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24 Mar 2026, 09:20

Morgan Stanley Filed a Bitcoin ETF During the Worst Week of the War: A $5.5 Trillion Signal That Crypto Is Permanent

Slug: morgan-stanley-bitcoin-etf-msbt The past week has been the most volatile one for markets as hostilities in the Iran war escalated rapidly. Brent crude pushed close to the $120 mark, Gold dropped over 12% in a week marking its worst correction since 1983 and the S&P 500 saw its fourth consecutive week in red. On March 20, however, in the middle of this chaos and as Trump issued a 48 hour ultimatum (which has now been pushed back to five days) that threatened strikes on Iran’s power plants, Morgan Stanley filed for a Bitcoin ETF. One of the oldest and largest investment banks in the world that manages $5.5 trillion in client assets and employs over 15,000 financial advisors. The timing is what makes this particularly striking. MSBT is not just another name added to the list of existing Bitcoin ETFs. It represents something far larger. The fact is that Morgan Stanley has a massive distribution network that includes direct relationships with pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and corporate treasuries. When a bank as large as Morgan Stanley provides access to BTC into portfolios it already manages, this completely changes the game from who buys BTC to how much they buy and when. Why Morgan Stanley Is Different From Every Other ETF Issuer On paper, Morgan Stanley’s MSBT filing with the SEC looks very similar to existing ETFs like BlackRock’s IBIT. The firm filed an S-1 for listing on NYSE Arca, with Coinbase handling Bitcoin custody and BNY Mellon managing administration. That said, the structural similarities to IBIT is where the comparison ends. Morgan Stanley is not an asset manager but an investment bank that holds $5.5 trillion in client assets and has over 15,000 financial advisors who sit across from pension funds, endowments, family offices and corporate treasuries every single day. This massive distribution angle is what makes this filing very different from the rest of the Bitcoin ETFs on the market. BlackRock’s IBIT crossed $70 billion in assets largely because their institutional sales team put it in front of the right allocators. What Morgan Stanley has going for it is completely different in that their advisory network sits directly between capital and allocation decisions. Adding to this is that their 15,000 advisors have direct access to high net worth individuals and mid tier institutions that traditional ETFs don’t touch. That’s why Strategy CEO Phong Le calling it a “monster Bitcoin Bet,” as reported in Bitcoin Magazine , is so apt. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management oversees about $8 trillion in AUM and recommends 0–4% bitcoin allocation. A 2% allocation would represent $160 billion, ~3X the size of IBIT. $MSBT : Monster Bitcoin. https://t.co/TNYLYRXPiz — Phong Le (@phongle) March 20, 2026 Even though the SEC is yet to approve the filing, this marks the first bank-issued spot Bitcoin ETF in the U.S. and as Yahoo Finance puts it “a move no major US Bank has done before”. FinTech Weekly went further, reporting that Morgan Stanley is “not just filing an ETF, it’s building everything around it”. Even as we wait for the approval from the SEC, the filing alone tells you that Morgan Stanley’s internal risk and compliance teams have cleared Bitcoin and that sign off, in itself, is significant. 74% of Institutions Are Bullish: The Survey Explains the Timing When you begin to look at institutional sentiment toward Bitcoin, the timing of Morgan Stanley’s filing starts to make a lot more sense. In January this year, Coinbase and EY-Parthenon conducted an in depth survey across 351 institutional investors that provided a comprehensive look into overall crypto sentiment. The key takeaway from the survey was that, despite the volatile start to the year, sentiment among institutions has actually strengthened. Around 74% of respondents expect crypto prices to rise in the next 12 months and 73% plan to increase their exposure to digital assets before the end of the year. 83% also stated that they have used or plan to use stablecoin payments and that same 83% indicated that clearer regulations like the GENIUS Act would increase their willingness to engage with the space. Tokenization moving from pilot to priority was another theme with 63% expressing interest in tokenized assets and 61% expecting tokenization to have a massive impact on market structure in the coming years. The bullish sentiment toward crypto is, however, only one side of the story. The bigger picture that this survey highlighted was how institutional investors want exposure. 49% of the respondents said that the recent volatility has forced them to tighten risk and liquidity management while wanting Bitcoin exposure through regulated instruments, one that has a familiar structure like an ETF. With 73% looking to allocate capital, the demand is clearly there. Coupled with this is the fact that their preferred access route is via an ETF during a time when regulation is moving in the right direction. The timing of Morgan Stanley’s filing in this context becomes very clear. The War Didn’t Stop Institutional Crypto, It Accelerated It The news of the filing dropped at a time of peak macro uncertainty. The same week, we saw Oil rise toward the $120 per barrel mark, Gold saw its worst weekly performance in decades and traditional equity markets like the S&P 500 saw their weekly losing streak extend. Bitcoin, on the other hand, remains resilient since the conflict began. Just over three weeks into the war, BTC has rallied all the way from $65.8K on February 28 to now trading close to $71K, a roughly +7.5% move up. This move is happening at a time when global equities and even traditional safe havens like Gold are in the negative since the start of the month. Despite Bitcoin retracing to around $68K after the FOMC meeting, President Trump’s decision to postpone the 48 hour ultimatum to five days, citing “very good and productive conversations” with Iran, as reported by NBC , led to a relief rally, with Bitcoin bouncing back to $71K. The situation remains precarious as Iranian media were quick to deny any negotiations taking place. The crisis thus far has shown how resolute Bitcoin is as an asset class and yesterday’s potential de-escalation news show how sensitive it is to any macro resolution signals. Morgan Stanley has recognized that the crisis itself has demonstrated Bitcoin’s resilience and that earns a place in serious portfolios. What to Watch: From Filing to Approval to $5.5 Trillion in Distribution On the regulatory front, SEC review typically runs three to six months from an amended S-1, which puts a potential MSBT launch somewhere in the Q3 to Q4 2026 window, a timeline that could coincide with a post-war recovery environment if the current diplomatic window holds. For context on what approval could mean in practice, BlackRock’s IBIT attracted $37 billion in its first year, making it the fastest-growing ETP in history. MSBT won’t be competing for the same capital, it targets a different client base entirely, which means it expands the total addressable market rather than splitting it. Morgan Stanley’s 15,000 advisors reaching high-net-worth individuals and mid-tier institutions represents a distribution layer that no existing Bitcoin ETF has systematically accessed. And if Morgan Stanley has filed, it is a reasonable assumption that Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan’s asset management arms are running similar internal evaluations right now. The bank-issued Bitcoin ETF could quickly go from a novelty to a category. On the price side, the next few days are going to be very important to monitor. Trump’s five-day negotiation window with Iran runs through approximately March 28. If talks show genuine progress and oil pulls back, the risk-on environment that follows likely pushes Bitcoin back toward a retest of the $75K level. If the window collapses and the ultimatum is reinstated, $67K becomes the key support level to watch. The current pivot sits around $70K, a sustained move above $72K signals the post-FOMC pullback is over, while a break below $67K would put the war outperformance thesis under real pressure. That said, Morgan Stanley’s filing reframes where the institutional floor actually sits. A bank with $5.5 trillion in client assets does not build Bitcoin distribution infrastructure for a trade, it builds it because the long-term allocation decision has already been made internally and the market may not be fully pricing that in yet. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

24 Mar 2026, 09:02

Man Who Predicted Trump’s Assassination Attempt Drops XRP Price Prediction

Crypto commentator JackTheRippler has shared a post highlighting unusual prophecies and cryptocurrency price projections. In the post, he strongly reacted to a resurfaced video featuring Brandon Biggs, describing the situation as difficult to ignore. He emphasizes that Biggs is allegedly the same individual who previously predicted an incident involving Donald Trump, specifically referencing a claim that a bullet would strike the president’s ear. In the tweet, JackTheRippler expresses surprise and curiosity about Biggs’ latest statement, which centers on XRP and its potential future price. The post frames the prediction as notable due to the perceived accuracy of Biggs’ predictions, prompting renewed attention toward the new forecast. NO FKN WAY!! This man is the same man who has prophesied that a bullet is going to hit President Trump’s ear. Now he says that #XRP will reach a high price! pic.twitter.com/3XdQ5lKdN2 — JackTheRippler © (@RippleXrpie) March 22, 2026 Video Details XRP Price Projections The attached video included in the X post contains a detailed account from Biggs describing what he claims to have seen regarding financial assets. According to the transcript presented in the clip, Biggs states that certain assets would rapidly increase in value, doubling or tripling within a short period. He then specifically references XRP, stating that he observed price movements reaching $5 and $10 in relatively quick succession. Biggs continues by describing a much higher figure, stating that he “saw the number 150” as a target discussed among individuals in his vision. He adds that repeated questions about investments led him to share this information, emphasizing that the asset would grow significantly over time. He compares the potential trajectory to Apple Inc., suggesting that XRP could become a major long-term investment. The most striking part of the statement comes when Biggs claims that XRP could eventually rise beyond $10,000 per token . He explains that at the time of the vision, he was unfamiliar with XRP and had to search online to understand what it was, later discovering that it is a cryptocurrency. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Community Response Reflects Mixed Interpretations The tweet also includes a response from another crypto analyst who acknowledges the unusual nature of the prediction while pointing to broader developments in the digital asset space. The analyst references the earlier Trump-related claim and questions whether the new XRP forecast should be taken as prophecy or coincidence. At the same time, the comment shifts focus to regulatory developments, stating that XRP’s evolving classification toward a commodity-like status , similar to gold, is gaining traction. The analyst asserts that regulatory clarity is improving and suggests that this narrative could influence market perception as 2026 progresses. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Man Who Predicted Trump’s Assassination Attempt Drops XRP Price Prediction appeared first on Times Tabloid .

24 Mar 2026, 08:21

Balancer Labs Winds Down as Legal Risks Force Restructuring

Balancer Labs is shutting down due to legal risks after a major security breach. The protocol will continue with a leaner model and overhaul its governance and emissions. Continue Reading: Balancer Labs Winds Down as Legal Risks Force Restructuring The post Balancer Labs Winds Down as Legal Risks Force Restructuring appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

24 Mar 2026, 07:38

Here’s where Treasuries could shape Trump’s Iran war — and bitcoin moves

Treasury yields and swap spreads could eventually pressure the Trump administration to moderate the conflict, analysts argue.

24 Mar 2026, 04:10

Kalshi’s Crucial Move: Prediction Market Proactively Blocks Sports Insiders to Prevent Trading Manipulation

BitcoinWorld Kalshi’s Crucial Move: Prediction Market Proactively Blocks Sports Insiders to Prevent Trading Manipulation In a significant regulatory development, prediction market platform Kalshi announced it will proactively block trades by athletes, coaches, and game officials to prevent potential insider trading. This crucial move follows the introduction of a bill in the U.S. Congress aiming to ban sports and casino-style betting on prediction markets. Consequently, the platform’s decision represents a preemptive strike against market manipulation. Moreover, this action highlights growing scrutiny of the rapidly evolving prediction market industry. The announcement, first reported by Axios, signals a pivotal moment for market integrity. Therefore, industry observers are closely monitoring the implications for both Kalshi and competitor Polymarket. Kalshi Implements Proactive Trading Blocks Kalshi’s new policy specifically targets individuals with privileged access to non-public sports information. The platform will now identify and restrict accounts belonging to professional athletes, team coaches, and officiating staff. Furthermore, this measure extends to individuals closely affiliated with sports organizations. The company developed sophisticated monitoring systems to detect potential insider activity. These systems analyze trading patterns and account affiliations continuously. As a result, Kalshi aims to maintain market fairness for all participants. The platform’s terms of service now explicitly prohibit trading based on material non-public information. Additionally, Kalshi reserves the right to investigate suspicious trading activity thoroughly. Prediction markets allow users to trade contracts on the outcome of future events. For instance, users can speculate on election results, economic indicators, or sports outcomes. However, sports markets present unique integrity challenges. Insiders could potentially profit from knowledge of player injuries, team strategies, or officiating decisions. Therefore, Kalshi’s blocking mechanism addresses this specific vulnerability directly. The company consulted with legal experts and sports integrity organizations during policy development. This collaborative approach ensures the measures align with industry best practices. Ultimately, the goal is to preserve market credibility and participant trust. Congressional Legislation Drives Regulatory Change The “Predictions Market Consumer Protection Act” entered Congress in early 2025, proposing substantial restrictions. Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK) introduced the bipartisan legislation with significant support. The bill specifically targets event contracts involving sports, games of chance, or entertainment outcomes. Consequently, platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket would face severe operational limitations. Lawmakers expressed concerns about consumer protection and market integrity repeatedly. They also highlighted potential connections to gambling addiction problems. The legislation reflects ongoing debates about the classification of prediction markets. Specifically, regulators question whether these platforms constitute financial markets or gambling operations. Congressional hearings featured testimony from both supporters and critics of prediction markets. Supporters emphasized their value in aggregating information and forecasting accuracy. Critics, however, focused on potential misuse and regulatory gaps. The proposed legislation includes several key provisions: Complete prohibition on trading event contracts related to sports outcomes Restrictions on casino-style and entertainment outcome markets Enhanced disclosure requirements for market operators Strict penalties for violations of the new regulations Kalshi’s proactive blocking of sports insiders represents a strategic response to this legislative pressure. By demonstrating self-regulation, the platform hopes to influence the ongoing policy discussion positively. Industry analysts suggest this move could serve as a model for regulatory compliance. However, the legislation’s ultimate fate remains uncertain as committee reviews continue. Expert Analysis on Market Integrity Measures Financial regulation experts view Kalshi’s action as a necessary evolution for prediction markets. Dr. Eleanor Vance, Professor of Financial Regulation at Stanford University, explains the significance. “Prediction markets occupy a unique regulatory space between financial exchanges and gambling platforms,” she states. “Proactive measures against insider trading build essential credibility. Furthermore, they demonstrate responsible operation to skeptical legislators.” Dr. Vance emphasizes that traditional financial markets have long prohibited insider trading. Therefore, prediction markets must adopt similar safeguards as they mature. Sports law specialists also recognize the importance of these integrity measures. Michael Torres, a former NBA compliance officer, highlights the historical context. “Sports organizations have battled insider information issues for decades,” Torres notes. “The digitalization of betting markets creates new vulnerabilities. Consequently, platforms must implement robust technological solutions.” Torres points to historical sports betting scandals as cautionary tales. He suggests that proactive blocking could prevent similar controversies in prediction markets. This expert perspective underscores the preventative nature of Kalshi’s policy. Comparative Analysis with Traditional Financial Markets Prediction markets increasingly face comparisons to established financial exchanges. Both systems involve trading contracts based on future events. However, regulatory frameworks differ significantly between these domains. The following table illustrates key distinctions: Regulatory Aspect Traditional Financial Markets Prediction Markets Insider Trading Rules Comprehensive federal prohibitions under SEC regulations Platform-specific policies without uniform federal standards Market Surveillance Sophisticated real-time monitoring by regulators and exchanges Varying levels of platform-based monitoring Legal Classification Clearly defined as securities markets under existing law Ambiguous classification between financial instruments and gambling Consumer Protections Extensive protections through multiple regulatory bodies Limited protections dependent on platform policies Kalshi’s insider blocking initiative bridges some of these regulatory gaps. The platform essentially imports financial market principles into the prediction space. This approach could influence how other prediction market operators address integrity concerns. Moreover, it provides concrete examples for legislators crafting appropriate regulations. The comparative analysis reveals both challenges and opportunities for market evolution. Potential Impacts on the Prediction Market Industry Kalshi’s decision creates immediate ripple effects across the prediction market ecosystem. Competitors like Polymarket now face pressure to implement similar integrity measures. Industry observers anticipate a wave of policy updates across major platforms. Furthermore, institutional participants may view these developments as positive signals. Enhanced integrity measures could attract more sophisticated traders to prediction markets. However, restrictions might also reduce trading volume in affected markets temporarily. The long-term balance between integrity and liquidity remains uncertain. Sports organizations have responded cautiously to the announcement. Major leagues typically prohibit players and officials from sports betting. However, prediction markets occupy a gray area in existing league policies. Kalshi’s proactive blocking relieves sports organizations of some enforcement burden. Consequently, leagues might formalize partnerships with prediction platforms. Such collaborations could further strengthen integrity monitoring systems. Additionally, they might provide educational resources about market participation rules. Academic researchers utilize prediction markets for forecasting and study. Dr. Samuel Chen, who leads prediction market research at MIT, comments on the implications. “Integrity measures enhance the credibility of market-generated forecasts,” Chen explains. “When participants trust the system’s fairness, they provide more accurate information. Therefore, Kalshi’s actions could improve the predictive value of these markets overall.” This perspective highlights the scientific importance of market integrity. Research applications range from political forecasting to economic indicator prediction. Historical Context and Regulatory Evolution Prediction markets have navigated complex regulatory landscapes since their inception. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) granted Kalshi designated contract market status in 2022. This designation allowed trading of event contracts on economic indicators. However, sports-related contracts remained outside approved categories. The CFTC consistently expressed concerns about sports betting connections. Previous prediction markets faced regulatory challenges historically. In 2012, Intrade exited the U.S. market following CFTC enforcement actions. This historical precedent informs current regulatory approaches. International regulatory models offer comparative perspectives. The United Kingdom regulates prediction markets as financial instruments under specific conditions. Australia treats them as gambling products subject to different oversight. The European Union lacks uniform regulations across member states. This global patchwork creates challenges for platforms operating internationally. Kalshi’s U.S.-focused approach reflects this complex regulatory environment. The platform must balance multiple jurisdictional requirements simultaneously. Technological advancements enable more sophisticated integrity measures. Blockchain-based prediction markets offer transparent transaction records. Artificial intelligence systems can detect anomalous trading patterns. Kalshi likely employs such technologies in its monitoring systems. These tools represent significant advances over earlier market surveillance capabilities. Consequently, modern prediction markets can implement protections unavailable to predecessors. This technological evolution supports stronger integrity frameworks industry-wide. Conclusion Kalshi’s decision to block sports insiders represents a pivotal development for prediction market integrity. The proactive measure addresses both regulatory concerns and ethical considerations directly. Furthermore, it demonstrates the platform’s commitment to fair market operations. Congressional legislation continues to shape the regulatory landscape significantly. However, industry self-regulation through measures like Kalshi’s blocking policy might influence legislative outcomes. The prediction market industry faces crucial decisions about its future direction. Ultimately, integrity measures will determine whether these markets gain mainstream acceptance. Kalshi’s crucial move therefore sets an important precedent for the entire sector. FAQs Q1: What specific individuals does Kalshi’s new policy block from trading? Kalshi will proactively block professional athletes, team coaches, game officials, and individuals with privileged access to non-public sports information from trading on sports-related markets. Q2: How does Kalshi identify accounts belonging to sports insiders? The platform employs sophisticated monitoring systems that analyze trading patterns, account affiliations, and verification data to identify potential sports insiders, though specific technical details remain proprietary. Q3: What legislation prompted Kalshi’s decision to implement these blocks? The “Predictions Market Consumer Protection Act” introduced in the U.S. Congress proposes banning sports and casino-style betting on prediction markets, creating regulatory pressure that influenced Kalshi’s proactive measures. Q4: How do prediction markets differ from traditional sports betting platforms? Prediction markets allow trading contracts on event outcomes with prices reflecting collective probability estimates, while traditional sports betting involves fixed-odds wagers placed through licensed gambling operators. Q5: Will Kalshi’s blocking policy affect all prediction markets on their platform? The policy specifically targets markets related to sports outcomes, while other prediction markets on economic, political, or entertainment events continue operating under existing rules and monitoring systems. This post Kalshi’s Crucial Move: Prediction Market Proactively Blocks Sports Insiders to Prevent Trading Manipulation first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

24 Mar 2026, 04:00

Strive CSO Says Saylor ‘Struck Oil’ With STRC As Bitcoin Buys Surge

Strive Asset Management Chief Strategy Officer Avik Roy said Michael Saylor has effectively “struck oil” with STRC, arguing that Strategy’s latest preferred equity structure has opened a powerful new funding channel for Bitcoin accumulation. Speaking with The Bitcoin Historian, Roy cast STRC not as just another capital raise, but as a product design breakthrough for Strategy’s treasury model. In his telling, the significance is less about a new ticker and more about what it could unlock: a deeper pool of yield-seeking capital that can be recycled into additional BTC purchases. Saylor Found A New Funding Engine For Bitcoin Roy’s argument rested on how Strategy has evolved its financing playbook over time. He said the company first used common equity issuance to buy BTC, then leaned into zero-rate convertible debt during the low-rate era, only to discover that convert buyers often hedged by shorting the stock. That, he argued, created an unhelpful dynamic around MSTR. The preferred equity route, in his view, was the answer. Roy said the earlier preferred products raised some money, but not at the scale Strategy needed. STRC, by contrast, was designed to stay close to its $100 share price while offering a dividend yield that he said was “somewhere like 12% right now,” making it a more legible product for investors who want yield with limited downside volatility. “I think of it like striking oil,” Roy said. “You discover oil and the oil just gushes out. And that’s kind of what they’ve identified here is they’ve identified something that really has a lot of financial power to it. And it’s still so early.” That metaphor sat at the center of the interview. Roy’s point was not that STRC replaces BTC, but that it gives Strategy a more scalable way to bring traditional capital into a Bitcoin treasury strategy. He compared STRC to a stable-value instrument for brokerage accounts, saying investors who do not want direct Bitcoin volatility may still find the structure attractive if it holds near par and keeps paying income. He went further, arguing that this is how Bitcoin begins to reshape the financial system from the inside. “What Strive and Strategy and these kinds of companies are doing is actually it’s because they understand what Bitcoin’s value is as collateral that they’re building credit on top of that,” Roy said. “They’re using Bitcoin as the virus to infect traditional finance. This is very very good for Bitcoin and very very good for the people who have a stake in the traditional finance sector as well.” That thesis also helps explain why Roy sees STRC as more than a one-company story. If products like STRC succeed, he suggested, they could become part of a broader “digital credit” market built on BTC-heavy balance sheets. At the same time, he stressed that not every treasury company can follow Strategy’s path. The legal and banking costs involved in issuing preferred securities at scale are high, which means smaller Bitcoin treasury firms may struggle to replicate the model anytime soon. JUST IN: $600 MILLION STRIVE CSO JUST SAID MICHAEL SAYLOR “DISCOVERED OIL” WHEN HE CREATED $STRC STRATEGY IS USING #BITCOIN AS THE “VIRUS TO INFECT TRADITIONAL FINANCE” “THIS IS VERY, VERY GOOD FOR BTC.” pic.twitter.com/PioiaJkUCJ — The Bitcoin Historian (@pete_rizzo_) March 22, 2026 Roy also tied the STRC story to a larger shift in institutional attitudes. Strategy, he said, is helping banks move toward Bitcoin not by rhetoric but by fee generation. Once banks and brokers can make money from Bitcoin-linked products, the political and regulatory climate around the asset may begin to soften as well. Even so, he framed the model’s long-term viability around one core assumption: Bitcoin must continue appreciating over time. If that holds, STRC and similar structures could become a major engine for future treasury accumulation. If bond markets eventually begin treating Bitcoin as legitimate collateral rather than assigning it no value, Roy suggested the runway for Strategy and peers could widen considerably. Strategy’s Bitcoin buying accelerated sharply in early March before cooling in the most recent disclosed week. In the week ended March 8 , the company sold roughly $377.1 million of STRC and acquired 17,994 BTC. In the following week , ended March 15, it sold another $1.1804 billion of STRC and purchased 22,337 BTC. But in the week ended March 22, Strategy reported no STRC issuance and bought a comparatively modest 1,031 BTC, funded by $76.5 million in net proceeds from MSTR stock sales. Across the full three-week stretch, the company accumulated 41,362 BTC, with STRC supplying about $1.56 billion of the capital behind the earlier buying wave. At press time, BTC traded at $70,655.