Bitcoin

In a significant move, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has officially included Bitcoin in its global financial tracking system. This comes just weeks after the IMF urged El Salvador to scale back its Bitcoin adoption. The shift highlights the growing role of cryptocurrencies in international finance, even as institutions remain cautious about fully embracing them. Bitcoin’s New Place in Global Finance On March 20, the IMF released the latest edition of its Balance of Payments Manual (BPM7), introducing a framework to track digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and even NFTs. This marks the first time that cryptocurrencies have been included in the global financial reporting system, which central banks and financial authorities use to monitor capital flows and trade balances. While the update doesn’t grant Bitcoin legal currency status, it establishes a structured way to measure its impact on the global economy. Until now, crypto transactions—estimated to be in the trillions—were inconsistently reported, making it difficult for regulators to assess their true economic significance. BPM7 categorizes Bitcoin as a non-produced, non-financial asset, placing it alongside natural resources like land and spectrum rights. Other digital assets are classified based on their function: stablecoins as financial instruments, Ethereum and XRP as equity-like holdings, and staking rewards as service income or investment returns. Bitcoin Reserves: U.S. and El Salvador Take Different Paths This shift comes at a time when both the United States and El Salvador are making bold moves with Bitcoin, but in very different ways. Why This Matters With Bitcoin now formally accounted for in global financial reporting, governments may face increased pressure to clarify their stance on crypto. Whether countries choose to regulate, adopt, or resist Bitcoin, they will now have to measure its impact using IMF-endorsed standards. This could influence how Bitcoin is treated in trade policies, taxation, and even diplomatic agreements in the years ahead.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has responded positively to a new regulatory proposal from CoinRegTech, a firm specializing in cryptocurrency market oversight. This move signals a growing effort to bring transparency, investor protection, and better supervision to the digital asset securities market. A Step Toward Stronger Crypto Regulations CoinRegTech’s proposal focuses on three key areas that could reshape how digital asset securities are regulated in the U.S.: Stronger Investor Protection – The proposal urges the SEC to enforce stricter structural requirements for crypto trading platforms. This would safeguard investors and provide a more secure environment for trading digital asset securities. Improved Transaction Reporting – CoinRegTech is pushing for updates to the Securities Exchange Act, ensuring better reporting standards for digital asset transactions. This would increase market transparency and improve supervision. The Digital Asset Electronic Reporting System (DART) – In a major development, CoinRegTech has suggested launching a joint reporting system with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). If implemented, DART would enhance regulatory oversight and bring greater accountability to crypto markets. SEC’s Response and What It Means for Crypto The SEC’s favorable reaction suggests that regulators acknowledge the need for clearer oversight instead of relying solely on enforcement actions. If these recommendations are implemented, they could lead to: ➡️ Stricter compliance requirements for crypto exchanges, making them operate more like traditional securities platforms.➡️ More legal clarity for companies working with digital assets.➡️ Greater transparency in the market, reducing the risk of fraud and manipulation. A Collaboration Between SEC and CFTC? One of the most significant aspects of the proposal is the call for greater cooperation between the SEC and the CFTC. These two agencies have long debated their roles in regulating digital assets—the SEC views many crypto tokens as securities, while the CFTC oversees Bitcoin and other digital commodities. The introduction of DART, a joint reporting system, could be a game changer by creating a more unified regulatory framework for crypto markets. The Future of Crypto Regulation With the SEC showing support for CoinRegTech’s proposal, the crypto industry may soon see a more structured and transparent regulatory environment. While tighter regulations could mean increased compliance costs for platforms, they could also help legitimize crypto as an asset class, attracting more institutional investors.

Pakistan is taking a bold step toward crypto adoption, with plans to use excess energy for Bitcoin mining as part of a broader push to attract foreign investment and establish itself as a key player in the global crypto market. Pakistan Crypto Council Proposes Bitcoin Mining Initiative At the inaugural meeting of Pakistan’s Crypto Council on March 21, CEO Bilal Bin Saqib proposed an innovative plan: utilizing surplus energy to mine Bitcoin (BTC). The meeting, attended by top government officials, financial regulators, and lawmakers, focused on shaping a regulatory framework for digital assets. “This is the beginning of a new digital chapter for our economy,” said Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, emphasizing the government’s commitment to building a transparent, forward-thinking financial ecosystem that encourages investment and empowers young entrepreneurs. A Major Shift in Pakistan’s Crypto Stance This marks a huge departure from Pakistan’s previous anti-crypto stance. In May 2023, then-Finance Minister Aisha Ghaus Pasha firmly stated that crypto would never be legalized due to anti-money laundering concerns raised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). However, a shift in global crypto policies, especially in the United States, appears to have influenced Pakistan’s new direction. Following the U.S. in Embracing Crypto On November 4, 2024, the same day as the U.S. elections, Pakistan moved to regulate cryptocurrencies as legal tender. The timing was significant, as President Donald Trump’s re-election brought a wave of pro-crypto policies in the U.S. Shortly after his January 20 inauguration, Trump signed an executive order establishing a Working Group on Digital Assets to explore comprehensive regulatory reform. By March 2025, he had also ordered the creation of a Bitcoin strategic reserve and a digital asset stockpile that could include cryptocurrencies developed by U.S.-based companies. What’s Next for Pakistan’s Crypto Industry? With Pakistan now embracing crypto and exploring Bitcoin mining, the country is positioning itself to tap into the booming digital asset market. By leveraging excess energy for mining, Pakistan could stabilize its power grid, attract foreign investment, and boost its economy—a major win for a country that previously had a skeptical stance on digital assets. Will This Move Make Pakistan a Global Crypto Leader? With this shift, Pakistan could join the ranks of nations actively integrating crypto into their financial systems. The success of this initiative will depend on clear regulations, international partnerships, and the government’s ability to navigate challenges like energy management and security concerns.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse believes XRP is on the verge of major breakthroughs, including its potential inclusion in a U.S. crypto reserve and the long-awaited approval of an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF). In a recent Bloomberg interview, Garlinghouse pointed to a key statement from President Donald Trump on Truth Social, where Trump revealed plans for a U.S. crypto stockpile featuring top digital assets beyond Bitcoin. Among the cryptocurrencies he mentioned? Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA). “My understanding is there will be a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve and a broader crypto stockpile that includes other digital assets. I fully expect XRP to be part of that,” Garlinghouse stated. Government-Held Crypto to Play a Role in Stockpile Garlinghouse explained that the stockpile would consist of seized digital assets accumulated by law enforcement agencies, including XRP. This means government-held XRP could soon become a formal part of U.S. financial reserves. But beyond that, Garlinghouse sees a major shift in U.S. regulatory attitudes, which he believes is paving the way for an XRP ETF. “For years, we couldn’t even get a meeting at the White House. Now, we’re welcomed,” he said, highlighting the changing landscape for crypto under the current administration. XRP ETF: Is Approval Around the Corner? Garlinghouse is highly optimistic that an XRP ETF will be approved soon, citing growing investor demand and 11 different filings currently awaiting SEC approval. “I have immense confidence in the ETF. If you look at investor interest, it’s clear that demand for XRP-backed products is only increasing,” he said. This momentum has only grown stronger following a major legal victory for Ripple. The SEC has officially dropped its appeal against Ripple, removing a key legal obstacle that has weighed on XRP for years. What’s Next for XRP? With regulatory hostility fading and government interest in crypto rising, XRP appears better positioned than ever to solidify its place in the U.S. financial system. If the U.S. crypto stockpile and ETF approvals move forward, XRP could see a significant surge in adoption and investment.

In a historic speech at a major crypto summit, former U.S. President Donald Trump made a bold declaration—America will not only maintain the dominance of the US dollar but will also become a global leader in cryptocurrency. Speaking to a packed audience of investors, policymakers, and blockchain experts, Trump emphasized that the United States must embrace crypto innovation while ensuring the dollar remains the world’s top currency. “We will make America the number one crypto superpower, while keeping the US dollar stronger than ever,” he stated. Balancing Traditional Finance with the Future of Crypto Trump’s speech marked a major shift from past skepticism in Washington toward digital assets. While some policymakers have pushed for stricter regulations, Trump signaled a pro-business approach that encourages growth in the sector. He acknowledged the rapid expansion of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, stressing that the U.S. cannot afford to fall behind. “Other countries are moving forward, and we will not sit back. We will lead,” he declared, pointing to Bitcoin ETFs, stablecoin regulations, and blockchain adoption as key areas for expansion. A Turning Point for U.S. Crypto Policy? Trump’s commitment to crypto-friendly policies could mean significant changes for the industry, including clearer regulations, institutional adoption, and government-backed blockchain initiatives. His remarks were met with excitement from the crypto community, with many seeing this as a turning point for mainstream acceptance of digital assets in the U.S. financial system. With Trump backing crypto on a national stage, the question now is: Will the U.S. embrace blockchain innovation and take the lead in the digital economy?