Iran's crypto ecosystem reached $7.78 billion in 2025, with IRGC-linked addresses handling over half of inflows, and the central bank purchasing at least $507 million in USDT. Russia signed a law enabling court-ordered crypto seizures, while the Bank of Korea urged banks to lead KRW stablecoin issuance. Japan's FSA backs AML trials from March to May 2026.

On 1 March 2026, Bitcoin rebounded above $67,000 with a 2.2% gain in 24 hours, while total crypto market capitalization reached $2.3 trillion. Ethereum advanced nearly 4% to reclaim the $2,000 level and Solana jumped close to 6%, even as sentiment indices remained in "extreme fear" territory.

According to JPMorgan analysts, the proposed Clarity Act could reduce regulatory uncertainty and pave the way for large funds, pensions, and insurers to participate in digital assets in the second half of 2026. A unified framework may enable more ETFs and structured products, improving liquidity for Bitcoin and Ethereum and supporting the tokenization of traditional instruments.

US District Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr. has refused Binance's attempt to compel arbitration, keeping a securities class action over alleged unregistered token sales in federal court. The case, brought by users who opened accounts between September 2017 and April 2018, now advances toward arguments over whether certain tokens traded on Binance fall under US securities laws, while the exchange also faces separate political scrutiny over sanctions and AML concerns.

On March 1, 2026, crypto markets advanced after the US Supreme Court invalidated former President Donald Trump's broad tariff framework under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Bitcoin climbed to $67,769, with Ethereum, Solana and XRP also posting gains, while shares of Coinbase and Fold rose alongside improving risk sentiment in digital asset markets.

On March 1, 2026, SEC Chair Paul Atkins said the U.S. missed chances to shape crypto policy and aims to move faster to support innovation. Bitcoin was near $67,000 as investors weighed the softer regulatory tone. The SEC also granted exemptive relief to WisdomTree, allowing 24/7 trading and instant settlement for a tokenized money market fund.

On February 28, 2026, Hyperliquid Strategies was reported to hold $356M in unrealized gains, according to Artemis, while many DATs show steep deficits. Bitmine has over $7.5 billion in unrealized losses, and Saylor's Strategy is also in the multi‑billion range. As of February 27, Bitdeer said it holds no BTC after selling 166 BTC to fund an AI pivot.

Crude-linked futures on Hyperliquid rose about 6% within hours after Iran said it was moving to close the Strait of Hormuz. The on-chain move, occurring in thin weekend liquidity, reflects hedging against a possible 10-20 USD gap higher in Brent and WTI when traditional markets reopen.