Citigroup Ventures into Crypto Custody Services Amid Growing ETF Popularity

Russian authorities are considering legalizing payments with fiat‑pegged stablecoins while moving to prohibit traditional cryptocurrencies for payment use. Stablecoin transactions could be governed by a dedicated legal framework to follow broader crypto legislation.

Binance plans to secure five additional operational licenses across the Asia-Pacific by the end of 2026, intensifying its regional expansion and regulatory engagement. The move follows the exchange's broader strategy to normalize local operations and grow product access.

A Bitcoin Policy Institute study of 36 AI models published March 3, 2026 found Bitcoin was the top monetary choice in 48% of responses, while payment-specific prompts saw over half of models favor stablecoins.

Donald Trump urged banking groups on March 3 to “strike a favorable deal” with the crypto industry and warned any effort to weaken the GENIUS Act is “unacceptable.” His intervention raises political pressure as lawmakers negotiate the stalled bill.

Morgan Stanley says the U.S. equity rally should withstand rising Iran tensions so long as crude stays stable, a view that could matter for crypto if risk-on flows persist. A sharp, sustained oil spike remains the main threat to markets.