hodler

24 Mar 2026, 13:34

Circle Urges EU to Ease Crypto Thresholds in Proposed Markets Framework

Circle is pushing back on Europe. The stablecoin issuer has formally petitioned the European Commission to lower the capitalization thresholds in its proposed Market Integration Package. The argument is direct: the current rules create a regulatory paradox where a stablecoin must already be massive before it is legally permitted to operate at an institutional scale. For euro-denominated stablecoins like EURC, the framework creates friction. It effectively bans them from institutional settlement before they ever get the chance to grow. Key Takeaways: Circle’s Feedback on MIP The Ask: Lower the market cap threshold for e-money tokens (EMTs) to qualify as collateral under the Central Securities Depositories Regulation. The Framework: The EU’s Market Integration Package, designed to unify capital markets and expand the DLT Pilot Regime. Market Impact: Removing these barriers would allow EURC and other euro stablecoins to function as liquidity layers in formal securities settlement. The Mechanics of the ‘Chicken-and-Egg’ Problem The complaint comes down to one mechanical flaw. Under the current draft of the Central Securities Depositories Regulation, only e-money tokens that already meet a high market capitalization threshold can be used in settlement systems. Circle’s problem with that is straightforward. No euro-denominated EMT currently meets that threshold. The regulation creates a chicken-and-egg scenario . Tokens need a settlement utility to grow. Settlement utility requires a scale that they cannot achieve without it. Circle is calling it a structural barrier to entry and they are right. The firm is requesting amendments to the DLT Pilot Regime to break the cycle. Excluding non-significant EMTs from settlement does not protect the market. It stalls the EU’s entire tokenization ambition before it starts. BULLISH: CIRCLE AND COINBASE TO WIN BIG FROM STABLECOIN SURGE According to analysts at Bernstein, both @Circle and @Coinbase can help investors gain exposure to the fast-growing stablecoin sector. The firms have formed a partnership around the $USDC stablecoin and stand to… pic.twitter.com/CisztMTGZL — BSCN (@BSCNews) March 24, 2026 The stakes are direct. If the European Commission adopts Circle’s recommendation, EURC moves from a niche trading pair to a recognized settlement instrument for traditional finance. Banks and asset managers can settle trades on-chain. Euro stablecoins become functional collateral under CSDR rules. If nothing changes, institutional participation stays theoretical. The vast majority of stablecoin liquidity sits in USD-denominated assets like USDC. For the EU to build a functioning DLT-based economy it needs a euro equivalent that moves frictionlessly between crypto exchanges and regulated securities venues. The current framework does the opposite. It locks euro stablecoins out of the infrastructure they need to scale. Circle’s March 20 submission is an attempt to preempt a liquidity freeze in a market that has not even launched yet. Regulatory Context: MiCA and the Integration Gap Circle’s lobbying effort comes just months after the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation took full effect in December 2024. While MiCA provided the licensing framework for issuers, the Market Integration Package is intended to build the rails for those assets to move across borders. The friction underscores a broader disconnect. While MiCA is law, its implementation has been criticized by legal experts for varying wildly from country to country. Yuriy Brisov, a partner at Digital & Analogue Partners, has argued that the rules remain difficult to interpret, leaving issuers in a gray zone regarding compliance. The Commission’s proposals are intended to fix this fragmentation, but Circle warns that without specific tweaks to the DLT regime, the “integration” will be in name only. As negotiations on the package continue—potentially through 2027—the gap between regulatory intent and market reality is widening. Will stablecoins become the backbone of the AI economy? @circle 's CFO breaks down how $USDC can become the go-to payment solution for millions of AI agents online. FULL: https://t.co/ZSCkRE2XPv pic.twitter.com/G3szhazbiM — The Rundown (@rundowndaily_) March 23, 2026 If the Commission adjusts the thresholds, Europe opens the door to on-chain capital markets. If they hold the line, euro stablecoins remain stuck in the sandbox. Until the final text is agreed upon, institutional adoption is waiting on a definition. Discover: The best new crypto in the world The post Circle Urges EU to Ease Crypto Thresholds in Proposed Markets Framework appeared first on Cryptonews .

24 Mar 2026, 13:30

Prioritizing tech sovereignty can hurt Europe in the AI race, Siemens exec says

Throttling AI innovation for the sake of tech sovereignty would be a disaster for Europe, according to the head of the industrial and technology giant Siemens. The warning from the top manager comes as the executive body in Brussels prepares to present the EU’s delayed tech sovereignty package at the end of May. Siemens boss bets on existing AI tools over building EU’s own Prioritizing the development of domestic artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure would prove disastrous for the European Union, according to Roland Busch, the man at the helm of Siemens. The chief executive of the German industrial conglomerate has made it clear he favors deploying existing tools already built by others to boost economic growth on the Old Continent. Busch, who has been steering Europe’s largest engineering company towards technology since he took over in 2021, shared his thoughts on the matter with the Financial Times. Quoted in an article that came out Tuesday, he also insisted the EU risks lagging behind in the race for AI solutions even further if it does not simplify its regulations. His comments coincide with European efforts to reduce dependency on U.S. tech companies in a number of areas, including cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence and office software, among other products and services. The European push in that direction comes amid concerns that the foreign policy of President Donald Trump’s administration could lead to a “tech decoupling,” the report highlighted. While the Siemens SEO admitted that building its own AI infrastructure would make the EU “more resilient” over time, he insisted Europeans shouldn’t wait for AI factories to be built in Germany or elsewhere in Europe before starting to tune their AI models and stressed: “You should not throttle your innovation speed for the sake of creating sovereignty. This would be a disaster.” Roland Busch’s statements echo concerns expressed by a number of companies in the region that weakening ties with U.S. tech firms would slow investment and raise costs, the business daily highlighted. The AI regulations the European Union has been trying to implement have been met with opposition from big tech companies, Washington and some member states that fear the new rules would make it harder to use the technology. Europe’s landmark AI regulation dogged by delays The European Commission recently delayed its flagship “tech sovereignty package” for a second time, as reported by Euractiv earlier this month. Its adoption was initially planned for March 25, but was moved to April 15 and is now rescheduled for May 27. The measures include the Cloud and AI Development Act ( CAIDA ), the Chips Act 2, a strategic roadmap for digitalization and the use of AI in energy, as well as a strategy on open-source software. CAIDA, in particular, has been portrayed as a key element of the bloc’s push towards tech sovereignty. The legislation should relax rules for building data centers as part of efforts to boost construction of digital infrastructure within the EU to help catch up with the leaders in the accelerating global AI race . The new version of the Chips Act aims to achieve what the original legislation failed – increase semiconductor manufacturing inside the bloc. And the open-source strategy is expected to support projects that have the potential to become viable alternatives to U.S. tech solutions. The delays in the deployment of AI in Europe, due to security concerns and overregulation, would slow growth, Roland Busch also warned, accusing the EU of having a “miscalibrated” approach to exerting control over the technology. In that regard, he likened America’s embrace of artificial intelligence to a “fast flowing river” in comparison with Europe’s “standing water” tech ecosystem. Siemens is investing €1 billion (nearly $1.16 billion) in the development of AI tools, according to its top executive. But most of the money is likely going to the U.S. and China, as his statements indicated. Last spring, the European Commission announced it would allocate €1.3 billion for investments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital skills with strategic importance for the EU’s tech sovereignty. Your bank is using your money. You’re getting the scraps. Watch our free video on becoming your own bank

24 Mar 2026, 12:59

EU and Australia sign deal as hedge against US unpredictability, China's critical minerals grip

Australia and the European Union have inked a landmark trade agreement that will transform economic relations between two of America’s closest friends at a time when the global trading order feels increasingly uncertain. On Tuesday, March 24, in Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra, nearly eight years of sporadic negotiations came to an end. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission both signed a deal they claim will reduce expenses, open up new markets, and protect their companies from an uncertain global environment. The timing is no coincidence. Both the EU and Australia have watched as U.S. trade policy has become harder to predict under President Trump, while China continues to dominate global supply chains for critical minerals. For countries in between, the message from Tuesday’s signing was clear that they must diversify quickly. “We are sending a strong signal to the rest of the world that friendship and cooperation is what matters most in times of turbulence,” von der Leyen said in a statement. She also pointed to the ongoing war in Iran as a reminder of how interconnected the world’s problems have become. “None of us is immune to the shocks, both geopolitical and economic, that the war in Iran brings to our populations,” she told the Australian Parliament. James Lindsay of the Council on Foreign Relations had warned in a February memo that Trump’s foreign policy had turned deep ties with Washington into something of a risk for traditional U.S. allies . This deal reflects that concern. While neither Australia nor the EU is walking away from its relationship with the United States, they are building alternatives. Economic diversification and critical resource security According to a joint statement released by the Australian Government and the European Commission, “The Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement will lower trade and investment barriers between Australia and the European Union – a market of around 450 million people.” The document further highlights that “the trade agreement will support investment in both directions,” noting that the European Union was Australia’s second-largest source of foreign investment in 2024, with a total investment stock worth $869.3 billion. More than 99% of tariffs on EU goods heading to Australia will be removed. On the other side, duties on 98% of the current value of Australian exports to the EU will eventually be dropped. Access to Australian supplies of manganese, lithium, and aluminum is a significant victory for Europe. Von der Leyen was clear about the significance of this. She stated , “We cannot be over-dependent on any supplier for such crucial ingredients,” clearly referring to China. There would be no more tariffs on Australian energy products, such as lithium hydroxide and hydrogen. Additionally, both parties will waive taxes on environmentally friendly products like solar panel components and wind turbines. Australian exporters of wine, nuts, and seafood will enter the EU market without tariffs. European chocolate, wine, and machinery will face no duties going into Australia. Australia also agreed to raise the luxury car tax threshold for EU electric vehicles to A$120,000, which works out to around $83,600. Geographical protections In addition to trade, the two nations formed a defense alliance that includes emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, crisis management, and maritime security. Additionally, Australia will start negotiations to become a member of the Horizon Europe research financing program. The deal allows Australian businesses to bid on EU government contracts worth about $845 billion annually and facilitates employment for Australian specialists in the fields of finance, education, and tourism within the EU. It was a hard-won outcome, according to Prime Minister Albanese. “More trade, with more trading partners means more supply chain security, more well-paying jobs, cheaper prices, and more national income,” he stated. Still letting the bank keep the best part? Watch our free video on being your own bank .

24 Mar 2026, 12:27

Oracle rebuilds Fusion for AI agents to handle routine back-office tasks

Oracle is rebuilding Fusion, its cloud back-office software for large companies, so workers can ask business questions and let AI agents find data, pull records from connected systems, and handle routine steps. The changes were set for a London event on Tuesday local time. They come as software vendors refit products for agents instead of only human clicking and typing. The update covers work inside Fusion, including factory production planning and collecting money from customers. Oracle says companies still need business software, but want repetitive work done by machines. That matters because Oracle shares are down about 40% this year as investors worry that strong AI systems could replace complex enterprise software. Executives say Oracle is using AI to keep its software ahead of that threat. Oracle shifts Fusion toward AI-led work across finance and operations The software push comes as Oracle raises the cost of its own restructuring. The company said it will spend another $500 million on restructuring in the current fiscal year as stronger AI models let it shrink parts of its workforce. That brings total restructuring costs to $2.1 billion for the year ending May 31, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Wednesday. In December, Oracle had projected $1.6 billion. The higher figure points to faster job cuts. Restructuring spending had already jumped 337% year over year in the nine months ended Feb. 28. Alongside third-quarter earnings on Tuesday, Oracle said better AI models would allow job cuts across software teams. The company said:- “AI models for generating computer code have become so efficient that we have been restructuring our product development teams into smaller, more agile and productive groups.” Steve Miranda, executive vice president of applications development at Oracle, said the goal is to let users focus on business questions, such as making a new product design cheaper and faster while cutting supply chain risk. Miranda said the needed information is spread across Oracle applications and connected third-party software. He said AI will take over data entry, data gathering, and recommendations. Human workers, he said, will spend more time on supplier talks and judging how much disruption risk a company can accept. Steve said:- “Typing in an invoice isn’t a particularly high-value skill to your enterprise or to the person you know who does that part of their job. Decision making is still kind of up to that human… But certainly the execution, the typing of the invoices, the typing of the purchase order, that is what is going to be replaced in whole in AI.” Cisco adds security controls as AI agents start taking real actions That wider agent push is also creating a security problem. As AI agents move into customer experience systems, they are not just answering queries like chatbots. They are processing transactions and triggering backend actions. That raises the stakes for security teams and customer experience leaders. Jeff Schultz, senior vice president of portfolio strategy for Cisco’s product organization, said:- “With chatbots, we worried about what they would say. With agents, we worry about what they do.” At the RSA Conference in San Francisco this week, Cisco rolled out security features meant to make autonomous AI safe enough for real-world use. Schultz said companies are focusing more on secure networking and compute connections as AI develops. He also said trust is slowing adoption. A Cisco survey found 85% of enterprise customers had tested AI agents, but only 5% had put them into production. Cisco said its new tools establish trusted identities, enforce Zero Trust Access controls, harden agents before deployment, apply runtime guardrails, and give SOC teams machine-speed tools to stop threats. Schultz said, “We also see a trust deficit… trust is holding them back.” Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

24 Mar 2026, 12:27

Miles Franklin CEO Admits Holding XRP, Places It in Top 10% of Investment Pyramid

Andy Schectman, President and founder of Miles Franklin Precious Metals, has revealed he personally holds XRP. He describes the asset as part of the speculative “top layer” of his long-standing investment strategy. Visit Website

24 Mar 2026, 12:15

Invesco’s Monumental Move: $2.2T Asset Manager Enters Tokenized Treasury Market

BitcoinWorld Invesco’s Monumental Move: $2.2T Asset Manager Enters Tokenized Treasury Market Global asset management giant Invesco has made a landmark entry into the tokenized treasury market, signaling a pivotal moment for institutional adoption of blockchain-based finance. The firm, which oversees a staggering $2.2 trillion in assets, will assume management of crypto asset manager Superstate’s $900 million tokenized treasury fund, USTB. This strategic acquisition, reported by CoinDesk, represents one of the most significant traditional finance forays into digital asset infrastructure to date. Consequently, the move underscores a rapidly maturing convergence between legacy financial systems and decentralized technology. Invesco’s Strategic Entry into Tokenized Treasuries Invesco’s decision to enter the tokenized treasury market is not an isolated experiment. Instead, it is a calculated strategic expansion. The firm will take over the management of the USTB fund, a product built on blockchain rails. Following the transition, the fund will be renamed the ‘Invesco Short Duration US Government Securities Fund’. However, it will retain its USTB ticker for continuity. Significantly, Invesco’s global liquidity team, which manages over $200 billion in short-term assets, will now lead the fund’s investment decisions. This team brings decades of experience in managing government securities, directly applying traditional finance expertise to a blockchain-native product. The tokenized treasury market itself has seen explosive growth. Major financial institutions like BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and WisdomTree have launched similar products. These funds typically hold short-term U.S. Treasury bills and notes. They then issue digital tokens on a blockchain, representing ownership shares. This process unlocks several key advantages: 24/7 Trading: Unlike traditional funds, tokenized versions can trade around the clock. Enhanced Transparency: Blockchain ledgers provide immutable, real-time records of ownership and transactions. Operational Efficiency: Settlement and transfer processes can be automated and accelerated. Fractional Ownership: High-value assets become accessible to a broader range of investors. Therefore, Invesco’s move validates this model for mainstream institutional portfolios. The Evolving Landscape of Blockchain Finance The entry of a $2.2 trillion asset manager is a powerful signal of market maturation. For years, blockchain finance, or ‘DeFi’, operated largely parallel to traditional systems. Now, major institutions are actively bridging the gap. Tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) is widely seen as the next major use case for blockchain technology. Treasuries, with their high credit quality and liquidity, serve as the ideal starting point. This trend is supported by clear regulatory frameworks for the underlying assets, unlike more speculative crypto assets. Analysts point to several converging factors driving this institutional push. First, higher interest rates have made Treasury yields attractive, increasing demand for efficient access vehicles. Second, the infrastructure for digital asset custody and compliance has improved dramatically. Third, major financial hubs like Hong Kong, the UK, and Singapore are creating clearer regulatory pathways for tokenized securities. Invesco’s involvement adds immense credibility, potentially attracting more conservative capital that has remained on the sidelines. Expert Analysis on Market Impact Financial experts view this development as a critical inflection point. “When a firm of Invesco’s scale and reputation moves into this space, it’s a definitive endorsement of the underlying technology’s utility,” noted a senior analyst at a major investment bank specializing in fintech. “This isn’t about cryptocurrency speculation; it’s about leveraging blockchain for tangible improvements in financial market infrastructure—settlement, transparency, and accessibility.” The timeline of institutional adoption shows a clear acceleration. Early experiments began around 2021-2022 with smaller-scale pilots. By 2023, several large asset managers had filed for spot Bitcoin ETFs, which were subsequently approved. The focus in 2024 shifted strongly toward tokenization of bonds and funds. Invesco’s 2025 move to directly manage a nearly $1 billion tokenized fund represents the logical next step: not just offering a product, but integrating the management of blockchain-based assets into its core operations. The impact extends beyond a single fund. Invesco’s global liquidity team will now gain firsthand experience managing assets on-chain. This expertise will likely inform future product development. It could lead to a broader suite of tokenized money market funds, short-term bond ETFs, and other liquidity products. Furthermore, it pressures competitors to accelerate their own digital asset strategies to avoid losing market share in a potentially transformative area of finance. Understanding the USTB Fund and Its Future The USTB fund, now under Invesco’s stewardship, is a prime example of a tokenized treasury product. It invests primarily in short-duration U.S. government securities. These are considered among the safest assets in the world. The fund’s tokens are issued on the Ethereum blockchain, specifically using the ERC-20 standard. Investors can purchase these tokens through compatible digital asset platforms and wallets. They represent a direct claim on the fund’s underlying assets. Under Invesco, the investment mandate and strategy are expected to remain focused on capital preservation and liquidity. The firm’s massive scale offers potential advantages. For instance, Invesco may achieve better execution on Treasury purchases due to its volume. It can also integrate the fund more seamlessly into its existing risk management and reporting systems. The table below outlines the key before-and-after details of the fund: Feature Prior (Superstate) After (Invesco) Fund Name USTB Fund Invesco Short Duration US Govt Securities Fund Ticker USTB USTB (Retained) Asset Manager Superstate Invesco AUM ~$900 Million ~$900 Million (at transition) Management Team Crypto-native team Invesco Global Liquidity Team ($200B+ AUM) Primary Goal Demonstrate tokenization model Scale institutional product within traditional framework This transition highlights a broader pattern: innovative crypto-native projects creating market proof-of-concepts, which are then scaled by established financial giants with distribution and trust. Conclusion Invesco’s entry into the tokenized treasury market is a watershed moment for blockchain finance. By taking over the $900 million USTB fund, the $2.2 trillion asset manager provides a powerful vote of confidence in the tokenization of real-world assets. This move blends traditional financial expertise with innovative technology, aiming to improve efficiency, transparency, and access in the treasury market. As Invesco’s global liquidity team assumes control, the industry will watch closely. Their success could catalyze a new wave of institutional adoption, further cementing tokenized treasuries as a foundational component of the modern financial landscape. The convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology is no longer a speculative future—it is the operational present. FAQs Q1: What is a tokenized treasury fund? A tokenized treasury fund holds traditional government securities like U.S. Treasury bills and issues digital tokens on a blockchain that represent ownership in those assets. This allows for 24/7 trading, fractional ownership, and increased transparency. Q2: Why is Invesco’s move into this market significant? Invesco manages $2.2 trillion in assets, making it one of the world’s largest asset managers. Its entry signals that major traditional financial institutions now view blockchain-based finance as a legitimate and strategic area for growth, lending immense credibility to the entire sector. Q3: Will the USTB fund change under Invesco’s management? The fund will be renamed the ‘Invesco Short Duration US Government Securities Fund’ but will keep its USTB ticker. The investment strategy focusing on short-term U.S. government securities is expected to continue, but will now be managed by Invesco’s experienced global liquidity team. Q4: What are the benefits of tokenizing treasury funds? Key benefits include operational efficiency through faster settlement, enhanced transparency via the blockchain ledger, the ability to trade 24/7, and access for a wider pool of investors through fractional ownership. Q5: Does this mean Invesco is investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin? Not directly through this action. The USTB fund invests in traditional U.S. government debt. The innovation lies in using blockchain technology to represent ownership and facilitate trading of these traditional assets, which is different from investing in volatile cryptocurrencies themselves. This post Invesco’s Monumental Move: $2.2T Asset Manager Enters Tokenized Treasury Market first appeared on BitcoinWorld .