XRP is up more than 7% in the last 24 hours, bringing its market cap near $150 billion. The crypto community is now debating how its inclusion in the US crypto strategic reserve will impact its long-term price action.
Attention is also on the upcoming White House Crypto Summit on March 7, which could play a key role in shaping market sentiment. Whether XRP continues its rally or faces new resistance will depend on these developments and whether technical indicators confirm a sustained uptrend.
XRP DMI Shows Buyers Are Still In Control
XRP’s DMI shows that its ADX is currently at 18.49, down from 36.2 four days ago, indicating that the strength of its trend has weakened significantly.
The +DI (positive directional index) is at 25.1, down from 50, while the -DI (negative directional index) has risen to 14.4 from 9.3.
This shift suggests that bullish momentum has faded while selling pressure has slightly increased, making it harder for XRP to establish a strong uptrend.
The Average Directional Index (ADX) measures trend strength on a scale from 0 to 100, with readings above 25 signaling a strong trend and values below 20 indicating weak or nonexistent momentum.
XRP’s ADX at 18.49 suggests that its current attempt to form an uptrend lacks strength. The declining +DI shows buyers could be losing control, while the rising -DI indicates sellers are gaining ground.
If this trend continues, XRP may struggle to sustain an upward move, but if ADX picks up again and +DI rebounds, bullish momentum could return.
XRP Active Addresses Just Hit A New All-Time High
XRP’s 7-day active addresses have surged to 1.16 million, marking their highest level ever.
A rising number of active addresses often signals increased adoption and interest, which can support price growth. Despite the crypto community questioning whether XRP should be included in the US crypto strategic reserve, this spike in activity suggests strong network participation.
If this trend continues, it could help sustain bullish momentum for XRP, potentially driving prices higher.
Will A Golden Cross Make XRP Surge Soon?
XRP’s EMA lines indicate that a golden cross could form soon, as short-term moving averages continue to rise. If this bullish signal materializes, XRP price could test resistance at $2.74, with a breakout potentially sending the price to $2.99 and even $3.15.
“The approach to establishing strategic reserves is contentious and may require either an executive order or Congressional authorization, potentially undermining long-term policy stability. While Trump’s initiatives are expected to boost market confidence and attract institutional investments in the short term, uncertainties remain over policy effectiveness, Congressional support, and international market reactions in the medium to long term. Investors should monitor these developments closely and adjust their strategies accordingly.”
Onyxcoin (XCN) lost over 50% in February after a massive rally of nearly 2,000% between January 13 and January 26. Despite the ongoing decline, its recent indicators show mixed signals. RSI has stayed neutral for the past nine days, and ADX is pointing to a weakening downtrend.
XCN is currently trading between resistance at $0.017 and support at $0.0143, with EMA lines still reflecting a bearish trend. Whether the price moves higher or lower will depend on whether momentum returns or if selling pressure continues to push XCN toward lower support levels.
XCN RSI Has Been Neutral For 9 Days
Onyxcoin has an RSI of 43.2, down from its recent high of 68.9 on March 2.
Readings above 70 indicate overbought conditions, suggesting a potential pullback, while readings below 30 signal oversold conditions, which could precede a rebound.
With XCN’s RSI at 43.2, the asset remains in neutral territory, where it has been since February 25.
A move above 50 could indicate growing bullish momentum, while a drop toward 30 may signal increasing selling pressure.
Onyxcoin ADX Shows the Downtrend Is Losing Steam
XCN’s ADX is 16.8, down from 36.6 three days ago, indicating a steady decline in trend strength. This drop suggests weakening momentum, aligning with XCN’s recent downtrend over the past few days.
The Average Directional Index (ADX) measures the strength of a trend on a scale from 0 to 100.
Readings above 25 typically indicate a strong trend, while values below 20 suggest weak or nonexistent trend momentum. With XCN’s ADX at 16.8, the current downtrend lacks strong conviction, meaning further downside may be limited unless momentum picks up again.
After a historical surge in January, when XCN was one of the best-performing altcoins in the market, Onyxcoin’s price is now trading between resistance at $0.017 and support at $0.0143. Its EMA lines show a bearish trend as short-term EMAs remain below long-term ones.
If the ongoing downtrend continues, XCN could test the $0.0143 support level, and a break below that could push the price further down to $0.0134.
However, ADX indicates that the downtrend is weakening, which could open the door for a reversal.
If buying momentum returns, Onyxcoin could test resistance at $0.017, and a breakout above that level could send the price toward $0.022. A stronger recovery, similar to its momentum in January, could push XCN as high as $0.0264.
PAWS, a popular Telegram Mini App, migrates to Solana in reaction to newly imposed requirements by the social media platform.
Telegram recently introduced a policy mandating all Mini Apps and third-party crypto wallets on its platform to exclusively operate on TON, sparking debates about decentralization and preventing multichain expansion. Under this arrangement, Telegram Mini Apps that operated across multiple blockchains had to choose between running solely on TON or leaving the ecosystem altogether.
Among the apps that faced this dilemma is PAWS, a SocialFi project rewarding users for engagement. Rather than remaining confined to a closed ecosystem, PAWS made the decision to migrate to Solana.
Boosting the Solana ecosystem
Moving PAWS’ quickly-amassed user base of 80 millions to Solana resulted in significant additional traffic and boosted the ecosystem. Since the migration, users downloaded over 9 million Phantom crypto wallets and funded more than 1 million new Solana addresses, all happening before PAWS’ token generation event (TGE).
Non-fungible token (NFT) vouchers offered by PAWS also became a significant presence on Solana-based NFT marketplace Magic Eden, sparking more than 100,000 transactions in two weeks. Such developments showcase that a committed community can follow a project through migration to a different chain if the underlying product remains accessible and engaging.
Value extraction versus value injection
The migration revived a long-standing debate revolving around value extraction and value injection. Many blockchain initiatives rely on short bursts of liquidity or speculative token trading, often resulting in value extraction from underlying ecosystems. These models can drive abrupt capital inflows and outflows, intensifying market volatility and exposing ecosystem participants to sudden risks.
The trend is especially relevant for Solana, where high volatility memecoins and recent rug pulls caused significant capital flight. In contrast, PAWS put emphasis on sustained user participation rather than relying solely on speculative token gains. By presenting a model that focuses on consistent engagement, the project seeks to build an ever-growing community growth.
Building an intellectual property
The Solana migration involves a rebranding process to turn the project into an intellectual property and position it as a long-lasting Web3 brand. Moving forward, PAWS aims to evolve from a viral Telegram application into a full-fledged Web3 brand with multiple revenue streams and strong community loyalty.
To achieve this, the project plans to grow its ecosystem through DeFi integrations, gaming partnerships and social engagement tools. Realizing the multichain possibility is on the radar as well, with plans to expand across Ethereum, layer-2 chains and beyond.
Beyond the crypto space, PAWS seeks to establish itself as a recognizable brand through real-world activations, strategic partnerships and mainstream media presence. A key part of this vision is a sustainable token economy, where holders and community members actively participate in governance and ecosystem development.
The transition from a highly engaged Mini App to a sustainable Web3 brand can set a large-scale example of how meme culture can evolve into a legitimate business model within the crypto space.
The broader significance of PAWS’ transition lies in its potential to set a precedent: Can Telegram’s retail-heavy user base become active participants in permissionless blockchain ecosystems? If successful, PAWS may serve as a model for future Web3 projects looking to bridge the gap between closed platforms and decentralized networks.
Garantex, a Russian crypto exchange under US sanctions, accused Tether of attacking the Russian crypto market.
According to the exchange’s Telegram announcement, Tether has frozen several USDT wallets on the exchange, which are worth over $28 million.
USDT Holders in Russia are At Risk
Garantex stated that USDT stablecoins in user wallets are at risk. Several USDT funds held by users in the exchange have been frozen. To manage the situation, Garantex has temporarily halted all operations.
Co-founder Sergey Mendeleev stated that this action disrupts Russia’s international trade carried out with digital assets.
“We temporarily suspend the provision of all services, including cryptocurrency findings, for a while while we are solving this problem with the whole team. We fight and don’t give up!” Garantex wrote on Telegram.
Further, he warned that the freeze creates difficulties for businesses and financial institutions that depend on crypto to settle international payments.
“While we discussed easing tensions and relaxing sanctions, we were deceived once again. Suddenly, the paradigm shifted: earlier, sanctions were merely glossed over, but now they block without trial or investigation. This is exactly the reality I have warned about for at least two years, yet neither the Central Bank nor the professional community listened,” — wrote Mendeleev.
Mendeleev stressed that the disruption affects Russia’s economic engagements on a broader scale. Western sanctions have forced digital currencies to play a vital role in international settlements. The current incident further complicates those processes.
The exchange’s claim draws attention to mounting regulatory pressure and a growing conflict between US authorities and market players operating in Russian jurisdictions.
Garantex Sanction Explained
State Duma deputy Anton Gorelkin added his perspective on the incident. He pointed out that Tether’s decision reflects a broader trend of pressure applied by Western regulators on crypto infrastructure amid ongoing sanctions.
Gorelkin highlighted that centralized stablecoins like USDT remain particularly exposed to outside control. Despite the blockade, he expressed confidence that it is impossible to completely shut down the Russian crypto market.
Officials charged the exchange with failing to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing rules. US agencies claimed that Garantex played a role in laundering over $100 million linked to hacker groups and dark web transactions.
In March of last year, law enforcement agencies from the US and UK began an investigation into Garantex. They reviewed crypto transactions totaling more than $20 billion made using USDT.
This probe reflects the ongoing tensions between regulators and crypto operators in sanctioned environments.
Cardano is more than just another cryptocurrency. While many blockchain projects focus on hype and speculation, Cardano is different—it’s built for real-world applications that solve real problems.
Cardano’s ecosystem is growing with practical use cases that have the potential to make a lasting impact.
But having great technology alone isn’t enough. To truly make an impact, Cardano needs innovative startups and developers who can build on top of it. That’s where CV Labs comes in—a global blockchain accelerator that is now helping early-stage Cardano projects grow into successful businesses.
Cardano: A Blockchain Built for Real-World Use
Cardano is driving real-world change with:
Financial Inclusion & DeFi: Decentralized finance solutions for saving, borrowing, and earning interest, without a bank.
Supply Chain Transparency: Tracking products from origin to consumer to ensure authenticity and quality.
Decentralized Identity (DID): Digital ID management for secure and efficient identity verification.
Sustainability & Green Blockchain: An eco-friendly blockchain with initiatives like the Cardano Forest project supporting reforestation efforts.
ADA Spotlight: CV Labs is Helping Cardano Startups Succeed
Even with all these real-world applications, building a successful business on Cardano requires more than capital and an idea. Startups need funding, guidance, and connections to grow.
CV Labs is a blockchain startup accelerator with headquarters in Zug, Switzerland—known as Crypto Valley due to its high concentration of blockchain companies. In fact, Zug is the birthplace of another top blockchain – Ethereum.
CV Labs is part of Crypto Valley Venture Capital (CV VC), a firm that invests in early-stage blockchain projects and provides them with mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.
Recognizing Cardano’s potential, CV Labs has launched a specialized accelerator program for Cardano-based startups. This program is designed to give projects building on Cardano the support they need to scale.
What Does the CV Labs Accelerator Offer?
Imagine you’re a founder in web3 launching an early-stage startup on Cardano. The sheer amount of projects can be overwhelming, and founders new to the ecosystem often lack tailored guidance, funding connections, and ecosystem-specific support.
CV Labs solves this by providing its Cardano accelerator with Cardano-specific mentorship, business development training, and direct access to investors, technical experts, and a global founder network.
Mentorship & Business Training: Startups receive 10 weeks of hands-on guidance from blockchain experts, venture capitalists, and experienced entrepreneurs. The program includes workshops on building products, tokenomics, marketing, and investor pitching.
Access to Funding: While CV Labs does not directly give startups large funding rounds, they provide up to $135,000 in seed money and introduce projects to venture capitalists who are looking to invest in promising Cardano startups.
Global Network & Exposure: The accelerator connects startups with industry leaders, giving them opportunities to network with investors and businesses across multiple countries. Participants also get a chance to present their projects at major events like Cardano Summits and Web3 gatherings.
Technical & Legal Support: Startups gain access to expert advice on regulatory compliance, smart contract security, and best practices for building on Cardano.
The CV Labs Cardano Accelerator is a 10-week program designed to fast-track early-stage startups building on Cardano. Offering up to $150,000 in funding (for 6% equity), the hybrid program includes a two-week in-person bootcamp in Zug, followed by eight weeks of remote workshops, culminating in a Demo Day where startups pitch for follow-on funding up to $500,000.
Targeting both Cardano-native projects and Web2 founders transitioning to Web3, the accelerator provides over $200,000 in perks, access to co-working hubs in Switzerland, Portugal, Liechtenstein, and South Africa, and mentorship from industry leaders in cybersecurity, legal compliance, and blockchain economics.
Tapping into Switzerland’s blockchain-friendly regulations and Crypto Valley’s $382.9 billion ecosystem, the program has already helped startups like Maestro raise $3 million. With applications open for May 2025, CV Labs aims to drive innovation, attract top talent, and cement Cardano’s position in Web3.
Success Stories on CV Labs
CV Labs has already worked with dozens of blockchain startups across various industries, and its recent focus on Cardano is bringing more innovation to the ecosystem.
At Cardano Summit 2024, CV Labs helped organize the Battle of the Builders, where Landano—a project focused on blockchain-based land registry—won top honors. This project uses Cardano to digitize land ownership records, reducing fraud and making property transactions more transparent.
Another example is Liqwid Finance, a decentralized lending and borrowing protocol on Cardano. By working with CV Labs, Liqwid Finance gained exposure to a wider investor audience and is now one of the leading DeFi platforms in the Cardano ecosystem.
These success stories show that with the right support, Cardano-based projects can go from ideas to fully operational businesses.
Why This Matters for Cardano’s Future
Cardano has built a secure, scalable, and sustainable blockchain that is already proving useful in multiple industries. But for Cardano to truly fulfill its potential, more projects need to build on it—and they need the right support to succeed.
CV Labs is playing a key role in bringing this future to life. By accelerating early-stage Cardano startups, it’s helping bring more real-world applications to life. These startups are not just creating new business models but also proving that Cardano can compete with blockchains like Ethereum and Solana.
As Cardano continues to grow, expect to see more partnerships, funding opportunities, and innovative projects emerge from its ecosystem. With organizations like CV Labs backing the next wave of startups, Cardano’s vision of a more decentralized, efficient, and inclusive global economy is becoming a reality.
World Liberty Financial (WLFI) is partnering with Sui, adding the token to its “Strategic Reserve.” The two companies plan to work on development opportunities, and Sui’s price has risen 15%.
WLFI is a Trump-affiliated project, but it is completely distinct from the federal government. Its token stockpile may bear a similar name to Trump’s US Crypto Reserve, but investors should be aware that there is no direct connection.
World Liberty Financial to Add SUI In Its Portfolio
“World Liberty Financial has chosen to partner with Sui as their preferred American blockchain. WLFI recognizes what we’ve been building, a blockchain designed for the future of finance that’s fast, secure, and accessible. That’s why our teams are in advanced talks for deeper integration,” claimed Christian Thompson, Sui’s Managing Director.
This partnership will include a few important components. First, WLFI is adding SUI tokens to its treasury as part of the firm’s “Macro Strategy” token reserve.
This is the first step in a broader plan of integration, exploring new development applications. Already, this news has been bullish for Sui, causing a 15% price spike.
Meanwhile, there has been some confusion in the crypto community about what is going on. WLFI is a Trump-affiliated project, and Sui used the phrase “Strategic Reserve” in the headline for its press release and social media.
To be clear, this partnership is completely distinct from Trump’s US Crypto Reserve, which he announced recently.
However, future cooperation here is not completely implausible. Trump wishes to use “Made in USA” crypto projects to fill the Reserve, and Sui certainly qualifies.
At the moment, however, a Sui deal like that is not within WLFI’s power to execute. If the two companies form a solid working relationship, Sui may build its reputation in Trump’s circle, increasing its chances.
World Liberty Financial (WLFI) Crypto Portfolio. Source: Arkham
Nonetheless, WLFI’s “Strategic Reserve” has nothing to do with the federal government, and investors should be aware. As of today, WLFI’s portfolio includes over 20 different cryptocurrencies. The majority of the holdings are in Ethereum, Wrapped Bitcoin, USDT, Tron’s TRX, and MOVE.
Donald Trump’s announcement that the US would create a National Strategic Crypto Reserve that would include Bitcoin and other altcoins sent market prices to the moon. However, the reality behind its creation is far more complicated than what investors’ enthusiasm might indicate.
In an interview with BeInCrypto, Erwin Voloder, Head of Policy of the European Blockchain Association, explained that if the US acquired more crypto beyond the seized assets from law enforcement, it would have to overcome several Congressional hurdles and public scrutiny.
“A US Crypto Reserve will elevate this critical industry after years of corrupt attacks by the Biden Administration, which is why my Executive Order on Digital Assets directed the Presidential Working Group to move forward on a Crypto Strategic Reserve that includes XRP, SOL, and ADA. I will make sure the US is the Crypto Capital of the World,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, and ADA prices rose sharply following Trump’s National Strategic Crypto Reserve Announcement. Source: TradingView.
Despite the positive reaction the news had on the market, analysts quickly began wondering how feasible Trump’s promises were and how beneficial they would actually be for further adoption.
Challenges in Defining Reserve Purpose
Establishing a National Strategic Crypto Reserve aims to encourage institutional adoption and influence global crypto regulations. As a national stockpile of digital assets, nations can use this reserve for financial stability, economic diversification, and geopolitical leverage.
“The reserve is intended to position the US as a leader in the digital asset space, ensuring that the nation has a strategic buffer against potential economic and geopolitical risks related to cryptocurrencies. By holding a mix of major cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, and Cardano), the reserve aims to serve as a long-term store of value and a hedge against currency devaluation and market volatility,” Voloder told BeInCrypto.
However, Trump’s announcement left analysts and the crypto community with many unanswered questions regarding the reserve’s key operational details.
Legal and Operational Uncertainties
The source of the reserve’s authority is among the points of contention. Some believe a new act of Congress is necessary, while others suggest Trump could establish it through executive powers.
“This uncertainty leaves a major operational detail undefined – without clear legal footing, the timeline and process for setting up the reserve are in limbo, and it could face political or legal challenges if not properly authorized,” Voloder explained.
“Nothing new here. Just words. Let me know when they get congressional approval to borrow money and or revalue the gold price higher. Without that they have no money to buy Bitcoin and shitcoins,” he wrote.
Similarly, though the announcement named five cryptocurrencies that would be incorporated into the reserve, it offered no specifics on allocation or criteria.
“Key questions like how much of each asset to hold, what proportion of the reserve each will comprise, and whether other tokens might be added were left unanswered. This lack of detail means it’s not clear if the reserve will heavily favor Bitcoin as a ‘digital gold’ approach or truly split among multiple assets,” Voloder added.
Another critical operational detail that has yet to be clarified is how the government will secure the custody of these digital assets and manage their associated keys. This complex undertaking requires stringent security protocols to safeguard against hacks and insider risks.
“The announcement didn’t address whether a federal agency like the Treasury or Federal Reserve will directly hold the assets, or if they’ll use third-party custodians, nor how they’ll ensure security and transparency. Failing to define this invites concern over potential cybersecurity risks or losses, which would be both economically damaging and politically embarrassing,” said Voloder.
The Trump administration’s lack of operational details, coupled with the need for strong justification, also creates questions about the urgency of the proposed crypto reserve.
Uncertainty Over Reserve’s Strategic Necessity
Skeptics of Trump’s announcement are raising concerns about the timing and purpose of a crypto reserve.
The federal government establishes reserves, such as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, to secure essential commodities during economic crises. President Ford created the Petroleum Reserve after the 1973 oil crisis, which continues to be useful today.
“Aside from ‘holding’ crypto, there is no clarity on how the reserve would be managed and under what conditions it might be utilized. For example, strategic reserves (like the oil reserve) are usually tapped during crises or to stabilize markets – but when or why the government would deploy its crypto holdings is not specified,” Voloder said.
Unlike petroleum, which directly impacts the US economy, Bitcoin’s economic role remains unclear. Therefore, its necessity as a strategic asset is questioned. While oil reserves stabilize energy prices during crises, the rationale for a Bitcoin reserve lacks clear economic justification. This inconsistency makes clarifying a crypto reserve’s purpose all the more necessary.
“Is the reserve purely an investment to bolster the treasury long-term, a hedge against dollar inflation, or a tool to intervene in crypto markets during volatility? These questions are unanswered. Without defined objectives and governance protocols, it’s unclear how the reserve will function day-to-day or in emergencies. This vagueness makes it harder for markets to gauge the government’s future actions, while Congress and the public lack insight into the reserve’s purpose, making it harder to build support,” Voloder added.
Given the scenario, many proponents see transferring seized Bitcoin from the Department of Justice to the crypto reserve as the path of least resistance.
Leveraging Seized Crypto Assets
According to CoinGecko, governments worldwide collectively owned 2.2% of Bitcoin’s total supply as of July. Most countries with a crypto stockpile acquired Bitcoin through law enforcement seizures of illicit activity.
The United States currently holds the largest stockpile of seized assets, with approximately 200,000 Bitcoins, worth more than $20 billion at current market valuations. This is a very advantageous starting point for a strategic crypto reserve in the United States.
“In economic terms, this is a significant reserve base that could be allocated to the new Crypto Strategic Reserve without any new purchases. As a selling point, using what the government has already taken from criminals is easier to justify than spending new money. It can be framed as ‘putting seized ill-gotten gains to work for the public good,’” Voloder told BeInCrypto.
Using seized criminal Bitcoin as the primary source for the reserve would have the least disruptive impact on market dynamics since these coins have already been removed from the open market.
Unlike countries like Germany, which have sold off seized Bitcoin, proponents of a US reserve advocate for retaining those assets, effectively removing them from the market indefinitely.
“This could be mildly bullish for crypto prices in the long run, as it removes the overhang of government auctions which in the past have periodically added supply and dampened prices. Not selling seized BTC means avoiding downward pressure that such large auctions might create. However, since the market likely anticipated those coins being sold at some point, the decision to hold is a change – it’s as if a new long-term holder (the government) emerged, tightening supply,” Voloder said.
The move would also avoid causing a sudden spike in demand. In contrast to an active purchasing program, simply reallocating existing holdings into the reserve is a relatively neutral market event.
“The announcement of the reserve itself moved prices due to sentiment, but that was anticipation; the actual act of transferring seized coins to a reserve doesn’t involve buying or selling in the open market. This is a quieter way to build the reserve – it doesn’t expend capital and doesn’t disrupt market pricing through large buy orders,” Voloder added.
However, in his announcement, Trump anticipated buying crypto beyond Bitcoin, implying that the government would need to purchase altcoins from the open market.
Scrutiny Over New Altcoin Acquisitions
The US government’s current cryptocurrency holdings primarily consist of seized Bitcoin and, to a lesser extent, Ethereum. However, it holds no significant reserves of assets like XRP, Solana, and Cardano. Therefore, if Trump effectively diversifies the reserve, these altcoins will have to be acquired.
“This means additional purchases are almost certainly required if those named tokens are to be part of the reserve. The likelihood of new acquisitions for those assets is high, because otherwise the reserve cannot include them as promised. In other words, unless the plan changes, the government would have to go out and buy XRP, SOL, ADA, etc., since it can’t simply reassign seized holdings that it doesn’t have,” Voloder said.
“Key questions like how much of each asset to hold, what proportion of the reserve each will comprise, and whether other tokens might be added were left unanswered. This lack of detail means it’s not clear if the reserve will heavily favor Bitcoin as a ‘digital gold’ approach or truly split among multiple assets. From an economic perspective this also leaves the optimal mix for stability vs. growth potential undefined, and politically, including riskier altcoins could be controversial,” Voloder added.
The announcement of a US crypto reserve that included altcoins beyond Bitcoin also raised concerns among crypto supporters, such as Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong.
“Just Bitcoin would probably be the best option – simplest, and clear story as successor to gold. If folks wanted more variety, you could do a market cap weighted index of crypto assets to keep it unbiased,” Armstrong said in an X post.
“I get the rationale for a Bitcoin reserve. I don’t agree with it, but I get it. We have a gold reserve. Bitcoin is digital gold, which is better than analog gold. So let’s create a Bitcoin reserve too. But what’s the rationale for an XRP reserve? Why the hell would we need that?” Schiff wrote on X.
Meanwhile, how new Bitcoin and altcoin acquisitions will be funded raises concerns across the community.
Funding the Reserve: Taxpayer Money and Debt
Neither Trump nor Crypto Czar David Sacks addressed how new Bitcoin acquisitions for the crypto reserve would be funded, leaving the public guessing. According to Voloder, the government could take several different avenues. However, all of them involve roadblocks that must be overcome.
One potential funding method is direct allocation for additional cryptocurrency purchases through taxpayer funds or by issuing new Treasury debt. However, both of these options present significant concerns.
“The government could simply allocate funds to buy crypto either by appropriating tax revenue or, more likely, issuing new Treasury debt to raise the money. This means adding to the national debt or diverting funds from other programs. For example, if $10 billion is allocated, that either increases the deficit or requires cuts/taxes elsewhere. Given the huge national debt (~$36.5 trillion) and already hefty interest costs, adding even tens of billions for crypto might be seen as imprudent,” Voloder told BeInCrypto.
Funding new cryptocurrency acquisitions with taxpayer money would likely face strong opposition from lawmakers and the public, creating significant Congressional hurdles for Trump.
“Then there’s the inherently contentious nature of using taxpayer funds for what some may view as political adventurism. Opponents (including some Republicans) already argue that proposals to spend federal funds on bitcoin put taxpayers’ funds at risk, essentially gambling public money on a volatile asset. There would likely be congressional pushback and public skepticism about why tax dollars should buy crypto instead of funding schools, defense, or reducing debt. Unless framed as an investment that will reduce debt long-term (and that argument convinces enough lawmakers), direct funding is a tough sell,” Voloder added.
Meanwhile, the United States has the highest fiscal deficit in the world. Given the current environment, funding cryptocurrency purchases with taxpayer money is hard to justify. Issuing more debt to purchase hoards of volatile assets would not sit comfortably among many.
“If the crypto rises in value long-term, it could pay off; if it crashes, the government (and indirectly taxpayers) eat the loss. This dynamic will be closely watched. In the short run, spending, say, $10 billion on Bitcoin would add $10 billion to the deficit if not offset – not huge in a $20+ trillion economy, but symbolically significant. The market might view a well-funded reserve as bullish, with government skin in the game, but bond investors or credit rating agencies might view it as the state taking on speculative risk,” Voloder said.
New market purchases would also have a significant impact on market dynamics.
Should the government choose to purchase additional cryptocurrency for the reserve through open market acquisitions, the consequences would be substantial. This government buying would introduce a significant new source of demand, potentially driving up crypto prices.
“Actual sustained purchasing, like if the government regularly buys coins, could create an upward price bias – traders might front-run expected government buys, adding to the momentum. This could lead to higher prices in the short term, benefiting existing holders and the government’s own newly bought stash, creating a self-reinforcing effect if timed well. The risk here is the government becoming a sort of market mover,” Voloder explained.
Meanwhile, substantial acquisitions by the US government would also quickly erase a large part of the general market’s supply.
“Given crypto’s relative size, a US government buying program is significant; any hint of policy change such as slowing or stopping purchases could then cause downturns as traders adjust. Essentially, it introduces a new large whale in the market – one whose actions are somewhat predictable or politically driven, and thus subject to speculation. Volatility could increase, as markets swing on rumors of government buying or selling. As skeptics note, due to Bitcoin’s volatility, any government transactions could have outsized price impacts,” Voloder added.
In contrast, Voloder noted that a government sale of its reserve holdings could result in a dramatic market decline.
“Part of the strategic reserve concept is presumably not to sell casually and only in emergencies, but markets will be wary that at extremely high prices or in certain scenarios, the government might liquidate some holdings especially if there’s political pressure to realize gains to pay down debt. That overhang could cap excessive price rises to some extent,” he said.
Given the many obstacles open market purchases of new crypto would face, some proponents have looked into other venues for acquisition.
Exploring Alternative Funding Sources
Other possible sources of funding have surfaced besides using already seized Bitcoin or directly allocating new spending to purchase other cryptocurrencies. However, each has its respective implications.
Proponents have floated the idea to use the Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF), which can hold foreign exchange currencies. The US Treasury uses the ESF as an emergency reserve to adjust foreign currency exchange rates without directly impacting the domestic money supply.
“Some experts suggest the ESF could directly purchase or hold Bitcoin by executive. The ESF holds several tens of billions in assets including some foreign currencies and special drawing rights that could potentially be shifted into crypto without a new congressional appropriation. Using the ESF would be quasi-off-budget – it wouldn’t require new taxes or debt, which is a political plus (it appears as using existing Treasury resources),” Voloder told BeInCrypto.
The ESF could be used to acquire or hold Bitcoin directly through executive action. Its substantial assets, including foreign currencies, allow for potential crypto allocation without Congressional approval. This ‘quasi-off-budget’ approach, which avoids new taxes or debt by utilizing existing Treasury resources, presents a political advantage.
But this option brings other considerations.
“Economically, however, the ESF is limited in size; it might fund an initial tranche of purchases but not a massive reserve. Also, reallocating ESF assets which currently backstop currency stability into crypto could have knock-on effects – e.g. less buffer for [foreign exchange] crises, and increased exposure to crypto volatility. An ESF maneuver might also draw legal scrutiny: is crypto considered a foreign currency for ESF purposes? and could be criticized as an executive overreach if done without Congress. Still, it’s a possible funding tool that avoids directly raiding taxpayer funds,” Voloder said.
Another rising funding idea is the possibility of selling or revaluing gold reserves.
Gold Reserves as a Potential Funding Source
With approximately 8,133 tonnes, the United States holds the world’s largest gold reserves, representing 72.41% of its total reserves.
In December, Arthur Hayes proposed in a substack article that the Trump administration should devalue gold and use the money to create a Bitcoin reserve. He based his statement on the idea that devaluation would allow the Treasury to generate credit for dollars quickly.
This credit could later be injected directly into the economy. It would also eliminate the need for diplomatic efforts to persuade other countries to devalue their currencies against the US dollar. The larger the gold devaluation, the bigger the credit would be.
Voloder sees some value in this article, arguing that the US can monetize part of its gold stock to fund crypto purchases.
“This could happen in two ways: outright selling a portion of the gold stockpile for cash, or revaluing gold on the balance sheet to create accounting gains that can be leveraged. The idea of revaluing gold by increasing the book value of gold holdings to current market price has been floated as a way to boost the Treasury’s coffers without new taxes. The difference could then be used to buy Bitcoin or other assets. If gold is sold, the US would be swapping one reserve asset for another and diversifying from gold into crypto. This could put downward pressure on gold prices depending on sale volume and upward pressure on crypto from the buying,” he explained.
Meanwhile, revaluing gold rather than selling it avoids a direct market impact on the gold price. This action represents an accounting adjustment that allows the Treasury or Federal Reserve to record a one-time gain.
An Accounting Maneuver
Given that US gold is valued at $42 per ounce—significantly below market price—revaluation could generate hundreds of billions in dollar assets.
The government effectively creates a sovereign wealth maneuver by tying the crypto reserve to gold. Advocates for a US sovereign wealth fund propose using gold’s unrealized gains to fund higher-yield assets, a model that fits a gold-backed crypto reserve.
However, gold hedges against equity market losses and provides stability against volatility. Therefore, reducing the US gold supply to fund a volatile asset will undoubtedly face strong opposition.
A gold sell-off would restructure national reserves, possibly shifting from a stable asset to a more volatile one, raising concerns about increased risk.
“Selling gold could be controversial – gold reserves are seen as sacrosanct by some, and there may be resistance to diminishing them. However, supporters might argue that a modest reallocation in the ballpark of 5-10% of gold into Bitcoin aligns with modernizing the reserve mix for better returns,” Voloder said.
Meanwhile, reevaluating gold instead of outright selling it might be more feasible.
“Revaluation as a funding trick might be an easier sell politically if it doesn’t feel like spending taxpayer money, just ‘unlocking’ value, but some may see it as an accounting gimmick or a form of backdoor money printing,” Voloder added.
Given these drawbacks, some economists have also turned to revenue generated from tariffs on imports as a source of funding for a crypto reserve.
Tariffs as a Revenue Stream
During his campaign and first few months as President, Trump created the concept of an “External Revenue Service.” Under this pretense, Trump proposes collecting tariffs so that “instead of taxing our citizens, we will tariff foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” as he phrased in his inaugural address.
Using the revenue generated from tariffs for the reserve means the funding is essentially from importers and consumers rather than income taxpayers, which Trump sees as politically advantageous.
“In the context of funding a crypto reserve, tariff revenues could be earmarked or redirected to cover the cost of purchases. For instance, a new broad-based import tariff (say 10%) could yield an estimated $300–$400 billion per year, a portion of which might fund strategic initiatives like this reserve,” Voloder said.
“Tariffs act as a tax on imports, which often pass the cost to consumers and businesses – potentially raising domestic prices and inviting retaliation from trade partners. So, while tariffs could generate substantial revenue, they might also slow trade and economic growth if other nations respond or if import costs soar,” he said, adding that “they were a feature of Trump’s trade policy in his first term and often led to trade wars, which can hurt farmers and exporters.”
Meanwhile, lawmakers on both ends of the spectrum have expressed concern that relying on tariffs for revenue is regressive. Some argue that tariffs act as a sales tax on consumers and provide unreliable income.
While presenting tariffs as a burden on foreign entities might appeal to some, it could strain relationships with key trading partners like Canada, Mexico, and China, potentially leading to political complications and required negotiations.
Sovereign Wealth Funds and Long-Term Bonds
Other potential funding mechanisms that have surfaced include creating a US sovereign wealth fund (SWF) and issuing ultra-long-term bonds.
The idea involves monetizing existing US assets to create a SWF capable of investing in cryptocurrency. Unlike traditional SWFs funded by trade surpluses, the US, which suffers from a trade deficit, would leverage government-owned assets like federal land, mineral rights, and spectrum licenses. This process would generate capital for SWF investments in higher-yield holdings like stocks and cryptocurrencies.
“If implemented, this could be a major source of funding– the US has vast assets that, if leveraged, could provide trillions. For instance, revaluing gold could be one component, or issuing bonds secured by future federal revenues, etc. However, a leveraged SWF approach is risky: it’s akin to the government running a hedge fund – borrowing money (or using asset collateral) to buy volatile investments. If those investments like Bitcoin outperform the borrowing costs, the nation profits and debt burdens ease; if they underperform or crash, taxpayers could end up worse off having effectively socialized investment losses,” Voloder told BeInCrypto.
Voloder suggested the administration could fund the crypto reserve by issuing very 50-year or 100-year bonds. These could attract investors and lock in fixed-rate financing. While issuing new debt increases the overall debt, long-term bonds delay repayment. They could free up cash flow if foreign debt holders were persuaded to swap for zero-coupon bonds, potentially freeing up funds for the crypto reserve.
“From an optics perspective, century bonds could be framed as patriotic financing– asking allies or investors to help the US secure its financial future in exchange for a safe long- term instrument. But it might also be seen as a gimmick that only delays debt problems without solving them. Moreover, if tied to funding crypto, critics might argue it’s like trading long-term obligations for a speculative asset. In essence, century bonds could reduce the immediate fiscal pressure by cutting interest costs or spreading out impact, making it easier to justify spending on a reserve now, but they are not free money,” he said.
Another option is the creation of a US Infrastructure Fund (USIF).
The USIF Proposal
Strategists analyzing how to reduce the US’s massive fiscal deficit have proposed creating a USIF. This would allow Treasury bondholders to swap debt for infrastructure equity, reducing interest burdens and creating potential revenue streams, freeing up fiscal space.
USIF offers a dual benefit: infrastructure improvement and debt reduction. Success could indirectly justify allocating funds to a crypto reserve through generated dividends or savings. This approach signals a holistic debt strategy, restructuring obligations to improve the fiscal position and funding strategic investments.
“This is a more roundabout funding path, but it tries to be sustainable. It doesn’t rely on continuous taxpayer infusions, instead using economic growth and reallocated capital to support the reserve. The political benefit is that it sounds responsible – tying the reserve to infrastructure and debt reduction – but detractors might call it overly complicated or doubt its feasibility,” Voloder concluded.
While Voloder believes that there is not one solution to effectively fund a national strategic crypto reserve, different aspects of the various mechanisms he factored in can be employed to responsibly and strategically create a reserve that would have minimal impact on American taxpayers.
Voloder argues that no single solution can effectively fund a national strategic crypto reserve. He believes that combined aspects of various mechanisms can be leveraged to create a reserve responsibly and strategically.
The key, however, is not to fund the reserve using public money.
Minimizing Taxpayer Impact
Today, a critical political gap exists across the United States. Though the Republican Party holds a majority over the House and the Senate, this advantage is razor-thin. Furthermore, Trump does not count on absolute Republican approval over his crypto reserve agenda.
This reality requires careful policymaking, especially considering public opinion on crypto remains fundamentally divided.
Using an unpopular method to finance the acquisition of more crypto for a recently created fund could have unwanted effects on crypto enthusiasts’ long-term goals.
“Many Americans remain skeptical or don’t fully understand it, while a vocal minority are enthusiastic. If taxpayer money is used, those skeptical might react negatively. This could lead to backlash, protests, or demands to halt the program, especially if the crypto market experiences a downturn,” said Voloder, adding that “if one administration uses public money for the reserve, a future administration and especially of another party might reverse course – possibly even liquidating the reserve – if there’s enough public anger or if they view it as misguided.”
Given this reality, critics have already suggested that Trump’s crypto moves could be a payoff to industry backers. If actual taxpayer money is deployed, those critiques would amplify.
“Any hint that the reserve’s creation enriched certain investors or insiders would be a scandal. The conflict of interest angle is real – the Financial Times noted some Trump advisers have crypto investments, raising concerns that official decisions might benefit those insiders. Using public money in this space would demand extreme caution to avoid any appearance of self-dealing. If such allegations arise, it could tarnish the administration and erode trust in the program. Opponents would seize on any whiff of impropriety to attack the legitimacy of the reserve,” Voloder said.
Thus, the administration would also need to develop clear and ethical guidelines for pursuing a National Strategic Crypto Reserve.
HBAR noted a 20% rally during Wednesday’s intraday trading session. This double-digit gain was fueled by Nasdaq’s filing of a 19b-4 form with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to list and trade Grayscale’s spot HBAR exchange-traded fund (ETF).
However, the rally appears to be losing momentum. Market indicators suggest that bearish sentiment is strengthening, putting HBAR at risk of losing recent gains.
HBAR Faces Downward Pressure as Market Sentiment Turns Bearish
HBAR’s negative Balance of Power (BoP) reading indicates weakening buying pressure among its spot market participants. At press time, this indicator, which compares the strength of an asset’s bulls and bears, is below zero at -0.09.
When an asset’s BoP is negative, its sellers exert more control over price action. This suggests weakening buying pressure in the HBAR market and hints at a potential continuation of the bearish momentum.
Moreover, HBAR’s Long/Short ratio indicates an increasing dominance of short positions, confirming the bearish sentiment among its futures traders. As of this writing, this stands at 0.98.
The Long/Short ratio measures the proportion of long positions (bets on price increases) to short positions (bets on price declines) in the market. When the ratio is below 1, it indicates that short positions outnumber long positions. It highlights the bearish sentiment among HBAR holders and increases the downward pressure on its price.
HBAR’s Fate Hangs in the Balance
HBAR exchanges hands at $0.24 at press time. On the daily chart, it trades above support formed at $0.22. If bearish pressure gains momentum, this level may fail to hold. HBAR’s price could decline further to $0.17 if the bulls cannot defend this support level.
Conversely, a positive shift in market sentiment could prevent this. If new demand trickles into the market, HBAR’s price could breach resistance at $0.26 and rally toward $0.31.
BioNexus Gene Lab Corp, a Wyoming-based healthcare technology company, has become the first Nasdaq-listed company to adopt Ethereum (ETH) as its primary treasury asset.
The announcement was made on March 5. It was accompanied by the release of a strategic whitepaper detailing the company’s rationale for prioritizing Ethereum over Bitcoin (BTC).
“Ethereum offers high liquidity, utility, and stability compared to other digital assets, positioning BGLC as a leader in blockchain-integrated corporate finance,” CEO Sam Tan said.
The company’s whitepaper emphasizes the preference for Ethereum due to its broader utility, significant institutional adoption, and key features that make it ideal for corporate treasury management.
BioNexus also pointed to Ethereum’s institutional credibility. Major financial players like BlackRock, Grayscale, and Fidelity have embraced Ethereum. This lends it legitimacy, which the company believes will ensure its long-term viability.
With growing institutional adoption and real-world applications like tokenized assets and decentralized payments, the company believes Ethereum is set to lead the future of corporate finance.
“We believe Ethereum is more than a digital asset—it is a new financial paradigm. BGLC’s commitment to an Ethereum-first treasury strategy underscores our confidence in its stability, institutional growth, and transformative potential,” the whitepaper read.
Nonetheless, the move comes at a tumultuous time for Ethereum. ETH’s market performance has been shaky, with its value continuously declining since early December.
Over the past month alone, ETH has shed 15.8% of its gains. At press time, it traded at $2,293. As per BeInCrypto data, this represented a slight appreciation of 3.3% over the past day.
Meanwhile, Ethereum ETFs have also majorly recorded outflows since February 20, with the exception of March 4. According to data from SoSo Value, on March 5, the total outflows were recorded at $63.3 million. The outflow was from Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE). Furthermore, other ETFs saw no flows at all.
5 March 2025, San Francisco – Taiko, the first based rollup scaling Ethereum, is bringing together the brightest minds in Ethereum to discuss based rollups, the next phase in Ethereum scaling.
During Eth San Francisco week, this event will feature major cryptocurrency and Ethereum speakers, including Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, Professor Dan Boneh, Stanford University Cryptography Pioneer, and Tomas Stańczak, CEO of Netheremind and Co-Director of the Etherem Foundation.
“We are proud to be hosting this inaugural event at such a pivotal moment for Ethereum. The network has grown and developed significantly since its inception, and we are now entering a new phase of development. Being permissionless is no longer an option but rather is central to Ethereum’s long-term success. Based rollups are at the forefront of making a usable, permissionless, and adaptable Ethereum possible. The Based Rollup Summit represents the first dedicated gathering of those pioneering minds taking Ethereum even further,” said Joaquin Mendes, COO of Taiko.
The speaker list is filled with innovators building in the based rollup and scalability space, including Near Protocol, Netheremind, Succinct, Espreso Systems, Spire, and Puffer.
Those attending will be able to get up to speed with the based rollup ecosystem and experience full access to the Exploratorium’s exhibits, placing based rollups in the larger context of technological development.
Attendees can also expect to talk and interact with founders, developers, investors, and visionaries shaping the future of Layer 2 solutions, cryptocurrencies, and artificial intelligence. Teams including a16z, Near, Succint, Bankless, Puffer, Lubin, Fabric, Espresso Systems, L2IV, SNZ Holdings, Hashed, and Stanford Blockchain.
”From developers to investors to founders to enthusiasts, the Based Rollup Summit is the opportunity to be part of a defining moment in the evolution of Ethereum scaling solutions,” said Mendes.
