hodler

19 Mar 2026, 17:35

MLB Prediction Markets Land Historic CFTC Partnership and Polymarket Deal for Unprecedented Integrity

BitcoinWorld MLB Prediction Markets Land Historic CFTC Partnership and Polymarket Deal for Unprecedented Integrity Major League Baseball has executed a groundbreaking dual agreement with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and prediction market platform Polymarket, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of sports-related financial products. This unprecedented move, announced in March 2025, establishes the first formal collaboration between a major U.S. professional sports league and a federal derivatives regulator. Consequently, the partnership aims to create a new framework for consumer protection in rapidly evolving prediction markets. The arrangement specifically addresses growing concerns about market manipulation and fraud in sports betting adjacent spaces. Furthermore, it signals a significant institutional acceptance of prediction markets as legitimate financial instruments. MLB Prediction Markets Enter New Regulatory Era The memorandum of understanding between MLB and the CFTC establishes a formal channel for information sharing and regulatory cooperation. According to official documents, the primary objective is enhancing consumer protection mechanisms. The CFTC gains direct insight into baseball’s ecosystem, while MLB receives regulatory guidance on market integrity. This collaborative model represents a dramatic shift from traditional adversarial relationships between sports and regulators. Historically, sports leagues viewed gambling-related activities with suspicion. However, the legalization of sports betting across numerous states has forced a strategic reevaluation. The CFTC’s involvement specifically targets prediction markets, which allow users to trade contracts on event outcomes. These markets differ from traditional sports betting by functioning more like financial exchanges. Commissioner Michael Selig emphasized the agreement’s role in protecting markets and users from fraud and manipulation. The agency described the MOU as a proactive measure to promote integrity and stability. Simultaneously, MLB secured an exclusive partnership with Polymarket, a blockchain-based prediction market platform. This dual-strategy approach allows the league to engage with innovative technology while establishing regulatory guardrails. The Polymarket deal grants the platform exclusive rights to offer certain MLB-themed prediction contracts. Importantly, this partnership operates within the new framework established with the CFTC. The league’s strategy appears to balance innovation with rigorous oversight. Industry analysts view this as a template for other sports organizations navigating complex regulatory environments. The move acknowledges the increasing convergence of sports, finance, and technology. Understanding the CFTC’s Role in Sports Markets The Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulates derivatives markets in the United States, including futures, options, and swaps. Its jurisdiction extends to event contracts, which form the basis of prediction markets. The CFTC’s involvement with MLB stems from its mandate to prevent market abuse and protect participants. Event contracts based on sports outcomes have existed in various forms for years. However, their migration to blockchain platforms has increased their visibility and trading volume. The CFTC has previously engaged in enforcement actions against unregistered prediction markets. Therefore, the MLB agreement represents a shift toward collaborative regulation rather than pure enforcement. Expert Analysis on Regulatory Implications Financial regulation experts highlight the significance of this sports-regulator partnership. “This MOU creates a precedent for how traditional institutions can engage with decentralized finance innovations,” noted Dr. Alisha Chen, a professor of financial law at Stanford University. “The CFTC is effectively providing a regulatory sandbox with MLB’s cooperation.” The agreement likely includes protocols for data sharing on suspicious trading patterns. It may also establish standards for contract design to prevent manipulation. For instance, contracts could be structured to avoid influencing on-field behavior. The CFTC’s focus remains on market integrity rather than game integrity, which falls under sports league purview. This distinction is crucial for understanding the division of responsibilities. The collaboration does not give the CFTC authority over baseball games themselves. Instead, it focuses on the financial products derived from those games. The timeline of this development is particularly noteworthy. Discussions reportedly began in late 2024 following increased scrutiny of crypto-based prediction markets. The CFTC has consistently asserted its authority over event contracts, regardless of the underlying technology. MLB’s involvement provides a high-profile use case for regulated prediction markets. The league’s extensive data analytics capabilities offer valuable insights for monitoring. This data includes detailed player statistics, injury reports, and scheduling information. Sharing this data with regulators can help identify anomalous betting patterns. The partnership thus leverages MLB’s operational expertise for regulatory purposes. Polymarket’s Exclusive Partnership with Major League Baseball Polymarket operates as a decentralized prediction market platform on the Polygon blockchain. Users deposit cryptocurrency to buy and sell shares in outcome-based contracts. The platform has gained popularity for political and current events markets. The exclusive MLB partnership represents its first major foray into professional sports. The deal grants Polymarket rights to create and host MLB-specific prediction contracts. These contracts will likely cover various in-game events and seasonal outcomes. Examples include predicting no-hitters, home run leaders, or playoff results. The partnership is exclusive, meaning other prediction markets cannot offer official MLB contracts. However, existing sportsbooks remain unaffected for traditional betting markets. Polymarket must operate within the guidelines established by the CFTC-MLB framework. This requirement introduces a new level of compliance for decentralized platforms. The platform will likely implement know-your-customer checks and anti-money laundering procedures. It may also need to geofilter users based on jurisdictional regulations. These adaptations represent a significant evolution for blockchain-based prediction markets. The partnership demonstrates that decentralized platforms can engage with traditional regulatory structures. Success could encourage other leagues to explore similar arrangements. The financial terms of the exclusive deal remain confidential. However, industry sources suggest it includes revenue sharing and data licensing components. Key aspects of the Polymarket-MLB agreement include: Exclusive rights to MLB-branded prediction contracts Integration with the CFTC’s regulatory oversight framework Implementation of enhanced compliance and monitoring systems Collaboration on responsible gambling features and user protections Access to official MLB data feeds for contract settlement Impact on Sports Betting and Financial Markets This development creates ripple effects across multiple industries. Traditional sports betting operators are monitoring the situation closely. Prediction markets compete with, but also complement, conventional sportsbooks. They appeal to a different demographic interested in financial trading mechanics. The regulatory clarity provided by the CFTC partnership could legitimize prediction markets for mainstream audiences. Institutional investors may show increased interest in these markets as hedging tools. For example, media companies could use prediction contracts to hedge advertising revenue tied to playoff outcomes. The markets also provide real-time sentiment indicators on team and player performance. The consumer protection focus addresses longstanding concerns about prediction market reliability. Without oversight, these markets can be vulnerable to manipulation through misinformation or trading abuse. The CFTC’s involvement introduces surveillance and enforcement capabilities. This oversight should increase user confidence in market fairness. Additionally, the partnership establishes precedent for handling disputes and contract settlements. MLB’s role as data provider ensures outcomes are determined using official statistics. This reduces ambiguity compared to markets relying on unofficial sources. The combined effect should be greater market liquidity and participation. Comparative Analysis: Sports Prediction Markets vs. Traditional Betting Feature MLB-Polymarket Prediction Markets Traditional Sports Betting Regulatory Body CFTC (Derivatives Focus) State Gaming Commissions Market Structure Exchange-Based Trading Bookmaker Model Pricing Mechanism Supply and Demand Fixed Odds Set by Book Primary Focus Event Contract Derivatives Game Outcome Wagers Settlement Authority Official MLB Data League and Official Data Conclusion Major League Baseball’s historic partnership with the CFTC and Polymarket establishes a new paradigm for prediction markets in professional sports. The dual agreement balances innovation with rigorous consumer protection, creating a framework other leagues will likely study closely. The CFTC’s collaborative approach with MLB provides much-needed regulatory clarity for blockchain-based prediction platforms. Meanwhile, Polymarket’s exclusive deal grants it a significant first-mover advantage in regulated sports prediction markets. This development ultimately represents a maturation of prediction markets, moving them toward mainstream financial acceptance. The success of these MLB prediction markets will depend on effective implementation of the agreed-upon integrity measures and continued cooperation between all parties involved. FAQs Q1: What exactly is a prediction market in this context? A prediction market is a financial exchange where participants trade contracts based on the outcome of future events. In the MLB-Polymarket context, these are digital contracts whose value depends on specific baseball-related outcomes, like a player hitting a home run or a team winning a series. Q2: How does the CFTC normally regulate these types of markets? The CFTC regulates derivatives, including event contracts, by enforcing rules against fraud, manipulation, and abusive trading practices. It requires certain platforms to register as exchanges or swap execution facilities and mandates transparency and reporting standards. Q3: Can U.S. residents legally trade on Polymarket’s MLB markets now? The legality for U.S. residents depends on the specific implementation of the CFTC-MLB framework and Polymarket’s compliance measures, such as geofencing. While the partnership creates a regulatory structure, users must still comply with their state’s laws regarding online derivatives trading and cryptocurrency use. Q4: Does this mean MLB is getting into sports betting? No, this partnership is specifically for prediction markets, which are considered financial derivatives, not traditional sports betting. MLB maintains its distinction between event contracts (regulated by the CFTC) and sports wagering (regulated by state gaming commissions). Q5: What prevents someone from manipulating an MLB game to profit on a prediction market? The framework includes information-sharing protocols between MLB and the CFTC to monitor for suspicious trading activity that could indicate game manipulation. MLB also has its own robust integrity monitoring for games, and combining these efforts creates a stronger deterrent. Market contracts are also designed to minimize incentives for in-game manipulation. This post MLB Prediction Markets Land Historic CFTC Partnership and Polymarket Deal for Unprecedented Integrity first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

19 Mar 2026, 16:53

Ethereum Sees $100 Million Whale Accumulation as Institutional Interest Grows

A significant player has been quietly amassing a fortune in Ethereum. Amid rising interest from major financial institutions, this accumulation has crossed the $100 million mark. This surge in investment could signal a new phase for the crypto world. This article reveals the potential coins ready for remarkable growth. Ethereum Stays Steady: Eyes on Resistance Levels Source: tradingview Ethereum's price currently floats between two thousand and two thousand three hundred dollars. It recently showed a light upward shift of around four percent over the past week and a month-on-month rise of nearly seven percent. The nearest challenge for ETH could be the resistance at around two thousand three hundred and sixty-eight dollars, with a bigger hurdle ahead at two thousand six hundred and thirty-three dollars. A move to the first resistance would mean a modest gain, while reaching the second level would mark a rise of over ten percent. With a supporting floor above eighteen hundred dollars, the market's mood might guide ETH's next dance. Conclusion Large investors are accumulating ETH in significant amounts, showing increased confidence in its potential. As institutional interest grows, this could signal a bullish trend for ETH. This growing attention from major players suggests a strong future for ETH. Investors are paying close attention to developments in the cryptocurrency, reflecting its prominence in the market. This trend of accumulation highlights the potential and importance of ETH, possibly leading to higher long-term value. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

19 Mar 2026, 16:00

Critical Strike: Iran’s Missile Attack on Israel’s Bazan Refinery Escalates Regional Tensions

BitcoinWorld Critical Strike: Iran’s Missile Attack on Israel’s Bazan Refinery Escalates Regional Tensions HAIFA, Israel – March 15, 2025 – Iran launched a significant missile strike against the Haifa refinery complex operated by Bazan Group, Israel’s largest oil company. This attack represents a dangerous escalation in regional hostilities. Fortunately, local Israeli media confirmed no casualties resulted from the assault. The incident immediately raised concerns about energy security and geopolitical stability across the Middle East. Iran’s Missile Attack Targets Critical Energy Infrastructure The missile strike specifically targeted Bazan’s Haifa refinery operations. This facility processes approximately 9.8 million tons of crude oil annually. Consequently, it supplies about 40% of Israel’s refined petroleum products. The attack occurred during nighttime hours, according to multiple reports. Security systems successfully intercepted some projectiles. However, others reached their intended targets. The refinery’s emergency protocols activated immediately. Furthermore, firefighting teams contained resulting fires within hours. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the attack originated from Iranian territory. They also stated the missiles traveled approximately 1,000 kilometers before impact. Bazan Group, formerly known as Oil Refineries Ltd., represents Israel’s most significant energy asset. The company operates two main facilities in Haifa. Additionally, it employs over 1,500 workers directly. The complex includes advanced refining units and storage tanks. It also features sophisticated petrochemical production lines. The Haifa Bay area contains numerous industrial facilities. Therefore, the attack created widespread concern about potential collateral damage. Local authorities quickly implemented safety measures. They also established exclusion zones around affected areas. Geopolitical Context and Regional Implications This incident occurs within a complex geopolitical landscape. Iran and Israel have engaged in shadow conflicts for decades. Recently, tensions have escalated significantly. The attack follows months of proxy warfare across the region. It also coincides with stalled nuclear negotiations. International observers express growing concern about direct confrontation. The United Nations Security Council plans emergency discussions. Meanwhile, regional powers monitor developments closely. Historical Precedents and Strategic Calculations Energy infrastructure has frequently become a target during Middle Eastern conflicts. Historically, refineries represent strategic assets. Their destruction can cripple national economies. Iran possesses substantial missile capabilities. The country has developed various precision-guided systems. Israeli defense systems, particularly Iron Dome and Arrow, provide layered protection. However, no system guarantees complete interception. The attack demonstrates Iran’s willingness to escalate directly. It also tests Israeli response thresholds. The regional energy market faces immediate disruption concerns. Israel maintains strategic petroleum reserves. Nevertheless, prolonged refinery downtime could affect supplies. Neighboring countries might experience secondary effects. Global oil prices typically react to Middle Eastern instability. Market analysts already observe increased volatility. Brent crude futures rose 3.2% following the attack announcement. Furthermore, shipping insurance premiums for Eastern Mediterranean routes increased. Technical Analysis of Refinery Operations and Security Modern refineries incorporate sophisticated safety systems. Bazan’s Haifa facility features multiple protective layers. These include blast walls and emergency shutdown procedures. The complex also maintains redundant control systems. Security protocols involve both physical and cyber defenses. Israel’s critical infrastructure protection unit coordinates with private operators. They conduct regular vulnerability assessments. Additionally, they implement advanced monitoring technologies. The attack’s timing suggests careful planning. Night operations potentially reduce interception effectiveness. They also minimize workforce presence. Bazan implemented automated processes years ago. Therefore, limited personnel were onsite during the strike. The company’s crisis management team activated immediately. They coordinated with national emergency services. They also communicated with international partners. Supply chain adjustments began within hours. Economic Impact Assessment and Market Response Energy economists quickly analyzed potential consequences. Israel’s refined product inventory covers approximately 30 days of consumption. The country also maintains diversified import options. However, refinery operations affect local employment and related industries. The petrochemical sector depends heavily on Bazan’s outputs. Manufacturing plants require consistent feedstock supplies. Transportation networks need reliable fuel availability. International energy markets demonstrate specific sensitivity patterns. The table below illustrates immediate market reactions: Market Indicator Pre-Attack Level Post-Attack Change Brent Crude Futures $82.45/barrel +3.2% Mediterranean Shipping Premiums 0.8% +1.5% Israeli Shekel (USD) 3.65 -0.9% Regional Stock Indices Various -2.1% average The attack’s psychological impact might exceed physical damage. Investor confidence requires stability assurances. International companies reconsider regional operations. Insurance providers reassess risk models. Global energy traders monitor alternative supply routes. International Response and Diplomatic Developments World leaders issued statements within hours. The United States condemned the attack unequivocally. European Union officials called for immediate de-escalation. Regional powers offered measured responses. Saudi Arabia expressed concern about energy security. Egypt emphasized maritime safety in adjacent waters. Turkey proposed mediation efforts. Russia urged restraint from all parties. United Nations mechanisms activated promptly. The Security Council scheduled emergency consultations. The International Atomic Energy Agency monitored nuclear safety aspects. Regional organizations like the Arab League convened special sessions. Diplomatic channels experienced intense activity. Backchannel communications reportedly continued throughout the crisis. Legal and Normative Considerations International law clearly prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure. The Geneva Conventions establish specific protections. Energy facilities serving civilian populations enjoy particular safeguards. However, interpretations vary during armed conflicts. Legal experts debate applicable frameworks. Some argue the attack constitutes a war crime. Others reference self-defense provisions. The international community generally condemns such strikes. Norms against targeting critical infrastructure have strengthened recently. Israel possesses legal options for response. The country maintains the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Proportionality principles guide acceptable countermeasures. Retaliatory actions must distinguish between military and civilian targets. The government consults extensively with legal advisors. International allies provide additional perspectives. Ultimately, decisions balance multiple considerations. Technological and Defense Implications Modern missile defense systems face evolving challenges. Iran’s missile arsenal includes various types: Ballistic missiles with ranges exceeding 2,000 kilometers Cruise missiles capable of low-altitude penetration Drone swarms that overwhelm defense systems Precision-guided munitions with improved accuracy Israel’s multi-layered defense architecture demonstrated effectiveness. However, complete protection remains impossible. The attack provides valuable performance data. Defense analysts will study interception rates. They will also evaluate system coordination. Future upgrades might incorporate lessons learned. International defense partnerships could strengthen accordingly. Critical infrastructure protection requires continuous innovation. Emerging technologies offer promising solutions: Artificial intelligence for threat detection Directed energy weapons for cost-effective interception Quantum sensors for improved early warning Autonomous response systems for rapid reaction Conclusion Iran’s missile attack on Israel’s Bazan refinery represents a significant escalation in regional conflict. The strike targeted critical energy infrastructure but fortunately caused no casualties. This incident demonstrates the vulnerability of essential facilities during geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, it highlights the interconnected nature of energy security and regional stability. International responses emphasize diplomatic solutions while preparing for various scenarios. The attack’s long-term consequences will unfold across multiple dimensions including economic, strategic, and technological spheres. Ultimately, this event underscores the urgent need for conflict de-escalation mechanisms in the Middle East. FAQs Q1: What is the Bazan Group and why is it significant? The Bazan Group, formerly Oil Refineries Ltd., is Israel’s largest oil company. It operates the Haifa refinery complex which processes approximately 40% of the country’s refined petroleum products, making it critical to Israel’s energy security and economy. Q2: Were there any casualties in the missile attack? According to local Israeli media reports, there were no casualties resulting from the attack. The refinery’s automated systems and nighttime timing likely minimized personnel exposure. Q3: How might this attack affect global oil prices? The attack immediately increased Brent crude futures by 3.2%. Prolonged disruption could cause further volatility, though Israel represents a relatively small portion of global production. The psychological impact on markets often exceeds physical supply disruptions. Q4: What defense systems protect Israel from such attacks? Israel employs a multi-layered defense system including Iron Dome for short-range threats, David’s Sling for medium-range missiles, and Arrow systems for long-range ballistic missiles. These systems work in coordination to intercept incoming threats. Q5: What are the potential diplomatic consequences of this attack? The attack has triggered emergency UN Security Council consultations and widespread international condemnation. It could lead to increased sanctions against Iran, strengthened Israeli defense partnerships, and potentially renewed diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions. This post Critical Strike: Iran’s Missile Attack on Israel’s Bazan Refinery Escalates Regional Tensions first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

19 Mar 2026, 15:43

$1 Billion XRP Treasury Breakdown: How Much SBI Paid Per Share and Ripple Co-Founder Chris Larsen Involvement

New SEC S-4 filing reveals SBI Holdings paid $10/share as Ripple's Chris Larsen injects 261 million XRP into the $1 billion Evernorth (XRPN) Nasdaq treasury.

19 Mar 2026, 15:36

Unprecedented global supply shortage looms as Trump threatens total destruction of Iranian gas fields

Iran launched missile strikes on Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar in the early hours of Thursday, March 19, 2026, hitting one of the world’s most important liquefied natural gas centres and setting off a wave of energy attacks across the Gulf region. Several facilities experienced “extensive damage” and “sizeable fires” during the pre-dawn attack, according to state-owned QatarEnergy. This occurred one day following a strike at the Pearl Gas-to-Liquids facility. The extent of the damage was characterized as significant, but Qatar’s interior minister said that all fires had been extinguished and no casualties had been reported. The strikes are widely understood as Iran’s response to an Israeli attack the previous day on Iran’s South Pars gas field, the largest gas field in the world. That Israeli strike was the first time major fossil fuel production had been directly targeted since the United States and Israel launched military operations nearly three weeks ago. South Pars, which Iran shares with Qatar, produces up to 70% of Iran’s total gas output. Early reports indicate that sections responsible for about 12% of that output may have been hit. Trump distances U.S. from Israeli operation, issues stark warning U.S. President Donald Trump moved quickly to distance Washington from the Israeli operation. In posts on Truth Social, Trump said the U.S. “knew nothing” of the strike on South Pars and stressed that Qatar played no part in the attack. He said Israel would hold back from any further strikes on the Iranian field as long as Tehran stopped hitting Qatari facilities. But Trump also issued a stark warning. He wrote that “The United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before” if Iran continues targeting Qatar. Additionally, the U.S. administration is reportedly considering sending thousands of troops to the area. In an attempt to reduce domestic fuel prices, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted that Washington would soon remove sanctions on 140 million barrels of Iranian oil that are now being detained aboard tankers. Trump’s threat raises fears o f a gl obal energy crisis Markets reacted immediately. Brent crude climbed more than 5%, briefly crossing $119 a barrel, close to its highest level in three and a half years. At the Dutch TTF hub, European natural gas prices increased by almost 16%, hitting a three-year high. The stock markets in Asia plummeted. Due to their heavy reliance on imported LNG, South Korea’s KOSPI sank by about 3%, and Japan’s Nikkei 225 plunged by 3.4%. While some supply outages can be swiftly resolved, analysts warn that the physical destruction of energy installations is a different story. Citing the events in Iraq and Ukraine, experts assert that large-scale energy infrastructure restoration following a conflict is a challenging process and that global supplies may be affected for years. A significant portion of the largest natural gas reserve in the world would be lost if Trump’s threat to totally demolish Iran’s South Pars gas field comes to pass. That kind of damage, on top of the hits already taken by Qatar LNG plants and the Strait of Hormuz staying closed, would create a long-term shortage of natural gas that cannot be fixed quickly. Repairs on this scale often take years. Oil prices could stay stuck above $100–120 a barrel, while natural gas prices in Europe and Asia would keep hitting record highs. Countries like Japan, South Korea, China, India, and parts of Europe that rely heavily on imported LNG would face serious shortages, pushing up inflation, hurting factories, slowing the whole world economy, and raising the chances of recessions in places most dependent on steady energy supplies. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

19 Mar 2026, 15:14

Ripple (XRP) News Today: March 19

Ripple remains one of the most talked-about projects in the crypto space, driven by constant developments across its ecosystem. Despite the ongoing market correction, XRP (the company’s native token) has posted weekly gains, whereas some key indicators suggest a more substantial rally could be on the horizon. The Global Expansion and More In the last several months, the American-based entity expanded its footprint in the Middle East, while earlier in March, it announced plans to secure an Australian Financial Services License. Such a permit would allow the firm to operate a fully licensed payments platform in Australia and offer services under a recognized regulatory framework. Just a few days ago, Ripple widened its reach across Brazil by becoming “the only solution in the region capable of serving institutions across the full spectrum of financial needs – from cross-border payments and digital asset custody to prime brokerage and treasury management.” Additionally, the company applied for a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license with the nation’s central bank. It also made strides in the North American market by teaming up with i-payout to help the latter enable fast, transparent cross-border payments. Another major news related to Ripple is Evernorth’s step forward to listing on the Nasdaq. The venture that focuses on accumulating, managing, and providing institutional exposure to XRP filed a Form S-4 registration statement with the US SEC in connection with its planned merger with Armada Acquisition Corp. II. Last year, the entity revealed that it had raised over $1 billion in gross proceeds from major institutions such as Ripple Labs, Pantera Capital, Kraken, SBI Holdings, and others. The ETF Front 2025 was pivotal for Ripple, not only because its long-running legal battle with the SEC finally ended, but also due to the launch of the first spot XRP ETF, which offered full exposure to the asset. This happened in November, and the company behind the product was Canary Capital. Some renowned firms, including Bitwise, Franklin Templeton, 21Shares, and Grayscale, followed suit, and the investment vehicles have so far generated a cumulative total net inflow of more than $1.2 billion. However, over the past week, outflows have dominated inflows, indicating that institutional appetite for Ripple’s native token has been declining. After several consecutive red days, the netflow finally flashed green on March 17, and we have yet to see whether the interest will pick up in the short term. Spot XRP ETF Inflows, Source: SoSoValue XRP Outlook As of this writing, Ripple’s cross-border token trades at around $1.44 (per CoinGecko), representing a 4% weekly increase. This contrasts with the losses that many other altcoins have posted during that timeframe. The broken negative streak on the ETF front, as well as the recent whale accumulation, suggest XRP may record additional gains in the near future. As CryptoPotato reported , large investors purchased 200 million coins in the past two weeks, showing strong confidence in the asset and setting the stage for a possible move north. The USD equivalent of the stash is roughly $290 million, and this group of market participants now controls 11.1 billion tokens, or 19% of XRP’s circulating supply. The post Ripple (XRP) News Today: March 19 appeared first on CryptoPotato .