hodler

6 Mar 2026, 07:26

Bitcoin Reserves on CEXes Collapse to Lowest Level Since November 2018

According to CryptoQuant, exchange reserves have plummeted to 2.7 million BTC..

6 Mar 2026, 07:00

Bitcoin Bears Lose The Lead: Negative Funding Is The Only Thing Stopping A Structural Breakout

Bitcoin is showing renewed strength after reclaiming the $70,000 level, a move that has helped stabilize sentiment following weeks of heightened volatility and uncertain market direction. The recovery comes as several structural indicators begin to shift in favor of a more constructive market environment, suggesting that the recent correction may be transitioning into a new phase. According to analysis from Axel Adler, multiple regime and structural indicators have moved into positive territory simultaneously for the first time in nearly three months. The report highlights the behavior of the Bitcoin Regime Score, an aggregated metric that incorporates several market variables, including taker imbalance, open interest pressure, funding rates, ETF flows, exchange flows, and price trend. The score is normalized on a scale ranging from -100 to +100 to identify shifts in market regimes. On February 7, the Regime Score dropped to -47, marking the deepest bearish reading recorded over the past year. For comparison, the market bottom in November 2025 reached -37 and required 33 days to recover to neutral territory, while the August low of -35 reversed in only 11 days. In the current cycle, however, the recovery has occurred in approximately 25 days. As of March 4, the indicator has climbed back to around +0.98, signaling a potential transition away from the recent bearish regime. Structural Indicators Align As Bitcoin Tests Key Resistance Adler further notes that price-based structural signals are now aligning with regime indicators, reinforcing the significance of Bitcoin’s recent recovery above $70,000. One of the key metrics highlighted in the report is the Structure Shift Composite, a fast signal designed to capture short-term changes in market structure. The Structure Shift Composite ranges from -1 to +1 and incorporates several elements of price behavior, including momentum, the sequence of price movements, and the asset’s position relative to its exponential moving averages. At the same time, the Donchian Channel provides a framework for identifying current technical boundaries, placing resistance near $73,698 and support around $62,981. Earlier in the cycle, the relationship between these indicators followed a different pattern. In January, the Structure Shift signal crossed above zero in a single sharp move—from -0.05 to +0.57—on January 2, but only after the Regime Score had already been firmly in bullish territory for several days. That confirmation was followed by a rally that eventually pushed Bitcoin toward the $97,000 region. The current transition has developed differently. Between March 2 and March 4, both Structure Shift and the Regime Score crossed into positive territory simultaneously. With Structure Shift now near +0.56 and Regime Score at +0.98, this synchronized shift suggests that the recent move toward $73,000 may represent a broader structural transition rather than a temporary short squeeze. Bitcoin Attempts Recovery Above Long-Term Support The weekly chart shows Bitcoin trading near $72,800 after staging a rebound from the sharp correction that pushed the asset below the $65,000 region earlier in 2026. Following a prolonged rally that carried BTC above $110,000 in late 2025, the market entered a corrective phase marked by lower highs and increasing volatility. The recent decline briefly forced Bitcoin below its 50-week moving average, a level that had previously acted as dynamic support throughout much of the bull cycle. However, the latest weekly candle suggests that buyers are attempting to reclaim this level, which now sits near the $70,000 region. Holding above this area is technically significant, as it often serves as a structural pivot during mid-cycle consolidations. Below the current price, the 100-week moving average is positioned around the mid-$60,000 zone, while the 200-week moving average continues to trend upward near the high-$50,000 region. These levels form a broader long-term support cluster that could help stabilize the price if volatility returns. From a structural perspective, Bitcoin remains within a macro uptrend despite the recent correction. The market is now attempting to form a higher low relative to the 2024–2025 advance. If BTC successfully consolidates above $70,000, the next resistance region could emerge near $85,000, where the previous breakdown accelerated earlier this year. Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

6 Mar 2026, 06:50

BTC Perpetual Futures: Revealing Long/Short Ratios Show Cautious Market Sentiment on Major Exchanges

BitcoinWorld BTC Perpetual Futures: Revealing Long/Short Ratios Show Cautious Market Sentiment on Major Exchanges Global cryptocurrency markets are closely monitoring Bitcoin perpetual futures data, as the latest long/short ratios from the world’s largest exchanges reveal a nuanced and cautiously balanced trader sentiment. This analysis, current as of early 2025, provides a critical snapshot of institutional and retail positioning in the flagship digital asset’s derivatives market. The data, sourced from aggregated exchange metrics, indicates a market delicately poised between bullish and bearish expectations. Decoding BTC Perpetual Futures Long/Short Ratios Perpetual futures contracts, a cornerstone of crypto derivatives trading, differ from traditional futures. Crucially, they lack an expiry date. Traders utilize these instruments for leveraged exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements. The long/short ratio represents the percentage of open positions betting on price increases (long) versus those betting on declines (short). Analysts globally scrutinize this metric as a key sentiment indicator. A ratio above 50% long suggests bullish dominance, while a figure below signals bearish control. The aggregated 24-hour data presents a fascinating picture of near-equilibrium. Overall Market Snapshot: 49.44% long positions versus 50.56% short positions. This marginal lean towards short positions hints at prevailing caution. However, the narrow spread of just 1.12 percentage points underscores a deeply contested market outlook. Such tight clustering often precedes periods of heightened volatility, as competing convictions clash. Exchange-by-Exchange Breakdown and Analysis Delving into individual exchange data reveals subtle but important variations in trader behavior across platforms. Each major venue possesses a unique user demographic and product structure, influencing its specific ratio. Binance: The Global Benchmark As the world’s largest crypto exchange by volume, Binance’s ratios often serve as a global benchmark. Currently, its ratio shows 49.18% long against 50.82% short. This slight bearish tilt mirrors the overall market sentiment. The exchange’s vast and diverse user base, encompassing both retail traders and sophisticated institutions, makes its data particularly significant for gauging broad market psychology. OKX: The Professional’s Choice OKX, renowned for its advanced trading tools and deep liquidity, exhibits the most pronounced bearish skew among the top three. Its ratio stands at 48.77% long to 51.23% short. This stronger short bias may reflect the preferences of its typically more experienced user base, who might be employing complex hedging strategies or reacting to specific technical indicators not immediately apparent in spot price action. Bybit: A Lone Bullish Outlier In contrast, Bybit presents a unique profile with a slight majority of long positions. Its data shows 50.17% long versus 49.83% short. This makes Bybit the only major exchange in this analysis where longs currently outnumber shorts. This divergence could stem from regional user sentiment differences, platform-specific promotional activities, or variations in margin and funding rate mechanics that attract a different cohort of leveraged traders. Exchange Long % Short % Net Sentiment Binance 49.18% 50.82% Slightly Bearish OKX 48.77% 51.23% Bearish Bybit 50.17% 49.83% Slightly Bullish Aggregate 49.44% 50.56% Neutral-to-Bearish The Critical Context of Open Interest and Funding Rates Interpreting long/short ratios requires concurrent analysis of open interest and funding rates. Open interest represents the total number of outstanding derivative contracts. High open interest alongside balanced ratios suggests a large, engaged market awaiting a catalyst. Furthermore, the funding rate mechanism is integral to perpetual futures. This periodic payment between long and short positions helps tether the contract price to the underlying spot asset. A persistently negative funding rate often accompanies a long-heavy market, as shorts receive payments from longs. Conversely, a positive rate can indicate short dominance. Current data must be viewed alongside these metrics for a complete picture. Historically, extreme long/short ratios have proven to be reliable contrarian indicators. Periods of excessively high long percentages often precede market corrections, as the trade becomes overcrowded. Similarly, extreme short crowding can fuel powerful short-covering rallies. The present environment, characterized by remarkable balance, suggests neither extreme greed nor fear is dominating. This equilibrium state is frequently associated with consolidation phases, where the market builds energy for its next significant directional move. Implications for Bitcoin’s Price Trajectory What does this balanced sentiment mean for Bitcoin’s price? Firstly, it indicates a lack of strong directional conviction among leveraged traders. This can lead to range-bound price action until a fundamental or macroeconomic catalyst emerges. Secondly, the slight aggregate short bias could provide underlying support. A sudden positive catalyst might trigger a rapid price increase as short positions are forced to close, buying back Bitcoin to cover their bets—a phenomenon known as a short squeeze. Market analysts also compare this derivatives data with on-chain metrics, such as exchange reserves and holder behavior. For instance, stable or decreasing exchange reserves alongside neutral derivatives sentiment can suggest accumulation is occurring off-exchange, a potentially bullish underlying signal. Therefore, savvy investors synthesize data from multiple sources—derivatives, on-chain, and macroeconomic—to form a cohesive market outlook. Conclusion The latest BTC perpetual futures long/short ratios paint a picture of a cautious and finely balanced cryptocurrency derivatives market. While the aggregate data leans marginally bearish, the significant divergence between exchanges like bearish OKX and slightly bullish Bybit highlights the fragmented nature of current trader sentiment. This equilibrium suggests the market is in a state of indecision, awaiting a clearer signal. For traders and investors, this environment underscores the importance of robust risk management and a multi-faceted analytical approach that looks beyond any single metric. Monitoring shifts in these ratios, especially if one side begins to dominate strongly, will be crucial for anticipating the next major move in Bitcoin’s volatile and fascinating market. FAQs Q1: What is a Bitcoin perpetual futures contract? A Bitcoin perpetual futures contract is a derivatives instrument that allows traders to speculate on Bitcoin’s future price without an expiry date. It uses a funding rate mechanism to keep its price aligned with the spot market. Q2: Why is the long/short ratio an important metric? The long/short ratio acts as a key sentiment indicator, showing the proportion of traders betting on price increases versus decreases. Extreme readings can signal overcrowded trades and potential market reversals. Q3: How does the funding rate relate to the long/short ratio? The funding rate is a periodic payment between long and short positions. If longs significantly outnumber shorts, the funding rate typically turns negative (longs pay shorts), and vice versa. It’s a mechanism to balance perpetual contract pricing. Q4: What does a “balanced” ratio like 49%/51% indicate? A nearly balanced ratio, as seen currently, suggests a lack of strong directional conviction in the market. It often corresponds with consolidation periods where the price trades within a range, awaiting a new catalyst. Q5: Can exchange-specific ratios differ significantly? Yes, as shown by Bybit’s slight long bias versus OKX’s short bias. Differences arise from varying user demographics, regional focuses, platform tools, and specific margin requirements or incentives on each exchange. This post BTC Perpetual Futures: Revealing Long/Short Ratios Show Cautious Market Sentiment on Major Exchanges first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

6 Mar 2026, 06:45

Bitcoin Wallets Surge to Staggering 58.45 Million as Investors Flee Exchanges

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Wallets Surge to Staggering 58.45 Million as Investors Flee Exchanges Global cryptocurrency markets witnessed a pivotal milestone this week as the total number of Bitcoin wallets holding any amount of the digital asset soared to an unprecedented 58.45 million. This record-breaking figure, reported by leading on-chain analytics firm Santiment, coincides with a corresponding plunge in Bitcoin reserves held on major centralized exchanges to levels not seen since December 2017. Consequently, this dual trend paints a compelling picture of evolving investor behavior, marked by a decisive move away from third-party custody and toward personal asset control. Bitcoin Wallets Hit Record High Amid Shifting Sentiment Santiment’s data reveals a steady, multi-year climb in the number of distinct Bitcoin addresses with a non-zero balance. The recent breach of the 58.45 million threshold represents more than just a numerical record. It signifies a fundamental expansion of the Bitcoin network’s user base. Analysts interpret this growth as a direct reflection of several concurrent factors. Firstly, institutional adoption continues to introduce new corporate and fund-based wallets. Secondly, retail investor participation remains robust in both established and emerging markets. Finally, the proliferation of user-friendly wallet interfaces and educational resources has lowered the technical barrier to entry. This growth trajectory is not occurring in isolation. It starkly contrasts with the declining activity on centralized trading platforms. For instance, exchange wallet balances have now receded to their lowest point in over seven years. This divergence strongly suggests that new entrants and existing holders are choosing to self-custody their assets rather than leave them on exchanges. The trend underscores a maturation in the market, where ownership and security are becoming paramount concerns for a growing cohort of participants. Exchange Reserves Plummet to 2017 Lows The simultaneous drop in Bitcoin held on exchanges is arguably the more significant metric for market structure. According to Santiment, the aggregate Bitcoin balance across major platforms like Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken has fallen to levels reminiscent of late 2017. This period preceded the last major bull market peak. Historically, declining exchange reserves indicate a reduction in immediate selling pressure. When users withdraw Bitcoin to private wallets, they typically signal a long-term holding strategy , often referred to in the community as ‘hodling.’ Several key drivers are fueling this exodus from exchanges. The regulatory landscape for crypto custodians remains uncertain in many jurisdictions, prompting users to seek direct control. Furthermore, high-profile exchange failures and security breaches over the past few years have served as a harsh lesson on the risks of counterparty custody. The mantra “not your keys, not your coins” has evolved from a niche principle to a mainstream precaution. Additionally, the rise of sophisticated yet accessible cold storage solutions , such as hardware wallets, has made secure self-custody feasible for the average user. Expert Analysis on Market Implications Market analysts emphasize that these on-chain movements provide a clearer signal of investor intent than volatile price action alone. “The data is telling a story of accumulation and conviction,” notes a senior analyst from a blockchain intelligence firm. “Record wallet growth alongside sinking exchange reserves creates a potent supply-side dynamic. Essentially, available Bitcoin for quick sale on exchanges is shrinking while the base of holders is widening.” This setup has historically been associated with periods of price appreciation, as demand must compete for a more limited pool of readily tradable supply. The shift also reflects broader technological adoption. The infrastructure for secure self-custody has improved dramatically. Multi-signature wallets, institutional-grade custody services, and seamless integration with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols are empowering users. They can now secure their assets while still engaging with various blockchain-based financial services. This evolution reduces the necessity to keep funds on a centralized exchange solely for trading purposes. The Rise of Personal Custody and Cold Storage The trend toward personal custody is fundamentally reshaping how individuals interact with digital assets. Cold storage, which involves keeping private keys completely offline on devices like hardware wallets or paper wallets, has become the gold standard for security. The growing preference for this method is a direct response to the perceived risks of centralized platforms. Users are prioritizing sovereignty and security over the minor convenience of instant exchange-based trading. This behavioral shift has significant implications for the entire cryptocurrency ecosystem. For exchanges, it pressures them to develop more robust and transparent proof-of-reserves and security protocols to regain user trust. For the Bitcoin network, it enhances overall security and decentralization, as coins held in a distributed manner of private wallets are less vulnerable to a single point of failure. The table below summarizes the key contrasts between the current trend and the earlier market paradigm. Past Paradigm (Pre-2020) Current Trend (2025) Assets primarily held on exchanges for trading. Assets moved to private wallets for custody. Security reliant on third-party platforms. Security managed via personal cold storage. Focus on short-term speculation. Emphasis on long-term holding (‘HODLing’). Centralized points of control. Distributed network resilience. The data underscores a maturation phase. Investors are treating Bitcoin more like a strategic digital asset and less like a speculative trading token. This transition is critical for the asset’s long-term viability as a store of value. The increasing wallet count, therefore, represents not just more users, but more committed users who understand and value the core tenets of cryptocurrency ownership. Conclusion The simultaneous achievement of a record high in Bitcoin wallets and a multi-year low in exchange reserves marks a definitive inflection point for the market. This dual trend, meticulously tracked by Santiment’s on-chain analytics, powerfully demonstrates a large-scale migration toward personal custody and long-term holding. The growth to 58.45 million wallets reflects broadening adoption, while the withdrawal of coins from exchanges signals deepening conviction among existing holders. Ultimately, this shift toward self-reliance strengthens the foundational principles of the Bitcoin network, promoting greater security, decentralization, and resilience for the world’s premier cryptocurrency. FAQs Q1: What does the record number of Bitcoin wallets actually mean? It indicates a significant expansion in the number of individuals or entities choosing to hold Bitcoin, reflecting wider adoption and a growing user base beyond just traders and speculators. Q2: Why are exchange Bitcoin reserves falling so dramatically? Users are moving their Bitcoin off exchanges to personal ‘cold storage’ wallets for enhanced security, long-term holding, and to maintain direct control over their private keys, reducing counterparty risk. Q3: How does this trend impact Bitcoin’s price potential? Lower exchange reserves typically reduce immediate selling supply. If demand remains steady or increases, this supply squeeze can create upward pressure on price, as buyers compete for fewer readily available coins. Q4: Is it safe for beginners to use cold storage wallets? Yes, modern hardware wallets are designed with user-friendliness in mind. However, safety depends entirely on the user securely storing their recovery seed phrase offline. Loss of this phrase means permanent loss of funds. Q5: Does this trend make exchanges less important? Not necessarily. Exchanges remain crucial for liquidity, onboarding new users with fiat currency, and providing trading pairs. Their role is evolving from primary custodians to liquidity hubs and gateways, while users assume more responsibility for asset custody. This post Bitcoin Wallets Surge to Staggering 58.45 Million as Investors Flee Exchanges first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

6 Mar 2026, 06:40

Jupiter Payment Card Revolutionizes On-Chain Spending with Global Visa Integration

BitcoinWorld Jupiter Payment Card Revolutionizes On-Chain Spending with Global Visa Integration Solana-based decentralized exchange Jupiter announced a groundbreaking development today: the Jupiter Card, an on-chain payment card integrated directly into its mobile application. This innovative card supports USDC payments and functions at Visa merchants globally, potentially bridging the gap between decentralized finance and everyday commerce. The announcement represents a significant step toward mainstream cryptocurrency adoption. Jupiter Payment Card: Technical Specifications and Functionality The Jupiter Card operates as a non-custodial payment solution. Users maintain control of their private keys while accessing traditional payment networks. The card leverages Solana’s high-speed, low-cost infrastructure to facilitate near-instant settlement of USDC transactions. Consequently, users can spend their stablecoin holdings anywhere Visa is accepted without converting to fiat currency through centralized exchanges. Integration occurs directly within the existing Jupiter mobile app. This approach provides a seamless user experience. The app already serves as a primary interface for swapping tokens and accessing liquidity on Solana. Now, it adds a comprehensive payment layer. The system automatically converts other supported cryptocurrencies to USDC at the point of sale using Jupiter’s aggregation engine. This ensures users receive optimal exchange rates. On-Chain Payment Infrastructure and Security Unlike traditional crypto debit cards, the Jupiter Card emphasizes on-chain operations. Each transaction initiates a smart contract on the Solana blockchain. This creates a transparent and immutable record of spending. The architecture uses account abstraction techniques to simplify user interactions. Users approve transactions via their mobile devices without managing gas fees for every purchase. The system batches transactions to optimize network efficiency. Security protocols incorporate multi-signature wallets and time-locked approvals. Furthermore, users can set transaction limits and freeze the card instantly through the app. The non-custodial nature means Jupiter never holds user funds directly. Instead, smart contracts manage the escrow and release of USDC during payment authorization. This design significantly reduces counterparty risk. Market Context and Competitive Landscape The launch positions Jupiter against established players like Crypto.com and Coinbase Card. However, Jupiter’s fully on-chain, decentralized approach differentiates its offering. Traditional crypto cards typically rely on centralized intermediaries to process fiat conversions. Jupiter eliminates this step by using USDC on Solana. This could reduce fees and increase transaction speed substantially. Industry analysts note the strategic timing. Visa has expanded its crypto-linked card programs throughout 2024. Meanwhile, USDC adoption continues growing across both centralized and decentralized platforms. Jupiter’s existing user base, which frequently engages in DeFi activities, represents a ready market for this product. The move may accelerate the convergence of DeFi and traditional finance. Potential Impact on USDC and Solana Ecosystems The Jupiter Card could significantly increase real-world utility for USDC. Stablecoins primarily function as trading pairs or store-of-value assets within crypto ecosystems. A seamless payment card transforms USDC into a viable medium of exchange. This development may drive increased demand for USDC on Solana, potentially deepening liquidity across decentralized applications. For the Solana network, the card represents a major use case demonstrating scalability. Handling millions of potential micro-transactions requires robust throughput and low latency. Solana’s architecture, capable of processing thousands of transactions per second, appears well-suited for this application. Successful implementation could attract other payment developers to build on Solana. Regulatory Considerations and Compliance Operating a payment card linked to digital assets involves complex regulatory frameworks. Jupiter likely partners with licensed financial institutions to issue the cards and manage Visa network compliance. The use of USDC, a regulated stablecoin issued by Circle, provides additional compliance safeguards. Circle maintains reserves and undergoes regular audits. Jurisdictional variations in cryptocurrency regulations will affect availability. Jupiter may initially roll out the card in regions with clear crypto-friendly policies. The company must implement robust anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures. These measures are standard for Visa-accredited card programs involving digital assets. User Experience and Adoption Barriers The primary adoption challenge involves user education. Many consumers remain unfamiliar with non-custodial wallet management. Jupiter’s app must guide users through security best practices clearly. The convenience of tapping a card contrasts with the responsibility of safeguarding seed phrases. Jupiter addresses this through intuitive interface design and educational resources. Transaction finality and dispute resolution present other considerations. Blockchain transactions are irreversible, unlike traditional credit card charges. Jupiter must establish clear policies for fraudulent transactions or merchant disputes. Potential solutions include insurance funds or decentralized arbitration mechanisms. These features will be crucial for building user trust. Conclusion The Jupiter Card represents a pivotal innovation in cryptocurrency payments. By combining Solana’s efficiency with USDC’s stability and Visa’s global reach, Jupiter creates a practical bridge to everyday commerce. This on-chain payment card could redefine how users interact with digital assets. It demonstrates the evolving maturity of decentralized finance infrastructure. The success of this initiative may inspire similar integrations across other blockchain networks. FAQs Q1: How does the Jupiter Card differ from other crypto debit cards? The Jupiter Card operates on a fully non-custodial, on-chain model using Solana smart contracts, whereas most competitors use centralized intermediaries for fiat conversion and settlement. Q2: What cryptocurrencies can I use with the Jupiter Card? The card primarily uses USDC for transactions. However, the Jupiter app can automatically swap other supported Solana-based tokens to USDC at the point of sale using its aggregation engine. Q3: Are there any geographical restrictions for using the Jupiter Card? The card works at Visa merchants worldwide, but regulatory compliance may restrict initial rollout to specific jurisdictions with clear cryptocurrency regulations. Q4: How does Jupiter ensure the security of my funds? The card uses non-custodial smart contracts, meaning you control your private keys. It incorporates multi-signature approvals, transaction limits, and instant freeze capabilities via the mobile app. Q5: What are the potential fees associated with the Jupiter Card? Fees may include network transaction costs on Solana (typically minimal) and potential conversion spreads when swapping non-USDC assets. Exact fee structures will be detailed upon the card’s full launch. This post Jupiter Payment Card Revolutionizes On-Chain Spending with Global Visa Integration first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

6 Mar 2026, 06:00

Canada’s Top 5 Bank Makes Crypto ETF Move With New Multi-Asset Fund

The fund behind the product has history with this asset class. Toronto-based 3iQ debuted one of the world’s first publicly traded spot Bitcoin funds back in 2021, well ahead of US regulators, who didn’t greenlight comparable products until early 2024. That fund crossed $1 billion Canadian dollars in assets under management — a milestone made more striking by how small Canada’s overall ETF market is compared to its southern neighbor. Now 3iQ is back, this time with a major bank at its side. Dynamic Funds , the asset management arm of Scotiabank , announced Wednesday the launch of the Dynamic Active Multi-Crypto ETF. The fund trades on Cboe Canada under the ticker DXMC and gives investors regulated access to Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, and XRP through a single product listed on a traditional stock exchange — no crypto wallets, no private keys, no exchange accounts required. Fee Cut Draws Attention Before Trading Begins Before the fund had logged a full day of trading, it was already drawing attention for its price tag. Dynamic set the management fee at 0.25%, reduced from an original 0.45%, and locked that rate in through March 1, 2027. Scotia Bank has launched an active crypto picking ETF in Canada today. Notable bc first bank up there to get in game and the fee is only 25bps, very low for active and Canada. Will hold the big cryptos but have 10% eq sleeve as well. pic.twitter.com/Vn6vpKre68 — Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) March 4, 2026 Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas flagged the number publicly, calling it highly competitive within the space. Multi-asset crypto funds have been growing in appeal among investors who want broad exposure without picking individual tokens. Rather than buying and storing each asset separately across different platforms, a single ETF handles all of it inside a familiar, regulated wrapper. For retail investors especially, that simplicity carries weight. The choice of assets also signals something. Bitcoin and Ether are fixtures in most institutional crypto products. Solana and XRP are newer additions to that tier. XRP in particular spent years caught up in a high-profile legal dispute with US securities regulators — a fight that cast a long shadow over its institutional standing. Its inclusion here suggests that, at least in Canada, that shadow has lifted enough to pass a bank’s compliance review. Ownership Change Looms Over 3iQ’s Next Chapter The timing of the launch comes with a footnote. According to reports, Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Coincheck recently agreed to acquire 3iQ for roughly $112 million in stock. The deal has not yet closed and is expected to wrap up sometime in the second quarter of this year. How the ownership transition affects 3iQ’s existing partnerships — including the one with Dynamic Funds — remains to be seen. Canada approved spot Bitcoin ETFs years before the US did, and its market has since expanded to include spot Ether products and a range of other digital asset funds spread across exchanges like the Toronto Stock Exchange and Cboe Canada. Scotiabank’s entry adds another major financial institution to that list, widening the pool of Canadians who can access crypto through their standard brokerage accounts without stepping outside the regulated system. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView