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28 Mar 2026, 20:10

Turkish lawmakers withdraw crypto tax provisions from omnibus bill

The parliament in Turkey has removed provisions introducing cryptocurrency taxation from a massive bill designed to regulate a range of matters related to tax collection and government spending. The texts, which proved contentious as they envisaged imposing a levy on all transactions through crypto platforms, were withdrawn after a strong pushback from opposition lawmakers and stakeholders. Crypto tax provisions dropped from Turkish law Members of Turkey’s legislature have withdrawn provisions aimed at taxing cryptocurrency transactions following talks between the parliamentary majority and other factions. The articles were part of a sweeping bill covering not just tax policy, but other economic regulations as well and defense spending, the English-language edition Hürriyet Daily News unveiled on Saturday. The last-minute agreement for their deletion was reached ahead of a formal meeting presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly, Celal Adan, the report detailed. The provisions would have slapped a 0.3% transaction tax on sales and transfers of digital assets processed by crypto service providers in Turkey, collected and paid to the state each month. They were also introducing taxation for crypto-related earnings, obliging intermediaries to withhold 10% on the capital gains of their clients on a quarterly basis, as reported by Cryptopolitan earlier in March. The texts, strongly criticized by the opposition, had been added to the omnibus bill by the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party. While the proposals have been removed now, their representatives indicated they may file a revised draft as part of a separate legislative initiative. The government in Ankara is still hoping to tap into the massive financial flows generated by the country’s growing cryptocurrency sector. The Turkish crypto market expanded significantly over the past few years, marked by high inflation of the national fiat currency, the lira. Turkey wanted to tax even crypto withdrawals By all indications, Turkey’s tax authority has played a leading role in drafting the controversial legislation as crypto assets are treated mainly from its own perspective. That resulted in two main issues, according to Ussal Sahbaz, managing partner at Ussal Consultancy & MnP Istanbul Hub, who took to X to explain thoroughly. The first stems from the intention to apply the suggested transaction tax to all transfers via service providers, including those to self-custody wallets, he pointed out and elaborated: “In practice, this is equivalent to taxing cash withdrawals from a bank. Globally, this type of approach is extremely rare—reportedly seen only in Kenya.” Introducing withholding tax on crypto income creates the other problem, noted Sahbaz, whose efforts are focused on bridging the gap between business and policy in Turkey. “For an asset class with near-zero mobility costs, this would likely push users toward offshore platforms where taxation is declaration-based,” the expert warned. He reminded that similar developments have already been observed in India and South Korea, “both of which are now trying to correct for unintended capital outflows.” I the case of cryptocurrencies, “poorly designed taxation does not increase revenues—it shifts the tax base elsewhere,” added the Turkish analyst who specializes in emerging markets. Ussal Sahbaz recalled that the government-proposed bill quickly passed through parliamentary committees, which approved it without much consultation with interested parties. Its crypto provisions were only withdrawn at the last moment, thanks to the active efforts of a small group of lawmakers and under pressure from stakeholders. The remaining part of the broad bill still contains other significant fiscal measures, the Hürriyet news outlet highlighted in its report. For example, it introduces a 20% “special consumption tax” on diamonds, pearls, and other precious stones, including products made from them. It also bans companies in Turkey’s gambling and betting industry from deducting advertising expenses from their taxable income. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

28 Mar 2026, 19:30

Morgan Stanley Eyes Bitcoin ETF With Fee That Could Shake An $83 Billion Market

Morgan Stanley’s 16,000 financial advisors manage $6.2 trillion in client assets. That number has been sitting in the background of a major filing — and it explains a lot about why the bank set its proposed Bitcoin ETF fee where it did. A Fee Built For Advisors, Not Just Investors The bank filed an updated S-1 registration statement with the SEC on Friday, setting the fee for its proposed Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust at 0.14%. If approved, that would make it the lowest fee of any spot Bitcoin ETF currently trading in the US market. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas said the fee was set with advisors in mind — at that price point, no one on the firm’s sales floor would feel awkward recommending the product to clients. That is a practical calculation. Advisors who push high-fee products into client portfolios face questions. At 0.14%, those questions go away. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust charges 0.25%. The Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust sits at 0.15%. Morgan Stanley is going in one basis point below both of its nearest rivals. Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart called it a big move and said an early April launch is likely, pending regulatory approval. WOW. We have the fee on Morgan Stanley’s spot bitcoin ETF $MSBT . Will charge just 0.14% !!! Big move here. They are not messing around. Likely to launch in early April. https://t.co/R0iA3wMB5N — James Seyffart (@JSeyff) March 27, 2026 First Bank To Issue A Spot Bitcoin ETF Approval would put Morgan Stanley in a category of one. No major bank has yet issued a spot Bitcoin ETF in the US. That distinction, combined with a rock-bottom fee and a distribution network of thousands of advisors, gives the product a strong early position if it clears the SEC. The bank named Coinbase and Bank of New York Mellon as custodians for the fund. Those are two of the most established names in digital asset custody, and the pairing signals that Morgan Stanley is building this to last — not testing the waters. Rivals will now face a decision. The $83 billion spot ETF market has operated with fees clustered around 0.20% to 0.25%. A new entrant coming in below all of them puts pressure on existing providers to respond or accept the risk of losing assets over time. More Than Just Bitcoin The Bitcoin ETF is one piece of a larger push. In January, Morgan Stanley also filed for a Solana ETF and a staked Ether ETF. Weeks later, it applied for a national trust banking charter that would allow it to custody digital assets, carry out trades, and offer staking services directly to clients. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

28 Mar 2026, 19:05

Ripple CEO Just Laid Out What Act Passing Really Means for Ripple and XRP

The race to define digital asset regulation in the United States has entered a critical stage, and the outcome will shape the future of blockchain finance. Industry leaders no longer speak in hypotheticals; they now outline tangible shifts that could follow once lawmakers establish clear rules. At the center of this evolving narrative stands Brad Garlinghouse , whose recent remarks have sharpened focus on what regulatory clarity could unlock for the market. Crypto commentator Archie drew attention to Garlinghouse’s response during a discussion about the impact of clarity on Ripple and its native asset, XRP. His explanation reveals a strategic reality: Ripple does not need to change its core operations, but the broader financial ecosystem around it stands on the verge of transformation. Regulatory Clarity Removes Institutional Friction Garlinghouse made it clear that regulation will not redefine Ripple’s business model; instead, it will eliminate the uncertainty that has restrained institutional adoption. For years, U.S. banks have avoided deep engagement with digital assets due to unclear compliance frameworks and legal risks. This hesitation has slowed integration, even as blockchain technology has proven its efficiency. Brad Garlinghouse just laid out what CLARITY passing really means for Ripple & XRP Maria asks: “What happens when clarity gets passed for Ripple?” Brad: “It won’t change Ripple’s business too much… what it DOES is unlock the banks in the United States who have been… https://t.co/mfKvhZ5G04 pic.twitter.com/W3776MOB0G — Archie (@Archie_XRPL) March 27, 2026 The proposed Digital Asset Market Structure CLARITY Act aims to resolve this ambiguity by defining how digital assets operate within existing financial laws. Once regulators codify these rules, financial institutions can move forward with confidence, knowing they operate within a compliant structure. Banks Poised to Enter at Scale Garlinghouse directly linked regulatory clarity to institutional participation. He emphasized that many banks have already shown interest in blockchain-powered solutions but have held back due to regulatory uncertainty. Clear legal guidance will unlock that hesitation. Ripple’s infrastructure already supports fast, low-cost, and energy-efficient cross-border payments through XRP. Its On-Demand Liquidity solution enables near-instant settlement without the need for pre-funded accounts. With regulatory barriers removed, major financial institutions can integrate these solutions at scale, accelerating adoption across global payment corridors. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 XRP’s Utility Expands Beyond Payments XRP’s value proposition extends beyond cross-border transfers . The XRP Ledger continues to evolve into a platform for tokenizing real-world assets, including financial instruments and stable-value assets. This functionality aligns with a growing institutional focus on blockchain-based asset issuance and settlement. Regulatory clarity will strengthen this narrative. Institutions require legal certainty before deploying capital into tokenization frameworks. Once that certainty exists, XRPL’s efficiency and low transaction costs will position it as a viable infrastructure for large-scale financial applications. A Structural Shift in Market Dynamics Garlinghouse’s message highlights a broader transformation rather than a single catalyst. Regulatory clarity will expand the total addressable market by bringing traditional financial institutions into the digital asset space. This shift will not only validate existing use cases but also accelerate innovation across payments, liquidity management, and asset tokenization. If lawmakers finalize clear regulatory frameworks, XRP could move from a globally utilized asset to a core component of institutional finance. The convergence of compliance, utility, and adoption may mark the beginning of a new phase for Ripple and the wider blockchain industry. 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 urged to do in-depth 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 Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Ripple CEO Just Laid Out What Act Passing Really Means for Ripple and XRP appeared first on Times Tabloid .

28 Mar 2026, 18:30

Federal Judge Blocks Pentagon From Labeling Anthropic a National Security Threat

This past week, a federal judge in San Francisco blocked the Pentagon and the Trump administration from enforcing a national security designation against Anthropic, the artificial intelligence (AI) company that refused to remove safety restrictions from its Claude models. Court Halts Trump Administration’s Ban on Anthropic’s Claude AI for Federal Agencies U.S. District Judge Rita

28 Mar 2026, 15:35

Trump makes light of biggest threat to America's $3 trillion private credit sector

President Donald Trump made light of a global crisis Friday when he jokingly called the Strait of Hormuz the “Strait of Trump” during a speech in Miami, even as Iran’s blockade of the waterway threatens to trigger the biggest financial shock since the pandemic. The president drew laughs at the Future Investment Initiative when he said Iran must “open up the Strait of Trump, I mean, Hormuz.” He later insisted it was no accident, saying “there’s no accidents with me, not too many.” The New York Post reported Friday evening that Trump is actually considering taking control of the strait and renaming it after himself. But there’s nothing funny about what’s happening in global markets. The strait normally moves 20 million barrels of oil each day. With that flow blocked as the war enters its second month, Brent crude prices have jumped nearly 50% to over $110 per barrel. The S&P 500 has fallen more than 7% this year. The Nasdaq has entered correction territory. The VIX fear gauge has climbed above 30 as of March 27, its highest level in a year. Wall Street’s biggest worry isn’t the stock market, though. It’s what’s happening in private credit , the $3 trillion shadow banking sector that operates outside traditional banks. Shadow banking’s broken business model exposed The industry was already struggling before the war started. Now, soaring oil prices threaten to push it over the edge. Private credit has grown by more than a trillion dollars since 2020, with Morgan Stanley predicting it could hit $5 trillion by 2030. But the business model has a fatal flaw when oil prices spike. Many lenders borrow short-term and invest long-term, which works fine when interest rates are falling. Rising oil prices mean rising inflation, which means higher interest rates, and that leaves private credit funds paying more to borrow money than they earn from their loans. The numbers tell a grim story. Defaults on loans among mid-sized companies jumped from 8.1% in 2024 to a record 9.2% in 2025, according to Fitch Ratings . This includes shadow defaults where creditors extend deadlines or swap debt for equity to avoid calling a loan. Lloyd Blankfein, the former Goldman Sachs boss, has warned of a fire risk in the sector. Jamie Dimon at JP Morgan said there would likely be more cockroaches, as reported by Cryptopolitan previously. Investors are running for the exits More than $13 billion has been pulled from private credit funds run by BlackRock, Apollo, Morgan Stanley and others since January, Bloomberg reported. Over $4.6 billion is now trapped by withdrawal limits that funds imposed to stop the bleeding. Stock prices for private credit firms have collapsed. Blackstone is down 31% this year. Apollo has fallen 25%. KKR dropped 30%. Blue Owl plunged 41%. The withdrawal caps only last three months, and few expect the rush to get out will stop when the limits lift. That’s when things could get really bad. Private credit funds can’t easily sell their loans to raise cash. They’ll have to turn to US regional banks for emergency credit lines. Higher oil prices also raise recession risks The probability of a US recession in the next 12 months jumped from 35% in January to 49% in February, according to Moody’s Analytics. That was before oil prices spiked. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, said the fallout from the war makes things worse for highly leveraged companies. “I would expect defaults and maybe at some point bankruptcies. If you’re thinking about what fissure could turn into a fault, could turn into an earthquake, that would be one place to look, for sure.” A recession would be new territory for private credit. The sector was much smaller during the COVID crisis and had massive government support backing it up. Robin Brooks at the Brookings Institution wrote that highly leveraged positions in all corners of the market blow up as volatility increases. “It looks to me like we’re nearing a breaking point on this front.” Global contagion risks loom as crisis spreads If private credit collapses in the US, the damage will spread globally . Private equity invests heavily in Europe. Insurance companies in the US, Europe and the UK have large exposures to private credit. Some voices on Wall Street are trying to calm nerves. Torsten Sløk, chief economist at Apollo, argued markets are overreacting to what will likely be a four to six-week period of volatility. But Zachary Griffiths at CreditSights offered a darker view . “The longer we are in this situation, the more vulnerable and the bigger risk it becomes to private credit and the overall economy.” Want your project in front of crypto’s top minds? Feature it in our next industry report, where data meets impact.

28 Mar 2026, 15:23

Best PR Agencies for Web3 Projects With Limited Budgets

Budget constraints shape how Web3 projects approach PR. Early-stage teams need visibility, but inefficient spend can dilute results quickly. The most effective agencies in this segment do not rely on volume. They focus on targeted placements, measurable outcomes, and flexible execution models. This list highlights PR providers that can operate within constrained budgets while still contributing to visibility, narrative development, and distribution. How These Agencies Were Selected The selection is based on four practical criteria: Budget flexibility — ability to scope campaigns without large retainers Efficiency of distribution — focus on placements that generate reach or syndication Clarity of outcomes — whether results can be tied to traffic, visibility, or positioning Fit for early-stage teams — relevance for startups, presale projects, and emerging protocols 1. Outset PR Outset PR operates as a boutique, data-driven crypto PR agency designed to optimize outcomes within defined budgets. The agency structures campaigns around media performance rather than media volume. Instead of distributing across a wide list of outlets, it evaluates publications based on discoverability, syndication potential, and relevance. This approach reduces spend on placements that do not contribute to visibility. A core component of the workflow is media analytics. Outset PR uses internal tooling to assess where a story is likely to generate secondary distribution through aggregators and platforms such as CoinMarketCap or Binance Square. This extends reach beyond the initial placement without increasing cost. Campaigns are scoped based on client constraints. Early-stage projects can run targeted outreach or single-narrative campaigns instead of committing to full retainers. This makes the model compatible with limited budgets while maintaining strategic control. Outset PR works best for: startups preparing for token launches or announcements teams prioritizing organic visibility and SEO alignment projects that require controlled spend 2. Mintfunnel Mintfunnel provides a distribution-based model where projects can purchase individual placements across crypto media outlets. The platform removes the need for long-term contracts. Teams select publications, submit content, and secure coverage with predictable pricing. This structure is useful for projects that need immediate visibility for announcements such as listings, partnerships, or launches. The trade-off is limited strategic input. Distribution platforms do not typically refine narrative positioning or optimize for long-term discoverability. Results depend on how the selected outlets perform rather than campaign design. Mintfunnel works best for: short-term announcements projects with very limited budgets teams that need fast execution without strategic layering 3. GuerrillaBuzz GuerrillaBuzz combines PR with content strategy and community-driven distribution. The agency focuses on organic growth channels, including SEO and platforms such as Reddit. Campaigns are built around content that can circulate beyond initial publication, allowing visibility to compound over time. This model differs from traditional PR. Instead of prioritizing immediate placements, GuerrillaBuzz emphasizes distribution loops and engagement signals. As a result, outcomes tend to develop gradually rather than instantly. Budget requirements are higher than entry-level options, but the approach can extract more value from each campaign when time allows for iteration. GuerrillaBuzz works best for: projects seeking sustained visibility rather than one-off coverage teams investing in SEO and community traction growth-stage startups with moderate budgets 4. CTRL PR CTRL PR follows a more traditional agency model, focusing on media placement, brand positioning, and investor-facing narratives. Campaigns are structured around storytelling and exposure across crypto publications. The agency has experience supporting token launches, fundraising communication, and exchange-related announcements. Compared to performance-oriented models, CTRL PR places less emphasis on traffic attribution or SEO outcomes. The value is in structured messaging and consistent media presence. Budget requirements typically exceed entry-level options, but scoped campaigns can still be viable for projects that need credibility and visibility within a defined timeframe. CTRL PR works best for: projects preparing investor-facing announcements teams that need structured PR execution founders prioritizing positioning over growth metrics How These Agencies Compare Agency Entry Budget Core Strength Speed of Results Budget Efficiency Best Use Case Outset PR Moderate (flexible scope) Data-driven PR, syndication, SEO visibility Medium High Startups needing targeted, measurable PR Mintfunnel Low Guaranteed placements, fast distribution Fast Medium Announcements, listings, quick visibility GuerrillaBuzz Mid SEO, content, community-driven growth Medium–slow Medium–high Long-term traction, organic growth CTRL PR Mid–high Media relations, brand positioning Medium Medium Investor-facing PR, structured campaigns Final Thoughts Limited budgets do not eliminate PR as a growth channel. They change how it should be executed. Distribution platforms provide access to coverage with minimal cost but limited strategic control Traditional agencies deliver structured visibility but require higher investment Boutique, data-driven models allocate budget toward placements that generate measurable reach For Web3 startups, efficiency depends on matching the PR model to the objective. Announcements, narrative building, and long-term visibility each require different approaches. 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.