bitcoin was trading at approximately $70,716 at the time of writing, down a tiny 0.15 percent in the last 24 hours. Bitcoin Swings Back to $70K Liquidations rose sharply around the same period. Total liquidations reached $406.85 million in 24 hours; the majority of this figure came from long positions, wiping out $301 million, and short liquidations stood at $105 million. The imbalance points to traders being caught off guard after the continued upside. Also, global financial markets also moved lower. As per market data, major US indices ended the session in the red. Crypto-related equities suffered too. Shares of MicroStrategy, Marathon Digital, and Circle saw modest losses, as traders recalibrated expectations around inflation and supply dynamics. ETF flows remained a key factor behind Bitcoin price weakness. Data tracked by sosovalue showed a net outflow of $90.2 million from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs in the latest session. Among the largest contributors, BlackRock’s IBIT saw outflows of $38.3 million, while Fidelity’s FBTC recorded $26 million in redemptions. Bitwise and ARK funds also witnessed notable declines. A few products, including those from Franklin Templeton and ProShares, registered small inflows, even as these were not enough to offset the global trend. Irrespective of the recent outflows, institutional activity has not disappeared. In a separate development, Morgan Stanley has filed an updated S-1 form with the US SEC for its proposed spot Bitcoin ETF. The filing confirms plans to list the product on NYSE Arca under the ticker “MSBT.” If allowed, the fund could mark a notable shift, as the bank moves from distributing third-party products to issuing its own. The revised filing includes more detailed operational elements. These cover how the fund will handle creation and redemption, custody arrangements for Bitcoin holdings, and initial issuance plans. For Morgan Stanley,this means greater control over pricing, structure, and client access. Meanwhile, on-chain indicators point to cooling activity. Data shared by Matthew Sigel suggests that the 30-day average price of Bitcoin has dropped by nearly 19%, even as spot prices stabilize. Volatility has also eased. Realised volatility has fallen from 80% to 50%, while funding rates in futures markets have declined. Network activity reflects a similar slowdown. Transfer volumes are down by 31%, and daily transaction fees have fallen by 27%. Long-term holders appear to be moving coins at a slower pace. Miners, however, continue to sell most of their newly generated Bitcoin, maintaining steady supply pressure in the market. In derivatives markets, sentiment has turned more defensive. The put-to-call ratio has gone up to 0.77, the highest level since mid-2021. Options premiums linked to downside protection have also increased, showing that traders are preparing for potential volatility. Macro factors continue to have an effect on direction. The Federal Reserve recently held interest rates steady in the 3.50% to 3.75% range, and flagged concerns around persistent inflation. Besides geopolitical tensions, this has pushed investors toward a more cautious position not just across crypto but other assets too. Also Read: Bitcoin Price Risks Drop to $56K as Bear Flag Signals Breakdown
20 Mar 2026, 07:14
Bitcoin’s price action looks dangerously similar to the pattern that sent it crashing to $60,000

The recent price action echoes the November–January pattern, showing weak conviction among the “buy the dip” crowd.
20 Mar 2026, 07:10
Korea Insurance Institute Bitcoin Move: Strategic Committee Forms for Historic Crypto Acquisition

BitcoinWorld Korea Insurance Institute Bitcoin Move: Strategic Committee Forms for Historic Crypto Acquisition SEOUL, South Korea – The Korea Insurance Development Institute (KIDI) has taken a groundbreaking step toward institutional cryptocurrency adoption by forming a dedicated digital asset deliberation committee. This strategic move positions the insurance sector at the forefront of South Korea’s evolving financial landscape. Consequently, the committee will establish comprehensive internal standards for managing digital assets within KIDI’s portfolio. Following regulatory finalization, the institute plans to utilize its stablecoin holdings to acquire major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Korea Insurance Institute Bitcoin Strategy Development The Korea Insurance Development Institute represents a pivotal institution within South Korea’s financial ecosystem. Established in 1986, KIDI functions as a research and development organization supporting the nation’s insurance industry. Its new digital asset committee marks a significant institutional endorsement of cryptocurrency. The committee comprises financial experts, regulatory specialists, and technology analysts. Their primary mandate involves creating robust frameworks for digital asset management. Furthermore, this development responds directly to South Korea’s progressing legal framework for a won-backed stablecoin. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) has been actively developing regulations for stablecoin issuance and operation. These regulations aim to provide legal clarity and consumer protection. KIDI’s proactive committee formation demonstrates institutional anticipation of these regulatory changes. The institute seeks to position itself advantageously within the emerging digital asset ecosystem. Institutional Digital Asset Adoption Timeline South Korea’s financial institutions have gradually increased their engagement with digital assets since 2021. Initially, major securities firms began offering Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Subsequently, commercial banks explored blockchain-based services. KIDI’s current initiative represents the insurance sector’s most substantial move yet. The timeline below illustrates key developments: Date Development Sector Q3 2023 Financial Services Commission announces stablecoin framework plans Regulatory Q1 2024 Major securities firms launch Bitcoin ETFs Securities Q3 2024 Commercial banks begin blockchain payment pilots Banking Q1 2025 KIDI forms digital asset deliberation committee Insurance This sequential adoption pattern reveals a strategic, sector-by-sector approach within South Korea’s financial industry. Each sector builds upon previous regulatory precedents and technological implementations. The insurance sector’s entry through KIDI suggests maturation of the institutional adoption curve. Expert Analysis of Regulatory Implications Financial regulation experts highlight several important implications of KIDI’s committee formation. Professor Kim Jae-won of Seoul National University’s Business School notes that institutional adoption typically follows a specific pattern. First, regulatory clarity emerges through government announcements and framework proposals. Second, financial institutions establish internal working groups to assess opportunities and risks. Third, these institutions develop proprietary standards that often exceed minimum regulatory requirements. Finally, implementation occurs through phased portfolio allocations. Additionally, the won-backed stablecoin framework provides essential infrastructure for institutional participation. Stablecoins offer price stability compared to more volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Institutions can hold stablecoins as digital cash equivalents while awaiting investment opportunities. This approach minimizes exposure to cryptocurrency volatility during the planning phase. KIDI’s stated plan to use stablecoins for Bitcoin and Ethereum acquisition reflects this risk-managed strategy. Impact on South Korea’s Financial Ecosystem KIDI’s digital asset initiative will likely create ripple effects throughout South Korea’s financial sector. Insurance companies traditionally manage substantial investment portfolios. Their entry into digital assets could significantly increase institutional cryptocurrency holdings. This development may encourage other insurance providers to establish similar committees and standards. The resulting institutional demand could influence cryptocurrency markets and liquidity. Moreover, the insurance sector brings unique considerations to digital asset management. Key factors include: Risk Assessment Models: Insurance companies employ sophisticated risk modeling for traditional assets Long-Term Liability Matching: Insurance portfolios must align with long-term policyholder obligations Regulatory Capital Requirements: Digital assets must meet strict capital adequacy standards Consumer Protection Mandates: Insurance institutions have fiduciary responsibilities to policyholders These considerations will shape KIDI’s digital asset standards and potentially influence broader industry practices. The committee must balance innovation with prudent risk management. Their framework could become a model for other insurance institutions globally. Technological Infrastructure Requirements Institutional cryptocurrency adoption requires substantial technological infrastructure. KIDI’s committee must address several critical technical considerations. Secure custody solutions represent the foremost concern. Insurance institutions cannot rely on consumer-grade cryptocurrency wallets or exchanges. Instead, they require institutional-grade custody with multiple security layers. These typically include: Multi-signature wallet configurations requiring multiple authorized approvals Geographically distributed key storage with redundant backup systems Insurance coverage against theft or loss of digital assets Regular third-party security audits and penetration testing Additionally, portfolio management systems must integrate digital assets with traditional holdings. Reporting systems need to track performance, risk metrics, and regulatory compliance. Blockchain analytics tools must monitor transactions for security and regulatory purposes. KIDI’s committee will likely establish technical requirements exceeding those for individual investors. Global Context of Institutional Adoption South Korea’s institutional cryptocurrency adoption occurs within a broader global trend. Major financial institutions worldwide have increasingly allocated to digital assets since 2020. BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF approval in the United States marked a significant milestone. European banks have launched cryptocurrency custody and trading services. Japanese financial giants have invested in blockchain infrastructure. KIDI’s move aligns South Korea’s insurance sector with this international trajectory. However, national regulatory approaches vary considerably. The United States has pursued a securities-focused regulatory framework through the SEC. The European Union has implemented comprehensive Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations. Singapore has developed a payment services licensing regime. South Korea’s won-backed stablecoin approach represents a distinct regulatory strategy. This national specificity requires KIDI to develop standards appropriate for South Korea’s regulatory environment. Conclusion The Korea Insurance Development Institute’s formation of a digital asset deliberation committee represents a landmark development for institutional Bitcoin adoption. This strategic initiative responds to South Korea’s evolving regulatory framework for won-backed stablecoins. The committee will establish comprehensive standards for managing cryptocurrency within insurance portfolios. Following regulatory finalization, KIDI plans to utilize stablecoin holdings to acquire Bitcoin and Ethereum. This move signals growing institutional acceptance of digital assets within traditional finance. Moreover, it positions South Korea’s insurance sector at the forefront of financial innovation. The resulting standards may influence global insurance industry practices regarding digital asset management. FAQs Q1: What is the Korea Insurance Development Institute (KIDI)? The Korea Insurance Development Institute is a research and development organization established in 1986 to support South Korea’s insurance industry. It conducts policy research, develops industry standards, and promotes insurance sector development. Q2: Why is KIDI forming a digital asset committee now? KIDI is responding to South Korea’s progressing legal framework for a won-backed stablecoin. The committee will establish internal standards ahead of regulatory finalization, positioning the institute to participate in digital assets once regulations are complete. Q3: How will KIDI acquire Bitcoin and Ethereum? The institute plans to use its stablecoin holdings to acquire Bitcoin and Ethereum once the committee finalizes regulations and internal standards. This approach utilizes stablecoins as a bridge between traditional finance and more volatile cryptocurrencies. Q4: What impact might this have on cryptocurrency markets? Institutional adoption by insurance companies could increase demand for Bitcoin and Ethereum. Insurance portfolios typically represent substantial assets, so even small allocations could meaningfully impact cryptocurrency markets and liquidity. Q5: Are other insurance companies likely to follow KIDI’s lead? Industry analysts believe KIDI’s initiative may encourage other insurance providers to establish similar committees. As a respected industry organization, KIDI’s standards could become a model for the broader insurance sector. This post Korea Insurance Institute Bitcoin Move: Strategic Committee Forms for Historic Crypto Acquisition first appeared on BitcoinWorld .









































