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📰 TOP NEWS
Lawmakers reach breakthrough "agreement in principle" on stablecoin yield in sweeping crypto bill
In a significant step forward for digital asset legislation, key negotiators including Senators Angela Alsobrooks, Thom Tillis, and the White House have reached an "agreement in principle" on the treatment of stablecoin yield, one of the top obstacles to passing a crypto market structure bill. The agreement seeks to protect stablecoin innovation while guarding against deposit flight, a concern raised by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Outstanding issues, including ethics and illicit finance provisions, still need resolution to secure broad, bipartisan support in the Senate Banking Committee.
Bitcoin mining difficulty drops 7.8% as miner exodus accelerates amid AI pivot
Bitcoin's mining difficulty fell 7.76% to 133.79 trillion at block height 941,472, marking the second-largest negative adjustment of 2026, as the network's hashrate retreated well below the record 1 zetahash level reached in 2025. The decline reflects a structural shift as publicly traded miners increasingly reallocate infrastructure from Bitcoin mining toward artificial intelligence workloads. Core Scientific plans to sell the majority of its Bitcoin treasury to fund AI and high-performance computing expansion, while Bitdeer fully liquidated its Bitcoin reserves to zero in February — with firms like Riot Platforms, IREN, and CleanSpark outlining similar diversification strategies.
UK's Starmer backs pause on crypto political donations, citing 'illicit finance' risks
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the government will introduce a moratorium on all political donations made through cryptocurrencies, framing the move as a necessary step to counter illicit finance and foreign interference risks. Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer stated the government would "act decisively to protect our democracy." The proposal follows recommendations from the Rycroft review, led by former senior civil servant Philip Rycroft, which called for a temporary halt on crypto donations until regulators can ensure greater transparency with the moratorium intended as a stopgap rather than a permanent ban. The issue has become a political flashpoint, particularly after Reform UK took in tens of millions of pounds worth of crypto donations, and a cross-party group of lawmakers had earlier called for an "immediate ban," citing unacceptably high risks to electoral integrity.
CFTC forms new Innovation Task Force to shape crypto, artificial intelligence, and prediction markets
In a move reflecting growing regulatory alignment across federal agencies, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has launched a new task force focused on cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, and the rapidly emerging area of prediction markets. CFTC Chair Michael Selig unveiled the Innovation Task Force, saying it will focus on advancing rules for new products and technologies. The new group will work alongside the CFTC's innovation advisory committee and coordinate with other federal agencies, including the SEC and its crypto task force. Separately, the CFTC has intensified its focus on prediction markets, with Selig asserting the agency's jurisdiction despite opposition from several states.
🎟️ EVENT OF THE WEEK
Digital Asset Summit
Returning to the French Riviera for a second consecutive year, the Real-World Asset Summit Cannes gathers the most influential leaders in the tokenized asset industry for a full day of mainstage programming and curated networking dedicated to accelerating the inevitable $30 trillion tokenization opportunity.
Date Mar 31 2026
💬 EXPERT OPINION
I believe U.S. dollar stablecoins should be audited and 100% backed by U.S. Treasuries. When properly regulated, they represent a massive, decentralized source of demand for our national debt, strengthening the dollar's position as the world's reserve currency."
📊 METRIC OF THE WEEK
Our researchers designed this metric with ❤️
GLOSSARY CORNER Yield Farming is a method of earning interest or transaction fee income by locking your cryptocurrencies on decentralized platforms. It is a passive income strategy that allows you to earn additional tokens by lending your digital assets or providing liquidity. | EDITOR’S CHOICE |
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