The New York Stock Exchange is working with Securitize to build a blockchain-based platform for issuing and trading tokenized securities, with the goal of enabling 24/7 markets and near-instant settlement. Securitize is set to serve as NYSE's first digital transfer agent, helping convert stocks and ETFs into on-chain tokens while preserving shareholder rights such as voting and dividends.

AI-focused tokens and stablecoins have been more resilient than most crypto sectors in 2026, even as Bitcoin is down 18.5% and the total market falls to $2.42 trillion. In Q1/2026, the AI sector had the smallest decline at 14%, while stablecoin market cap reached a record $320 billion on March 23 and monthly volumes hit $1.8 trillion in February. Data also shows USDC supply at $78 billion and AI usage metrics such as ChatGPT weekly active users rising to 900 million in March 2026.

Fidelity's Q2 2026 crypto livestream positioned the quarter as a transition phase, citing macro, regulatory, and on-chain factors that could influence market direction. Speakers said bitcoin has fallen from about $126,000 to roughly $60,000 and is now consolidating around $60,000–$70,000, while stablecoins and tokenization may become key themes. They also pointed to AI potentially boosting developer productivity and, in turn, affecting smart-contract platforms' momentum.

Gold has fallen nearly 20% from its all-time high as geopolitical tensions build, while Bitcoin trades around $71,000 and shows relative resilience in a risk-off backdrop. Market commentary highlights elevated on-chain speculation, including SIREN rising 76.6% in 24 hours to $1.62. Attention has also shifted to infrastructure plays such as LiquidChain, which says it has raised over $600K at a $0.0143 presale price with more than 1700% APY in staking rewards.

Cardano's ADA was trading around $0.30 as on-chain data showed many holders remain underwater. Santiment data indicates average wallets active over the last 12 months are near a -43% return, while ADA is about 74% below its $1.19 high from January 2025. Technical levels cited include resistance around $0.30-$0.33 and a demand area near $0.22.

U.S. financial regulators issued joint guidance led by SEC Chair Paul Atkins that frames most crypto assets as commodities or "digital tools," a shift some insiders say could favor the Trump family's crypto ventures. The policy change coincided with an expanded Strategic Crypto Reserve holding about 200,000 BTC, ETH, and SOL, alongside renewed attention on the TRUMP token around its April 25 Mar-a-Lago gala. Separately, LiquidChain's presale was reported to have raised more than $600K, with the token priced at $0.0143 and advertising more than 1700% staking rewards.

TRON DAO said it is increasing its AI Fund from $100 million to $1 billion, aiming to back early-stage teams building infrastructure for an “agentic economy.” The fund’s scope includes identity, payments, tokenized real-world assets, and autonomous finance, with possible longer-term implications for TRX via higher on-chain activity rather than direct supply changes.

Former SEC Division of Enforcement Director Margaret Ryan resigned on March 16 after reported internal disputes over how the agency handled matters involving people tied to US President Donald Trump. The tensions reportedly included the SEC's case against crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun, which ended earlier this month with a $10 million settlement, and its lawsuit against Elon Musk, which the parties said on March 17 is now in settlement talks.