SAND in downtrend at critical supports; bearish risk high, long R/R unfavorable. BTC correlation and volatility expansions carry capital erosion risk – protect with 1% risk limit.
Jane Street is one of the biggest buyers and holders of IBIT shares. The exposure to BlackRock’s ETF, however, is not necessarily a bullish position. Jane Street, the global trading firm and one of the biggest global market makers, is among the most active buyers and holders of IBIT shares. The latest 13-F filings show Jane Street increased its position by 53.78%, holding 20.3M shares valued at $1B. The position has sparked speculation that Jane Street may be long on BTC and accumulates IBIT for exposure. Paradoxically, Jane Street has also been accused of suppressing the BTC price to achieve accumulation at a lower range. Are Jane Street’s holdings bullish? IBIT’s holdings should not be seen as a bullish bet on BTC. In the past, Jane Street has increased positions in BTC mining firms , ahead of the AI boom, leading to the conviction that the trading firm is making a bet on BTC and the crypto market. The IBIT inventory may be used to back positions that make use of the volatility and sharp downturns of crypto. In this case, the quant trading firm employs much more sophisticated strategies, rather than just buying BTC exposure and waiting for a rally. Jane Street has also been mentioned in the narrative that BTC has been deliberately suppressed, which includes daily selling from unknown entities. The daily pattern of selling when the US markets open has led to suspicions that a large fund may be suppressing BTC. At this point, it remains unknown who the biggest sellers are, and the crypto market has seen multiple rumors that market makers dump BTC to liquidate leveraged positions. However, Jane Street may not be deliberately suppressing BTC, but instead acting in its best interest, and being able to benefit from the ongoing market slide. Jane Street also increased MSTR holdings Jane Street has also increased its holdings of MSTR common stock, once again raising the question of whether it was making a directional bet. Jane Street increased its MSTR holdings by 16.23% in February. Jane Street decreased its exposure to MSTR put and call positions, but boosted MSTR holdings by 473% in the last quarter, holding 951,000 shares valued at about $124M. Once again, the position does not indicate a bullish expectation for Strategy , and may be simply inventory management. The positions of Jane Street have come under scrutiny, as the company is the target of a lawsuit. Terraform Labs claims Jane Street traded on insider information, exacerbating the de-pegging of UST and precipitating the unraveling of Terra (LUNA). Allegedly, Jane Street gained information from Terraform insiders and was able to sell before the depegging event, leaving retail and other investors to absorb the losses. The positions of Jane Street also raise the issue of mainstream funds operating in crypto, potentially being able to sway the market and leave retail holders with major losses. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
The SEC granted WisdomTree’s digital fund an exemption for stable-value, intraday trading. This move aligns digital asset funds with traditional valuation practices and transfer mechanisms. Continue Reading: SEC Grants Pricing Flexibility to WisdomTree’s Digital Treasury Fund The post SEC Grants Pricing Flexibility to WisdomTree’s Digital Treasury Fund appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
BitcoinWorld Empery Digital Bitcoin Sale Demand: Major Shareholder’s Explosive Ultimatum Shakes Corporate Crypto Strategy In a dramatic corporate confrontation shaking the cryptocurrency investment landscape, a significant Empery Digital shareholder has demanded the immediate sale of the company’s entire Bitcoin portfolio. Tice P. Brown, holding a substantial 9% stake in the Nasdaq-listed firm, issued this explosive ultimatum directly to the board of directors on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. This demand represents a critical test for corporate Bitcoin adoption strategies and highlights growing tensions between traditional shareholder interests and cryptocurrency investment philosophies. Empery Digital Bitcoin Sale Demand Sparks Corporate Governance Crisis The shareholder’s demand for an Empery Digital Bitcoin sale follows a rejected buyout offer from company management. Brown characterized the proposal to acquire his shares as insulting and self-serving. Consequently, he now calls for sweeping corporate changes beyond just the cryptocurrency divestment. Specifically, his demands include the immediate resignation of CEO Michael Recca, complete board replacement, liquidation of all Bitcoin assets, and distribution of proceeds to shareholders. This confrontation emerges as Empery Digital continues its strategic transition from its previous identity as Volcon, an electric powersports company. Empery Digital began accumulating Bitcoin in 2023 as part of a corporate transformation strategy. The company’s cryptocurrency holdings represent a significant portion of its treasury assets. Furthermore, this investment followed a trend among public companies adopting Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset. However, shareholder Brown argues this strategy no longer serves investor interests effectively. His letter emphasizes that management should prioritize shareholder value over speculative cryptocurrency positions. Corporate Bitcoin Holdings Face Increasing Scrutiny The Empery Digital Bitcoin sale demand occurs within a broader context of evolving corporate cryptocurrency strategies. Several public companies have adopted Bitcoin as part of their treasury management approaches in recent years. MicroStrategy remains the most prominent example, holding approximately 226,331 Bitcoin as of February 2025. Other companies like Tesla, Block, and Marathon Digital have also maintained significant cryptocurrency positions. However, corporate Bitcoin strategies face increasing scrutiny regarding volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and shareholder alignment. Corporate Bitcoin adoption typically follows two primary models. First, treasury reserve strategies treat cryptocurrency as a long-term store of value similar to digital gold. Second, operational integration approaches incorporate blockchain technology into business processes. Empery Digital initially pursued the treasury reserve model following its corporate rebranding. Nevertheless, shareholder pressure now challenges this strategic direction fundamentally. Shareholder Activism in Cryptocurrency Investments Shareholder activism targeting corporate cryptocurrency holdings represents an emerging trend in corporate governance. Activist investors increasingly question whether Bitcoin allocations align with traditional fiduciary responsibilities. These concerns typically focus on several key areas: Volatility Management: Bitcoin’s price fluctuations can significantly impact corporate financial statements Regulatory Compliance: Evolving cryptocurrency regulations create compliance uncertainties Strategic Alignment: Questions about whether cryptocurrency investments support core business operations Transparency Requirements: Shareholder demands for clearer cryptocurrency accounting and reporting The Empery Digital situation exemplifies how these concerns can escalate into formal demands for strategic reversal. Brown’s 9% stake provides substantial influence in shareholder votes and corporate decision-making processes. His demands could potentially rally other investors who share concerns about the company’s cryptocurrency exposure. Financial Implications of Potential Bitcoin Liquidation A complete Empery Digital Bitcoin sale would involve significant financial and market considerations. The company’s exact Bitcoin holdings require verification through quarterly filings, but previous disclosures indicate substantial accumulation during 2023-2024. Liquidating these positions would trigger several immediate consequences: Potential Impacts of Empery Digital Bitcoin Liquidation Impact Area Short-Term Effect Long-Term Consideration Capital Gains/Losses Tax implications based on acquisition costs Potential shareholder distribution amounts Market Impact Possible price pressure from large sale Broader signal to corporate Bitcoin market Balance Sheet Conversion to cash or cash equivalents Reduced asset volatility but lower potential upside Investor Perception Mixed reactions from different shareholder groups Strategic direction clarity or confusion Market analysts closely monitor such corporate Bitcoin sales for broader industry implications. Large-scale liquidations can signal changing institutional sentiment toward cryptocurrency investments. Additionally, the timing of any Empery Digital Bitcoin sale would significantly affect proceeds distribution to shareholders. Current Bitcoin market conditions, regulatory developments, and tax considerations would all influence execution strategy. Broader Context: Corporate Cryptocurrency Strategy Evolution The Empery Digital Bitcoin sale demand arrives during a pivotal period for corporate cryptocurrency adoption. Institutional investment in digital assets has matured considerably since early corporate adopters like MicroStrategy pioneered the approach. Current corporate cryptocurrency strategies demonstrate increased sophistication across several dimensions: Risk Management Frameworks: Enhanced protocols for volatility and security concerns Regulatory Engagement: Proactive compliance with evolving digital asset regulations Stakeholder Communication: Improved transparency regarding cryptocurrency positions Strategic Integration: Deeper connections between cryptocurrency holdings and business operations Nevertheless, shareholder skepticism persists regarding cryptocurrency’s role in corporate treasuries. Traditional investors often prefer conventional assets with established valuation models and regulatory clarity. The Empery Digital confrontation highlights this ongoing tension between innovative financial strategies and traditional corporate governance expectations. Historical Precedents and Comparative Analysis Previous corporate Bitcoin decisions provide context for understanding the Empery Digital situation. Tesla’s 2021 Bitcoin purchase and subsequent partial sales demonstrated how cryptocurrency strategies can evolve based on market conditions and corporate priorities. Similarly, MicroStrategy has faced periodic shareholder questions about its substantial Bitcoin holdings despite maintaining its strategy consistently. Key differences distinguish the Empery Digital scenario from these precedents. First, the company’s smaller market capitalization makes Bitcoin holdings proportionally more significant. Second, the shareholder demand emerges during a corporate transformation period rather than stable operations. Third, the demand includes broader governance changes beyond just cryptocurrency divestment. These factors combine to create a uniquely complex corporate governance challenge. Potential Outcomes and Industry Implications The Empery Digital board now faces critical decisions with far-reaching implications. Several potential outcomes could emerge from this shareholder confrontation: Complete Compliance: The board accepts all demands including Bitcoin sale and leadership changes Partial Negotiation: Compromise solutions addressing some but not all shareholder concerns Shareholder Vote: Formal proxy contest allowing all investors to decide the company’s direction Strategic Defense: Management maintains current strategy while addressing governance concerns separately Industry observers will monitor this situation for signals about corporate cryptocurrency acceptance more broadly. A complete Empery Digital Bitcoin sale could encourage similar demands at other companies with substantial digital asset holdings. Conversely, successful defense of the current strategy might reinforce corporate confidence in cryptocurrency treasury allocations. Conclusion The Empery Digital Bitcoin sale demand represents a significant moment in corporate cryptocurrency adoption. Shareholder activism targeting digital asset holdings highlights ongoing tensions between innovative financial strategies and traditional governance expectations. As public companies continue navigating cryptocurrency integration, the Empery Digital situation provides crucial insights into investor sentiment and strategic decision-making. The board’s response will influence not only the company’s future but also broader corporate approaches to Bitcoin and digital assets. Ultimately, this confrontation underscores the evolving relationship between traditional finance and cryptocurrency innovation in corporate settings. FAQs Q1: What percentage of Empery Digital does the activist shareholder own? Tice P. Brown owns approximately 9% of Empery Digital’s outstanding shares, giving him significant influence in corporate decisions and shareholder votes. Q2: Why does the shareholder want Empery Digital to sell its Bitcoin? The shareholder believes the Bitcoin holdings represent speculative investments that don’t align with creating shareholder value, preferring the company to return capital to investors instead. Q3: How might a large Bitcoin sale affect the cryptocurrency market? While Empery Digital’s holdings aren’t massive by market standards, large corporate sales can create temporary price pressure and signal changing institutional sentiment to other market participants. Q4: What other companies face similar shareholder pressure regarding Bitcoin? MicroStrategy has periodically faced shareholder questions about its Bitcoin strategy, though no activist campaign has reached this level of confrontation at larger companies to date. Q5: What happens if Empery Digital’s board rejects the shareholder demands? The shareholder could escalate through a proxy contest, seeking support from other investors to replace board members and force strategic changes through formal shareholder votes. This post Empery Digital Bitcoin Sale Demand: Major Shareholder’s Explosive Ultimatum Shakes Corporate Crypto Strategy first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Ethereum faces sustained selling pressure as weak demand raises the risk of a liquidity sweep before any rebound attempt emerges. Ethereum (ETH) is trading at $1,828, marking a 2.87% decline over the past 24 hours. Visit Website
Binance has rejected allegations that it retaliated against members of its internal investigations team after they flagged roughly $1.7 billion in cryptocurrency transfers linked to Iranian networks, pushing back on claims published by both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. The reports detail findings from a 2024 internal probe that traced funds moving through Binance accounts to wallets associated with Iranian entities, including those tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, a US-designated terrorist organisation. Investigators identified more than 1,500 accounts that had been accessed from Iran, in some cases through software designed to mask users’ locations. According to the New York Times, approximately $1.7 billion flowed from two Binance accounts to Iranian-linked entities over 2024 and 2025. One of the accounts was held by Blessed Trust, a Hong Kong-based payments firm that served as a fiat on- and off-ramp partner for the exchange. Internal documents reviewed by the publications indicate that investigators presented their findings to senior leadership, including CEO Richard Teng and Chief Compliance Officer Noah Perlman. Leung Ka Kui, a director at Blessed Trust, told the Times that the company did not knowingly facilitate transactions that breached sanctions or make payments to sanctioned Iranian entities. He said its work with Binance was limited to routine operational disbursements such as invoices and payroll. Blessed has maintained that it operates in accordance with applicable sanctions-screening and compliance standards. The Wall Street Journal reported that the investigation also identified another Hong Kong entity, Hexa Whale Trading, which allegedly transferred about $500 million in USDT to a network of digital wallets referred to internally as “Entity A.” Law enforcement officials cited in the Journal described that network as part of a shadow banking corridor linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, used to facilitate payments related to sanctioned oil trade. Investigators concluded that the funds ultimately supported Iran-backed groups, including Yemen’s Houthi movement, according to documents cited in both reports. The Houthis have been designated by the United States as a terrorist organisation. A central point of contention concerns what happened after the findings were escalated. The Journal reported that executives dismantled the probe weeks after Binance founder Changpeng Zhao received a US presidential pardon in October, and that members of the investigative team were later dismissed. The Times said at least four investigators were suspended or fired, with the company citing alleged mishandling of confidential client data. Separately, Fortune has previously reported that several senior compliance officials have exited the company in recent months, including personnel involved in sanctions oversight, as Binance searches for a successor to Perlman, who is expected to depart later this year. Binance denies allegations In a statement to crypto media, a Binance spokesperson said the company “strongly disputes the assertions made in recent reports,” adding that its internal review did not find evidence of sanctions violations related to the transactions described. The spokesperson said Binance detected and reported suspicious activity to authorities and removed the accounts involved. The company also pointed to declining exposure metrics. In a recent post on X, Binance said it had reduced direct exposure to the four largest Iranian crypto exchanges by 97.3% between January 2024 and January 2026, from $4.19 million to $0.11 million. “Public blockchains are permissionless,” the exchange wrote, noting that exposure to sanctioned jurisdictions cannot be reduced to zero because anyone can send funds to an exchange address. Zhao, who stepped down as CEO following Binance’s 2023 settlement with US authorities, echoed that defence on X. “Some media uses negative narratives (from fired employees). Binance uses data. Best compliance program in the industry, by far!” Zhao wrote. The renewed scrutiny comes as Binance continues to operate under the terms of its 2023 plea agreement with the US Department of Justice. Binance admitted to anti-money-laundering and sanctions violations, agreed to pay $4.3 billion in penalties, and committed to enhanced compliance oversight, including cooperation with independent monitors. Subsequently, Zhao served four months in prison in 2024 before being pardoned by President Donald Trump last October. The post Binance disputes media claims over $1.7B Iran-linked transactions appeared first on Invezz
Bitcoin ETF investors joined an "institutional exit" this year, but analysis sees a new phase of bullish involvement from bigger players coming next.
The transaction gives Cipher a major shareholding in the Singapore-based company.
XRP is likely to see further losses in the coming sessions as the asset’s whales signal potential selling pressure. In this regard, on-chain data indicates that more than 31 million XRP tokens flowed into Binance in a single day, with the surge driven almost entirely by large holders, according to CryptoQuant data shared on February 24. XRP Ledger exchange flows. Source: CryptoQuant The spike in exchange inflows suggests whales may be preparing to sell, increasing the risk of renewed downside pressure that could push XRP below the key $1 level. On February 21, XRP Ledger data showed deposits into the exchange exceeding 31 million XRP, driven almost entirely by wallets holding between 100,000 and 1 million XRP and over 1 million XRP. Retail participation was minimal, confirming the move was whale-led rather than broad-based. In the preceding days, inflows were relatively subdued. February 15 and 17 saw limited activity, while February 16 recorded a moderate increase, largely from 1 million-plus XRP holders, still far below the February 21 spike. Activity briefly rose on February 18 before easing again on February 19 and 20, when the price hit a short-term low. What’s next for XRP Historically, sharp whale inflows to exchanges have preceded volatility, as large transfers often signal intent to sell. If even part of the 31 million-plus XRP is offloaded, it could amplify selling pressure while the asset struggles to reclaim higher levels. This grim picture comes as XRP continues to trade in a volatile state, with recent losses tied to broader market sentiment led by Bitcoin ( BTC ). Despite the price pressure, positive developments persist, including Ripple’s planned 2026 XRPL upgrades to enhance tokenized assets and institutional features, alongside recent institutional products such as Japan’s SBI Holdings issuing blockchain-based bonds with XRP rewards. XRP price anaysis As of press time, XRP was trading at $1.33, well below both its 50-day SMA ($1.75) and 200-day SMA ($2.29). XRP seven-day price chart. Source: Finbold This positioning signals a clear bearish structure, considering that when price trades below the 50-day average, it reflects short- to medium-term weakness. Sitting beneath the 200-day average reinforces a longer-term downtrend. The wide gap between the current price and both moving averages suggests sustained selling pressure rather than a brief pullback. Meanwhile, the 14-day RSI stands at 36.85, which is in neutral territory but leaning toward oversold conditions. While it has not yet dipped below 30, it indicates weakening momentum and reduced buying strength. Featured image via Shutterstock The post XRP faces drop below $1 as whales prepare to dump over 30 million tokens appeared first on Finbold .
BitcoinWorld Bitcoin RSI Plunges to Historic 25.6: Unprecedented Oversold Signal Sparks Critical Market Analysis In a stunning technical development that has captured global cryptocurrency attention, Bitcoin’s weekly Relative Strength Index (RSSI) has plummeted to an unprecedented 25.6, marking the most oversold condition in the digital asset’s entire trading history. This remarkable milestone, first highlighted by Coin Bureau CEO Nic Puckrin through his analysis of the BTC/USD pair on Bitstamp, represents a watershed moment for market analysts and investors worldwide. The current reading not only surpasses previous crisis levels but also signals potential market dynamics that could shape Bitcoin’s trajectory through 2025 and beyond. Bitcoin RSI Reaches Historic Oversold Territory The Relative Strength Index, developed by J. Welles Wilder in 1978, serves as a momentum oscillator measuring the speed and change of price movements. Traditionally, readings below 30 indicate oversold conditions, while readings above 70 suggest overbought markets. However, Bitcoin’s descent to 25.6 on the weekly timeframe establishes a new benchmark for extreme market sentiment. This development becomes particularly significant when considering the historical context of previous market crises. Nic Puckrin’s analysis reveals that the current RSI reading falls below levels recorded during several major cryptocurrency market events: Terra/Luna Collapse (May 2022): The ecosystem collapse that erased approximately $40 billion in market value Three Arrows Capital Crisis (June 2022): The hedge fund’s implosion that triggered widespread contagion FTX Bankruptcy (November 2022): The exchange collapse that shook institutional confidence COVID-19 Market Crash (March 2020): The pandemic-induced global financial panic Technical analysts emphasize that weekly RSI readings provide more reliable signals than daily measurements because they filter out short-term market noise. The extended timeframe offers a clearer picture of sustained market trends and investor sentiment. Consequently, the current reading suggests a fundamental shift in market dynamics rather than temporary volatility. Understanding RSI Mechanics in Cryptocurrency Markets The Relative Strength Index calculates momentum by comparing recent gains to recent losses over a specified period, typically 14 days for standard settings. The formula generates values between 0 and 100, with the 30 and 70 levels serving as traditional boundaries for oversold and overbought conditions respectively. However, cryptocurrency markets often exhibit more extreme volatility than traditional financial markets, requiring adjusted interpretations of these signals. Several factors contribute to the significance of Bitcoin’s current RSI reading: Bitcoin RSI Historical Comparison Market Event Weekly RSI Low Subsequent 6-Month Performance Current Reading (2025) 25.6 To be determined Terra/Luna Collapse 27.8 +18% recovery Three Arrows Capital 28.3 +22% recovery FTX Bankruptcy 29.1 +85% recovery COVID-19 Crash 26.4 +160% recovery Market technicians note that extreme RSI readings often precede significant trend reversals, though timing remains challenging to predict. The indicator measures momentum rather than price direction, meaning oversold conditions can persist during extended bear markets. However, historical data suggests that readings below 30 on weekly charts frequently correspond with intermediate-term buying opportunities. Expert Analysis and Market Implications Nic Puckrin’s observation carries particular weight given his platform’s reach of approximately 2.73 million subscribers and his established reputation in cryptocurrency education. His analysis emphasizes that while further price declines remain possible, the extreme RSI reading increases the probability of a market bottom formation. This perspective aligns with traditional technical analysis principles that view extreme readings as potential reversal signals. Several market dynamics contribute to the current oversold condition: Institutional Positioning: Large investors have reduced exposure amid regulatory uncertainty Market Sentiment: Fear dominates trading psychology despite improving fundamentals Technical Factors: Multiple support levels have failed during the recent decline Macroeconomic Environment: Rising interest rates and inflation concerns affect risk assets Seasoned analysts caution that RSI readings alone should not dictate investment decisions. Instead, they recommend considering additional technical indicators, fundamental factors, and market structure analysis. The convergence of multiple signals provides stronger evidence than any single indicator in isolation. Historical Context and Previous Market Cycles Bitcoin has experienced several major bear markets since its inception, each characterized by distinct technical patterns and recovery trajectories. The 2014-2015 bear market saw prices decline approximately 86% from peak to trough, while the 2018 correction involved an 84% drawdown. The current market phase, while significant in RSI terms, remains within historical parameters for cryptocurrency volatility. Previous extreme RSI readings have typically coincided with: Increased accumulation by long-term investors Reduced exchange balances as holders move to cold storage Declining trading volume as speculative activity diminishes Media narratives shifting from hype to skepticism Market historians note that cryptocurrency cycles often follow patterns of euphoria, denial, fear, and capitulation. The current RSI reading suggests the market may be approaching the latter stages of this emotional progression. However, each cycle exhibits unique characteristics influenced by evolving market structure, regulatory developments, and technological advancements. Risk Considerations and Market Realities While extreme RSI readings often signal potential turning points, they do not guarantee immediate reversals. Markets can remain oversold for extended periods during structural bear markets. Several factors could prolong the current condition: Regulatory Developments: Unfavorable policy decisions could extend market uncertainty Macroeconomic Pressures: Persistent inflation or recession could suppress risk appetite Technical Breakdowns: Failure of key support levels could trigger additional selling Market Structure Changes: Evolving derivatives markets affect spot price dynamics Professional traders typically employ risk management strategies when trading oversold signals, including position sizing, stop-loss placement, and portfolio diversification. They recognize that technical indicators provide probabilities rather than certainties, requiring disciplined execution regardless of signal strength. Conclusion Bitcoin’s descent to a 25.6 weekly RSI reading represents a historic technical development with significant implications for cryptocurrency market participants. This unprecedented oversold condition, confirmed through analysis of the BTC/USD pair on Bitstamp, suggests extreme market sentiment that has historically preceded important trend changes. While further volatility remains likely, the current Bitcoin RSI reading provides valuable data for investors navigating complex market conditions. As always, comprehensive analysis incorporating multiple technical indicators, fundamental factors, and risk management principles offers the most robust framework for investment decision-making in dynamic cryptocurrency markets. FAQs Q1: What does a 25.6 RSI reading mean for Bitcoin? The 25.6 weekly RSI indicates Bitcoin is in its most oversold condition ever recorded, suggesting extreme selling pressure that has historically often preceded market recoveries, though timing remains uncertain. Q2: How reliable is RSI as a cryptocurrency indicator? RSI provides valuable momentum information but works best alongside other indicators. Weekly readings generally offer more reliable signals than daily measurements by filtering short-term noise in volatile cryptocurrency markets. Q3: Has Bitcoin’s RSI been this low before? No, the current 25.6 reading establishes a new historic low, falling below levels seen during previous major market crises including the Terra/Luna collapse and Three Arrows Capital implosion. Q4: Does an oversold RSI guarantee a price rebound? No technical indicator guarantees price movements. Extreme readings increase reversal probabilities but markets can remain oversold during extended bear trends, requiring additional confirmation from other indicators. Q5: How should investors respond to this RSI signal? Investors should consider the RSI reading within a comprehensive strategy including fundamental analysis, risk management, and portfolio diversification rather than making decisions based solely on one technical indicator. This post Bitcoin RSI Plunges to Historic 25.6: Unprecedented Oversold Signal Sparks Critical Market Analysis first appeared on BitcoinWorld .