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.
Trading activity has surged as the crypto market gears up for Friday’s White House Crypto Summit. Over the past 24 hours, the total crypto market cap has added $127 billion.
With renewed market interest, several altcoins are gaining investors’ attention today, including Ondo (ONDO), Toncoin (TON), and Bittensor (TAO).
Ondo (ONDO)
RWA-token ONDO is one of today’s trending altcoins. It trades at $1.16 at press time, noting a 15% uptick over the past 24 hours.
On its daily chart, readings from its Elder-Ray Index reflect the bullis bias toward the altcoin. This indicator, which compares the strength of bulls against the bears, is above zero at 0.14.
When an asset’s Elder-Ray Index is positive, its bulls control the market. This indicates that buying pressure is stronger than selling pressure among ONDO holders. It also hints at a potential uptrend continuation as demand pushes the price higher.
If demand continues to soar, ONDO’s price could rally past its immediate resistance at $1.23 to trade at $1.57.
On the other hand, a resurgence in selloffs would invalidate this bullish projection. In that case, ONDO’s price could fall to $1.03.
Toncoin (TON)
Telegram-linked TON is another altcoin trending today. Interestingly, it has bucked the broader market uptrend to record a 0.14% price decline over the past day.
During this review period, its daily trading volume is also down 35%, reflecting the high selling pressure among TON holders. When an asset’s price and trading volume drop simultaneously, it suggests weakening market interest and reduced participation from buyers and sellers.
The trend indicates a loss of momentum in the TON market and hints at more price dips if demand continues to decline. In this scenario, the altcoin’s price could plummet to $2.82. If the bulls cannot defend this level, its price could drop to $2.18.
However, if sentiment becomes bullish and TON demand rockets, its price could reach $3.63.
Bittensor (TAO)
The leading artificial intelligence-based token, TAO, is among today’s most searched altcoins. Amid the general market uptick, its value has also dropped by 1%.
At press time, TAO trades at $289.70, significantly below its Super Trend indicator, which forms dynamic resistance above its price at $414.10.
This indicator measures the direction and strength of an asset’s price trend. It appears as a line on the price chart, changing color based on the current market trend. When green, the market is in an uptrend, while red signals a downtrend.
As with TAO, when an asset’s price trades below the red line of its Super Trend indicator, it is in a bearish trend. This signals that selloffs outweigh buying activity among its market participants. If this continues, TAO’s price could fall to $234.
Ethereum has recorded spot inflows for the first time in 10 days. This signals a resurgence in investor confidence ahead of the highly anticipated White House Crypto Summit scheduled for March 7.
At press time, ETH trades at $2,290, noting a 4% price hike in the past 24 hours. With growing bullish pressure in the broader market ahead of the meeting, the altcoin might extend its gains in the short term.
ETH Sees $20 Million Spot Inflows After 10-Day Outflow Streak
According to Coinglass, ETH’s spot inflows totaled $20 million on Thursday. This comes after the leading altcoin witnessed 10 consecutive days of fund outflows from its spot markets, exceeding $600 million.
When an asset that previously recorded significant outflows begins to record inflows, it indicates a shift in investor sentiment. It means that renewed buying interest is replacing prior selling pressure. ETH’s spot inflows indicate a rise in demand for the asset, as buyers are willing to acquire it at the current market price, positioning it for further upside.
In addition, Ethereum’s open interest is also climbing, indicating a surge in trading activity. At press time, this is at $20 billion, increasing by 4% over the past 24 hours.
An asset’s open interest measures the total number of outstanding derivative contracts, such as futures or options, that have not been settled. ETH’s rising open interest reflects increased market participation and capital inflows into its futures market, reinforcing the current bullish trend.
Ethereum Eyes $2,361 as Indicator Confirms Growing Buying Pressure
On the daily chart, readings from ETH’s Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) reflect the growing demand for the coin ahead of Friday’s Crypto Summit. As of this writing, the coin’s MACD line (blue) is poised to climb above the signal line (orange).
When this momentum indicator is set up this way, it suggests a potential bullish crossover as upward momentum strengthens. This is seen as a buy signal, increasing the possibility of further price rallies. If ETH’s demand grows, its price could reach $2,361.
The total crypto market cap (TOTAL) has recovered slightly as Bitcoin (BTC) helped the altcoins pull up as well. Ondo (ONDO) emerged as the leader of the crypto tokens, rising by 23% in the last 24 hours.
In the news today:-
CFTC acting chair Caroline Pham revealed that the CFTC and SEC are in talks for further collaboration on digital asset regulation. Both agencies aim to enhance their joint efforts for the benefit of the public and the market.
Bitwise has filed to create an Aptos ETF, leveraging the recent Delaware Trust application. Despite the SEC’s high volume of ETF applications, the filings have sparked bullish momentum for Aptos.
The Crypto Market Moves Up
The total crypto market cap surged by $127 billion over the last 24 hours, reaching $2.95 trillion. This brings it closer to the key resistance level of $3.00 trillion. The rise in market cap signals positive sentiment, depending on broader market cues.
The recent decline in volatility has helped cool the market, allowing for a period of consolidation. This reduced volatility provides the crypto market with room to grow. If TOTAL manages to break through the $3.00 trillion resistance and convert it into support, further upward movement toward $3.09 trillion is possible.
Total Crypto Market Cap Analysis. Source: TradingView
However, should the crypto market cap fail to breach the $3.00 trillion mark, it may struggle to gain traction. Falling through the support at $2.93 trillion could lead to a correction, erasing some of the recent gains.
Bitcoin Is Close To Claiming Key Support
Bitcoin is currently trading at $91,717, just under the key resistance level of $92,005. The altcoin is attempting to continue its uptrend, with the next major hurdle at $93,625. If it successfully breaches this level, Bitcoin could experience significant gains, attracting further investor interest in the short term.
The price of Bitcoin is poised for a potential rise, depending on investor behavior. If the selling pressure remains low after $92,005 is surpassed, Bitcoin could breach $93,625 and flip it into support. This would provide strong momentum, pushing the price further towards $95,761 and boosting market sentiment.
However, the bullish outlook could be invalidated if Bitcoin fails to maintain its momentum. A lack of buying pressure could lead to a decline below the support at $89,800, which could trigger a further drop to $87,041.
Ondo Jumps Massively
ONDO price has surged by 24% in the last 24 hours, trading at $1.19 after breaching the key resistance of $1.10. With strong buying pressure, the altcoin is now targeting the next major resistance level at $1.27, signaling a potential continuation of the upward momentum in the short term.
To continue its uptrend, ONDO will need strong inflows. If the altcoin successfully flips $1.27 into support, it could see further growth, reaching the $1.48 target. This upward momentum is contingent on sustained investor interest and the ability to maintain support levels for continued price action.
However, sharp selling could reverse the positive trend. If ONDO loses the support of $1.10, it could face a decline, testing lower support levels like $0.96. This potential drop would invalidate the bullish thesis, erasing recent gains and jeopardizing the altcoin’s recovery.
Asset Manager Canary Capital has filed an S-1 registration statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch an exchange-traded fund (ETF) tied to Axelar (AXL).
This marks the first-ever filing for AXL, the native cryptocurrency that powers the Axelar Network, setting the stage for the token’s institutional adoption.
Canary Capital Files for AXL ETF
The filing, which was submitted on March 5, outlines that the fund’s net asset value (NAV) will be calculated based on the price of AXL. However, specifics regarding the exchange where the ETF will be listed, its ticker symbol, and the custodian remain unspecified.
The proposed ETF builds on Canary Capital’s earlier efforts to bring Axelar to institutional investors. On February 19, the firm launched the Canary AXL Trust. The trust was Canary Capital’s first step into structured AXL offerings, and the ETF filing represents an extension of this effort.
“With Axelar driving some of the most advanced interoperability solutions in Web3, we see in AXL a significant opportunity for institutional investors to gain exposure to the technology underpinning next-generation blockchain connectivity,” Canary Capital’s CEO Steven McClurg said.
The news of the filing had an immediate impact on the market. AXL’s price jumped 14.3%, reaching $0.44.
Trading volume also spiked to $35.7 million. This marked a 131.8% increase from the previous day. With a market capitalization of $405.5 million, Axelar currently ranks 174 on CoinGecko.
Crypto ETFs Under Donald Trump: Opportunity or Bubble?
Canary Capital’s filing comes amid a broader surge in cryptocurrency ETF applications in the US, a trend that has accelerated since Donald Trump took office. According to Kaiko Research, more than 45 crypto ETF filings are currently pending SEC approval.
Nonetheless, according to Kaiko Research, market depth, concentration, and trading structure present significant obstacles for non-BTC/ETH ETFs. Many altcoins associated with ETF applications suffer from shallow liquidity, making them more susceptible to price manipulation and volatility.
Additionally, most trading activity for these assets occurs on offshore platforms, creating transparency and regulatory oversight issues. The lack of sufficient USD trading pairs for certain assets further complicates their inclusion in ETFs, as these pairs are essential for accurate ETF valuations. Furthermore, the absence of regulated futures markets for many cryptocurrencies limits available trading strategies.
“All of these factors could limit the demand for more crypto-related ETFs going forward. While approval processes might change, market dynamics still have to catch up,” Kaiko noted.
For now, AXL has been added to a growing list of crypto ETF filings. However, its success—and that of similar ETFs—remains to be seen.