Standard Chartered has been appointed as the digital asset custodian and settlement agent for TP ICAP’s Fusion Digital Assets platform, deepening the collaboration first announced in October 2024. 

The move supports TP ICAP as it expands matched-principal trading in spot crypto assets, marking a major operational step for both firms.

Fusion Digital Assets, operated by TP ICAP E&C Limited and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority for crypto-asset activities, allows institutional clients to trade digital assets on a UK-regulated exchange. 

Through the new arrangement, shared clients can access Standard Chartered’s regulated digital asset custody services…

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Shares of Strategy, Inc. (MSTR) jumped 12.3% to $148.94 on Wednesday, marking a sharp rebound for the Bitcoin proxy after months of losses. 

Coinbase Global (COIN) rose 16.2% to $211.84, extending its recent rally, while Robinhood Markets (HOOD) gained 8.5% to $82.50. 

The moves comes as Bitcoin surged past $73,000 this morning, hitting a one-month high after recovering from six straight weekly losses and five months of declines.

The rebound came as traders covered bearish bets and adjusted positions, following heavy shorting amid fears of an escalating conflict in Iran.

Bitcoin mining and crypto services stocks also advanced. Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) climbed 15%…

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President Donald Trump met privately on Tuesday with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke with Politico. 

The meeting occurred shortly before Trump publicly criticized banks for blocking progress on a cryptocurrency market structure bill, aligning with Coinbase’s position in an ongoing policy dispute.

Trump posted on Truth Social that banks “need to make a good deal with the Crypto Industry” to advance digital asset legislation. He said a recently passed crypto law, the GENIUS Act, “is being threatened and undermined by the Banks, and that is unacceptable,” echoing concerns raised by Coinbase.

Neither Coinbase nor…

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Bitcoin soared over $72,000 this morning, reaching a one-month high as institutional demand and technical positioning supported the market amid ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. 

The bitcoin price has recovered from recent lows following six straight weekly losses and five consecutive months of declines.

Yesterday, the Bitcoin price approached $70,000 but did not surpass it. During Asian trading hours on March 4, it broke through that threshold.

Market participants said the rebound reflected traders covering bearish bets and adjusting positions rather than fresh bullish demand. Many had built heavy short positions on fears the Iran conflict would… Read more on BitcoinMagazine

Morgan Stanley has tapped Coinbase and BNY Mellon to serve key custody and administrative roles for its proposed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund, according to an amended registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The filing for the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust outlines a structure in which Coinbase Custody Trust Company and BNY will act as bitcoin custodians, responsible for safeguarding the fund’s digital assets and facilitating transfers tied to share creations and redemptions. 

BNY will also serve as administrator, transfer agent and cash custodian, overseeing accounting, shareholder records and cash management for the trust.

The…

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Crypto took a step toward deeper integration with the U.S. financial system after Kraken secured access to the Federal Reserve’s core payment infrastructure, becoming the first crypto-native firm to operate on the same rails as traditional banks and credit unions.

Kraken’s banking arm, Kraken Financial, received approval for a so-called master account from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, according to company statements.

The account grants direct entry into the Fed’s payment systems, including Fedwire, a real-time gross settlement network that processes trillions of dollars in transfers each day.

The approval allows Kraken Financial to settle dollar payments…

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