This article summarizes cryptocurrency news as of March 26, 2026, focusing on the latest Bitcoin updates, Ethereum upgrades, Dogecoin trends, real-time crypto prices, and price forecasts. Major Web3 events today include:
- MrBeast Acquires Teen Crypto App Step Under Congressional Scrutiny
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has asked Jimmy Donaldson (aka MrBeast) and Jeff Housenbold, CEO of Beast Industries, to explain the reasons behind their acquisition of the crypto investment app Step targeting minors. The app previously provided scripts guiding teens to persuade parents to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies, raising regulatory concerns.
Step claims to have about 7 million users and, in 2022, offered crypto trading services for minors through Zero Hash LLC, allowing purchases of Bitcoin, over 50 other tokens, and NFTs with parental or guardian consent. While Step states its investments are educational, the scripts and toolkits have been criticized for potentially bypassing parental approval, posing compliance risks.
After MrBeast’s acquisition of Step in February 2026, most videos on the app’s YouTube account have been set to private, but cached data shows that teen investment scripts were accessible until December 2024. Bitmine’s Ethereum company assisted with the acquisition, which was completed after Beast Industries secured $200 million in funding from Bitmine. However, Bitmine previously suffered losses on Ethereum investments, even exceeding FTX customer losses.
MrBeast’s YouTube channel has over 470 million subscribers, with about 39% aged 13-17, indicating a predominantly young audience. This has heightened concerns about the risks of crypto investments among minors. By the end of 2025, Beast Holdings LLC filed for trademarks related to MrBeast Financial, covering crypto trading and decentralized exchange services.
Senator Warren has asked Donaldson to respond by April 3, 2026, explaining why the Step acquisition involved minors’ crypto investments and what compliance measures are in place. Analysts suggest this review could influence regulations on apps targeting youth and highlight the industry’s challenge in balancing protection and educational investment.
- Bo Shen, Founder of Distributed Capital: Lost $42M in 2022 Wallet Hack, Offering 10-20% Bounty for Clues
Bo Shen, founder of Distributed Capital, posted on social media seeking clues related to his personal wallet hack and announced a bounty program. Shen stated his wallet was hacked in November 2022, resulting in approximately $42 million in losses. Over the past three years, his team has continued tracking the case and has uncovered more key clues and evidence, with the on-chain flow of stolen assets becoming clearer. The bounty is open to individuals and institutions without restrictions on identity or background. Those who make substantial contributions to asset recovery will receive a reward of 10-20% of the recovered amount, depending on their contribution.
- Cross-border payments firm Tazapay completes $36M Series B funding, led by Circle Ventures
Singapore-based cross-border payment company Tazapay has completed a Series B funding round totaling $36 million, led by Circle Ventures. New investors include CMT Digital and a crypto investment firm, joining existing backers such as Ripple, Norinchukin Capital, ARC180, and RTP Global. Tazapay aims to build infrastructure for cross-border transactions, holding licenses or registrations in Singapore, Canada, Australia, and the U.S., and applying for licenses in the UAE, EU, and Hong Kong. The funds will be used to obtain more regulatory licenses and develop automated payment products.
- Pi Network Announces v23 Roadmap: Smart Contracts and Node Ecosystem Focus
Pi Network has disclosed a phased plan to upgrade nodes to version 23, outlining key technical milestones over the coming months. Version 21.2 is scheduled for full deployment by April 22, 2026, followed by version 22.1 on May 18, with the goal of completing version 23.0 within weeks. This roadmap provides clearer expectations for node operators and community users, indicating a move toward a more systematic development process. The focus is on enabling smart contract functionality, which is central to blockchain applications, supporting decentralized apps for payments, asset management, and services. Pi has completed the protocol transition to version 20, with subsequent versions filling out feature modules to evolve from a basic transfer system to an application platform.
Node infrastructure will also improve, offering operators better tools and autonomy to enhance network stability and decentralization. Pi is advancing open-source strategies, planning to gradually open source code and development environments to attract more developers. Community feedback remains cautiously optimistic; while the phased plans signal acceleration, past delays cause some to remain cautious. The progress will be judged by adherence to timelines.
Pi is also increasing external exposure, participating in events like Consensus 2026 and exploring AI and Web3 integration. The coming months are critical; if upgrades proceed smoothly, Pi’s ecosystem could enter a new growth phase.
- Texas Court Dismisses Crypto Software Liability Case: Uncertain Regulation for Non-Custodial Developers
In March 2026, a U.S. Texas federal court dismissed a key lawsuit filed by developer Michael Lewellen, which aimed to confirm that his crypto software is not subject to U.S. remittance laws. This highlights ongoing ambiguity around the legal boundaries for non-custodial crypto tools.
The case involved Lewellen’s Pharos tool, used for charitable crowdfunding. Judge Reed O’Connor stated that the plaintiff failed to demonstrate an “imminent threat of prosecution,” thus lacking a concrete basis for the lawsuit. The dismissal is not final; Lewellen can refile with additional evidence. The court cited a DOJ memo indicating that federal prosecutors generally do not pursue enforcement against virtual currency service providers, including exchanges, mixers, and non-custodial wallet developers, even if their activities border on regulation. Lewellen argues that such non-binding documents cannot replace clear legislation and do not provide long-term legal protection.
He also referenced cases like Tornado Cash and Samourai Wallet, where developers faced criminal charges, to illustrate real industry risks. Judge O’Connor emphasized that those cases involved money laundering, whereas this case concerns commercial operations, with different legal bases.
Coin Center, supporting the lawsuit, notes significant regulatory uncertainty for software developers. Executive Director Peter Van Valkenburgh urges Congress to pass the “2026 Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act” proposed by Cynthia Lummis, clarifying that non-custodial developers who do not control user assets should not be considered remittance providers.
While not establishing a binding precedent, the case signals that in the U.S., the boundary between crypto software development and financial regulation remains evolving, with legislative progress being a key factor.
- Swan Bitcoin Lawsuit Escalates: Tether Mining Dispute Draws in Cantor Fitzgerald and Howard Lutnick
A complex dispute in U.S. Bitcoin mining has escalated. Swan Bitcoin has filed a discovery request in the Southern District of New York to subpoena Cantor Fitzgerald and its former CEO, now U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, to obtain key evidence related to stablecoin issuer Tether. This move shifts the case from a corporate breakup to a broader issue involving financial and regulatory relationships.
The core involves Swan Bitcoin and Tether’s joint Bitcoin mining venture, 2040 Energy. Documents show that the relationship broke down mid-2024, with Swan accusing executives Raphael Zagury and Zachary Lyons of colluding with Tether through resignations and data leaks to weaken Swan’s control. Several employees left and formed new entities to take over operations, and assets were sold to Tether-affiliated companies at allegedly undervalued prices.
Cantor Fitzgerald and Lutnick are also implicated. Before the conflict, Giancarlo Devasini reportedly introduced Swan management to Lutnick to discuss a potential IPO. Swan provided sensitive operational data to Cantor, but contact was abruptly cut after key events. Subsequently, Cantor is accused of engaging in multiple financial transactions related to Tether, raising further questions about its role.
The documents also mention potential financial and interest connections, including trust structures and financing arrangements, suggesting deeper capital relationships. Although Tether denies misconduct, whether the court approves the discovery request will determine if Swan can access critical communications.
The case remains in early stages but could significantly impact Bitcoin mining partnerships, stablecoin ecosystems, and institutional compliance paths.
- Fidelity and Ondo Launch 5 Tokenized ETFs, Enabling 24/7 On-Chain Trading
Fidelity and Ondo Finance have partnered to tokenize five ETFs and list them on blockchain, enabling round-the-clock trading via crypto wallets. This breaks traditional market trading hours and promotes the migration of real-world assets (RWA) onto blockchain.
The ETFs include growth stocks, income equities, high-yield bonds, and gold, specifically: Franklin Focused Growth ETF, Franklin Income Equity Focus ETF, Franklin High Yield Corporate ETF, Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF, and Franklin US Large Cap Multifactor Index ETF. These assets are accessible through Ondo’s platform.
Initially, the tokenized ETFs will target Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Latin America. Fidelity notes that U.S. market entry depends on regulatory clarity for on-chain fund distribution, making U.S. policy a key factor.
Ondo is a leader in tokenized stocks, managing over 260 on-chain assets worth nearly $2.7 billion, with a user base nearing 87,000 addresses and over $2.4 billion in monthly on-chain transfers. The positive market response has seen ONDO’s price rise nearly 6% in 24 hours, outperforming the broader market. The trend indicates traditional asset managers integrating more with on-chain protocols, transforming ETF, stock, and commodity trading. As more assets are tokenized, blockchain infrastructure’s importance will grow.
- Google Sets 2029 Quantum Encryption Migration Timeline, Blockchain Security at a Crossroads
In March 2026, Google announced its post-quantum cryptography (PQC) migration schedule, aiming to complete critical system upgrades by 2029. This marks a clear step in addressing quantum computing threats and provides a timeline for global digital infrastructure.
Google cites three key technological advances: improved quantum hardware, breakthroughs in quantum error correction, and reassessment of quantum algorithm resource needs. As these mature, traditional encryption risks are being re-evaluated, especially the “store now, decrypt later” threat, where attackers pre-collect data to decrypt with future quantum capabilities.
The company prioritizes transitioning authentication systems to PQC, emphasizing the urgency of upgrading digital signatures. They believe that compromising identity verification poses a more immediate systemic risk than data encryption itself. Engineering teams are deploying quantum-resistant signature algorithms first.
Android 17 is integrating post-quantum digital signatures based on ML-DSA, standardized by NIST, as part of this effort. Chrome and cloud services are also advancing PQC compatibility, building a comprehensive quantum-resistant security framework.
This progress is highly relevant for blockchain. Major chains like Ethereum are planning long-term upgrades, targeting around 2029. While the quantum threat remains years away, early industry action indicates a new phase in cryptographic security. In the coming years, focus on quantum-resistant encryption, on-chain asset security, and digital identity will accelerate.
- U.S. Charges Two Chinese Pharmaceutical Companies and Six Citizens for Fentanyl Trafficking and Money Laundering via Cryptocurrency
In Ohio, a federal grand jury has indicted two Chinese pharmaceutical firms—Shandong Believe Chemical and Shandong Ranhang Biotechnology—and six Chinese nationals. Prosecutors allege they sold substances, including dexmedetomidine, as fentanyl diluents, instructing clients to pay via controlled crypto wallets, with funds layered through overseas financial institutions. The case is part of FBI’s Operation Box Cutter. Three defendants are also accused of providing material support to a Mexican drug cartel designated as a foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, they face life imprisonment for drug trafficking and up to 20 years for money laundering and terrorism charges.
- U.S. Moves to Ban Politicians from Participating in Prediction Markets, Raising Insider Trading Concerns
U.S. lawmakers are pushing legislation to prohibit presidents, members of Congress, and senior officials from participating in prediction markets. The bill, called the “PREDICT Act,” jointly proposed by Adrian Smith and Nikki Budzinski, aims to curb insider trading and leverage of policy-sensitive information.
Budzinski notes recent cases where traders profited from bets on Iran conflicts, government shutdowns, and other sensitive events, raising concerns over information asymmetry. The bill would restrict top officials and their spouses and dependents from trading prediction contracts. Violators could face fines up to 10% of the contract value and be required to turn over all profits to the U.S. Treasury. The goal is to close regulatory gaps and prevent policymakers from profiting from inside information.
Regulators are also increasing scrutiny of prediction markets. Investigations are underway into the legality of contracts related to politics, sports, and war. Over 10 states have filed or are preparing lawsuits against platforms, questioning whether these products constitute illegal gambling.
Additionally, John Curtis and Adam Schiff have proposed a bill to ban similar sports-betting style prediction contracts under regulation, criticizing lax oversight. As policy pressure mounts, platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are tightening rules, restricting participation.
Experts see this as an effort to balance innovative finance tools with market fairness, likely leading to stricter regulation and affecting capital flows and activity in the sector.
- Nvidia Class Action Approved, Accused of Concealing Over $1 Billion in Crypto Mining GPU Revenue
Federal Judge Haywood S. Gilliam Jr. approved a class-action lawsuit against Nvidia and CEO Jensen Huang. Plaintiffs allege Nvidia concealed its dependence on crypto mining demand for gaming GPUs during 2017-2018. The court found Nvidia failed to prove that statements about crypto mining revenue did not impact stock prices, allowing the case to proceed as a class action. Plaintiffs claim Nvidia included over $1 billion in GPU sales related to mining within its gaming segment, deliberately downplaying the crypto market’s influence and exposing investors to risks from crypto cycle fluctuations. The SEC had previously fined Nvidia $5.5 million in 2022 for disclosure violations.
- White House Approves Rule to Include Crypto in 401(k) Retirement Plans, Opening $10 Trillion Market
The White House has completed regulatory review of a proposed rule to amend U.S. 401(k) retirement plans, paving the way for crypto assets to be included as investment options. If finalized, the rule would revise ERISA guidelines to allow plan trustees to include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets, as well as private equity, in participant-directed plans.
The proposal stems from an executive order signed last year by President Trump, urging the Department of Labor to promote alternative assets in retirement plans. Other agencies like the SEC and Treasury are exploring digital assets’ inclusion. The White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) considers the rule “economically significant,” triggering additional analysis under Executive Order 12866, especially if it impacts the economy by over $200 million annually.
The final deadline for the rule is not yet set, but its issuance could significantly boost institutional crypto investment. U.S. retirement savings hit record highs; Fidelity reports that in Q3 2025, the average 401(k) balance was $144,400, up 9%, and IRA balances averaged $137,902, up 7%. Industry experts believe that if enacted, the rule would expand access to digital assets for long-term retirement portfolios, marking a major shift in traditional finance and potentially transforming asset allocation strategies.
- Goldman Sachs Holds Over $152 Million in XRP Spot ETFs, Remains Largest Institutional Holder
According to a 13F filing with the SEC, Goldman Sachs holds over $152 million across four spot XRP ETFs, maintaining its position as the largest institutional holder. The firm owns about 2 million shares of 21Shares XRP ETF (worth ~$35.9M), approximately 1.94 million shares of Bitwise XRP ETF (~$39.8M), about 1.93 million shares of Franklin Templeton XRPZ (~$38.5M), and roughly 1.07 million shares of Grayscale GXRP (~$37.96M).
As of Q1 2026, Goldman’s net holdings in spot XRP ETFs total $152 million. Major competitors include Millennium Management, Logan Stone Capital, Citadel Advisors, and Jane Street Group. Despite recent market pressures, XRP spot ETFs saw net inflows of $1.26 billion, bringing total assets under management to about $996 million, with Goldman’s clients holding most positions.
On the same day, XRP price fell over 2.5% to $1.38, trading between $1.38 and $1.43 over 24 hours, with volume down about 10%. Market interest waned ahead of quarterly options expiry. Meanwhile, Ripple’s partnership with the Singapore central bank to pilot using RLUSD for cross-border trade has caused XRP futures open interest to rise about 1.62%, reaching $2.53, indicating some bullish activity.
Goldman has not disclosed whether it increased or decreased holdings in Q1; details are expected in the mid-May quarterly report. Analysts see Goldman’s continued large holdings as cautious optimism about XRP’s role in cross-border payments and enterprise use cases.
- CoinShares Reports: 20% of Global Bitcoin Miners Near Loss Threshold
CoinShares’ Q1 2026 Bitcoin mining report shows miners worldwide are under significant profit pressure, with about 15-20% operating at a loss. The hash price fell to around $28 per PH/s/day in February, the lowest since the halving, before rebounding to about $33, still near five-year lows.
Analysis indicates that profitability issues mainly affect older hardware and high-cost electricity miners. Mid-range miners with older equipment are close to breakeven at typical industrial electricity rates, while newer miners maintain higher margins. Falling Bitcoin prices, rising network difficulty, and weak transaction fees have squeezed revenues.
Network data shows signs of stress: on March 20, mining difficulty dropped about 7.7%, the largest decrease this year, easing some pressure on remaining miners. James Butterfill, CoinShares’ head of research, warns that if Bitcoin stays below $80,000 for the rest of 2026, hash prices could decline further. However, as unprofitable miners exit, overall hash rate may stabilize.
The report emphasizes this downturn is not just cyclical but structural, reducing miners’ survival space. Only those with efficient hardware or low-cost power can remain profitable. Prolonged low margins may force some mining operations to shut down, impacting global hash distribution and network stability.
In a bearish market, miners must evaluate electricity costs and hardware efficiency to sustain operations, monitoring hash prices and transaction fees to ensure business viability.
- Solana Executive Predicts 99% of On-Chain Transactions Will Be AI-Driven Within Two Years
Vibhu Norby, head of product strategy and AI applications at Solana Foundation, predicts that within two years, nearly all on-chain transactions will be executed by AI agents, bots, and large language model-based trading products, rather than manual user actions. Norby states that user interfaces are deeply integrating with natural language, and future transactions may be fully automated.
As of February 2026, Solana’s AI agents have completed millions of pay-per-use micro-transactions, illustrating a shift toward automated, programmatic digital economy. Norby claims “at least 65% of proxy payments are done via x402 protocol,” emphasizing resource-based payments over traditional subscriptions or one-time fees.
To accelerate this transition, Solana has built AI-ready infrastructure, including developer platforms with APIs for payments, tokenized assets, and compliance tools, integrated with companies like Mastercard and Western Union. Solana is also the first major blockchain to provide machine-readable skill files on its website, enabling AI agents to autonomously create wallets, execute transactions, and interact with on-chain programs without human intervention.
The ecosystem is rapidly expanding; open-source toolkit ElizaOS, designed for building on-chain AI agents, has over 17,600 stars on GitHub, becoming a popular project at the intersection of crypto and AI. By February 2026, the Virtuals Protocol ecosystem reports that autonomous agents have completed 1.78 million tasks, marking rapid growth in AI-driven on-chain economy.
Industry leaders like Brian Armstrong believe that crypto trading will increasingly be dominated by AI agents, with companies leveraging AgentKit and x402 technology. As infrastructure matures, AI agents are poised to reshape on-chain trading, digital asset management, and decentralized payments.
