Genius Group, an AI-focused education firm based in Singapore, has been compelled to sell part of its Bitcoin holdings after a US court blocked it from raising funds or investing.
The Southern District of New York issued the injunction on 13 March. It halted the company’s $150 million at-the-market financing and disrupted its Bitcoin-first treasury strategy. As a result, Genius Group has trimmed its Bitcoin reserves from 440 to 430 to cover operational costs.
The dispute centres on Genius Group’s attempt to exit an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) with Fatbrain AI. Fatbrain shareholders and the SEC accused the firm’s executives of fraud linked to the APA.
In response, Michael Moe and Peter Ritz, associated with Fatbrain AI, successfully sought a restraining order against Genius Group. The company claims the order is based on falsehoods.
A transcript allegedly detailing a plan to leverage the court system for financial gain was presented as evidence. Both parties have used it in different legal actions.
The injunction has had far-reaching effects, forcing Genius Group to shut down divisions and pause investments. It has also caused the company to violate Singaporean labour laws by being unable to issue share-based compensation.
CEO Roger James Hamilton voiced frustration, stating the situation undermines corporate autonomy. Despite setbacks, the company remains committed to Bitcoin and is appealing to overturn the court’s decision.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Panama has unveiled a new draft bill aimed at regulating cryptocurrencies and establishing a legal framework for blockchain-based services. The proposed law seeks to position the country as a leader in fintech in Latin America. It provides a clear structure for digital assets in financial transactions.
Under the bill, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and stablecoins are legally recognised as valid payment methods for goods, services, and debt settlements.
The legislation also mandates licensing requirements for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), including exchanges and wallets. These providers would need to register with Panama’s Financial Analysis Unit (UAF).
The bill addresses compliance measures, enforcing Know-Your-Customer (KYC) regulations. It enforces anti-money laundering (AML) regulations in line with international financial standards. Non-compliant entities face administrative sanctions or criminal penalties.
In addition to financial regulation, the bill encourages the use of blockchain technology in public administration. It includes digital identity systems and tokenized securities, promoting transparency and reducing inefficiencies.
The legislation also recognises smart contracts as legally enforceable, paving the way for innovative financial products and automated business processes.
The proposal marks a significant shift from previous crypto legislation in Panama, which faced partial vetoes in 2022. The draft bill is now under review in the National Assembly, with potential amendments before a final vote.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Michael Saylor’s Strategy has surpassed 500,000 Bitcoin, acquiring 6,911 BTC for $584 million during the recent market dip.
The purchase, made between 17 March and 23 March, has boosted the company’s holdings to a total of 506,137 BTC. The average purchase price was approximately $84,529 per Bitcoin, marking a total acquisition value of around $33.7 billion.
The latest move comes shortly after the company announced the pricing of its preferred stock, which raised approximately $711 million.
Despite global concerns over trade wars and market uncertainty, Strategy remains confident in its Bitcoin investments. Analysts caution that market volatility, influenced by tariff concerns, could affect both traditional and digital assets until at least April.
Strategy’s continued accumulation of Bitcoin amid potential risks from global tariffs signals the company’s commitment to long-term cryptocurrency growth. The decision is made despite external market pressures.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has formally included Bitcoin and other digital assets in its latest Balance of Payments Manual (BPM7). However, it sets a global standard for tracking crypto-related financial activity.
Despite not recognising them as legal currency, the update provides a structured approach to classifying and reporting digital assets across borders.
Under the new framework, Bitcoin is a non-produced, non-financial asset, similar to land or natural resources. Stablecoins such as USDT and USDC are classified as financial instruments due to their backing by reserves and issuer liabilities.
The guidelines also cover crypto-related services, including staking and mining, ensuring greater transparency in international economic data.
The IMF’s decision coincides with increasing government involvement in Bitcoin. The US has established a strategic Bitcoin reserve, holding an estimated 200,000 BTC.
Meanwhile, El Salvador is accumulating Bitcoin despite IMF conditions tied to its financial aid package. These moves highlight Bitcoin’s growing role in national economic strategies, even as its legal status remains debated.
Reactions to the IMF’s update have been mixed. Some in the crypto community view it as a step toward Bitcoin’s mainstream acceptance.
Others argue it is merely a technical change in statistical reporting. Regardless, the new framework ensures that digital assets are officially accounted for in global financial data, potentially influencing future regulations and policies.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Bitcoin-focused firm Strategy has announced a new $711 million preferred stock offering as part of its ongoing efforts to grow its massive BTC holdings. The shares, priced at $85 with a 10% coupon, are part of the company’s strategy to raise both equity and debt to fuel its treasury accumulation of Bitcoin.
The latest move follows Strategy’s smallest-ever BTC acquisition on 17 March, when it purchased 130 Bitcoin worth around $10.7 million. This brought its total stash to 499,226 BTC, valued at over $41.8 billion. Despite the modest scale of the recent buy, co-founder Michael Saylor has reaffirmed the company’s intention to aggressively raise further capital to keep adding to its reserves.
Earlier in March, Strategy launched its 8% Series A preferred stock programme, with plans to raise up to $21 billion for future Bitcoin purchases. The firm appears to be attracting investors with returns that outpace traditional bond yields, enticing them away from conventional debt markets.
While the company remains up roughly 26% on its Bitcoin investments overall, its shares have experienced sharp fluctuations, dropping 44% since their peak in late 2024. Nonetheless, a recent rebound saw shares rise to around $299 after dipping to $231. As part of the Nasdaq 100, Strategy is seeing increased exposure to both market gains and tech sector volatility.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Crypto markets are facing heightened volatility as illicit activity surges, with hackers stealing over $2.2 billion in 2025 alone. Mintology CEO Zach Burks has described the current period as ‘crime season,’ warning that the increase in thefts is eroding investor confidence and posing a national security threat.
North Korea’s Lazarus Group is linked to a $1.5 billion heist, further shaking the market.
Burks highlighted the impact on meme coins, which have dropped by 56% since December, and Bitcoin, which has fallen from $106,000 to $83,000.
A further decline to $72,000 is possible in the coming weeks. Investors, particularly those holding meme coins, are advised to prepare for continued volatility over the next six weeks.
Regulatory bodies like the SEC and FCA are ineffective in tackling crypto crime, according to Burks. He argues that their bureaucratic approach does little to recover stolen funds or enhance security.
Instead, he advocates for a decentralised, community-led response, urging the industry to build networks of independent investigators who can track illicit transactions and restore trust.
Beyond financial losses, Burks warns that crypto crime is a national security issue. He stresses the need for pragmatic industry leaders to push for solutions that protect investors without excessive government interference.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
A well-known Washington, D.C. bar popular among Republican staffers is closing down, creating a new social space – a cryptocurrency bar. Hill Country, a Texas-style barbecue restaurant and nightlife spot near power lobbying firms is shutting its doors after 14 years.
It will reportedly be replaced by a D.C. outpost of Pubkey, a New York-based bitcoin-themed bar known for its casual vibe and crypto payments. Pubkey first opened in 2022 in Manhattan and quickly became a gathering spot for crypto enthusiasts.
The bar gained national attention when Donald Trump visited during his 2024 campaign and used nearly $1,000 worth of bitcoin to buy food for patrons, making him the first US president to complete a bitcoin transaction. Pubkey owner Thomas Pacchia confirmed that a Washington location is in the works and that it aims to welcome a bipartisan crowd.
The shift reflects a broader cultural and political trend as cryptocurrency gains more influence in American politics. Once viewed with scepticism, the crypto world now has strong ties to Trump’s circle, with figures like Elon Musk and David Sacks pushing the agenda. Trump has further embraced the space, launching a memecoin, appointing a ‘crypto czar,’ and proposing a national cryptocurrency reserve.
While PubKey proudly accepts Bitcoin as a form of payment, cash and credit payments options are also available.
Why does it matter?
The arrival of Pubkey in D.C. is symbolic of crypto’s growing presence in national discourse—both politically and socially. While Hill Country offered smoked brisket and karaoke nights for Capitol Hill insiders, its crypto-centric replacement signals a new kind of power player is stepping onto the scene.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
The Czech National Bank (CNB) remains cautious about adding Bitcoin to its reserves, with board member Jan Kubicek citing legal complexities and extreme price volatility as key concerns.
While the bank is evaluating various asset classes, Kubicek expressed scepticism about Bitcoin’s suitability as a central bank reserve asset.
Kubicek noted that Bitcoin’s unpredictable price swings undermine its stability, making it less attractive for reserve holdings.
He also highlighted the need for new accounting and auditing processes if Bitcoin were to be included. The CNB’s assessment of alternative assets, including corporate bonds and technology stocks, is expected to conclude by October.
The idea of holding Bitcoin in reserves was initially proposed by CNB Governor Ales Michl in January 2025, sparking interest in the crypto community but drawing scepticism from policymakers.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde opposed the move, emphasising that central bank reserves must prioritise liquidity and security.
Despite concerns, several countries have already integrated Bitcoin into their strategic reserves. The US, under the Trump administration, has taken a more proactive stance on cryptocurrency, influencing global discussions on digital asset adoption.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
The Arizona House of Representatives Commerce Committee has approved the Bitcoin Reserve Bill (SB1373) in a closely contested 6-to-4 vote.
The bill marks a significant milestone in Arizona’s efforts to integrate cryptocurrency into its financial framework. It aims to establish a ‘Digital Assets Strategic Reserve Fund,’ which would be managed by the state’s Treasury, with funds derived from state allocations and seized cryptocurrency assets.
Sponsored by Republican Senator Mark Finchem, SB1373 includes risk management provisions, such as limiting the Treasurer’s ability to invest more than 10% of the fund in any single year.
The bill also permits the lending of digital currencies to generate returns, with safeguards to prevent excessive financial exposure.
Arizona is now positioned as a leading state in the US’s push for crypto legislation, following Utah in adopting formal crypto reserve investment policies. Another related bill, the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act (SB1025), is gaining momentum and focuses on public fund investments in digital assets.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s price has seen mixed signals in recent days. Despite a 1.36% increase following the bill’s approval, Bitcoin has dropped 13% over the past month.
Technical indicators show a neutral to slightly bearish trend, though there are signs of a potential bullish reversal, with the MACD showing a positive divergence.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
President Donald Trump is set to address the Digital Asset Summit in New York on Thursday, marking the first time a sitting American president has spoken at a cryptocurrency industry conference.
His speech follows remarks from Bo Hines, executive director of the White House’s President’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, who hinted at the administration’s commitment to Bitcoin accumulation.
Hines emphasised the importance of securing digital assets for the nation, stating that President Trump is focused on acquiring Bitcoin for the recently announced strategic reserve.
He suggested that the administration aims to obtain as much Bitcoin as possible, reinforcing the growing role of cryptocurrency in national policy.
The summit will also feature notable speakers, including Representatives Ro Khanna and Tom Emmer, as well as industry leaders such as Strategy CEO Michael Saylor and Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse.
During the event, Garlinghouse announced that the SEC had withdrawn its appeal against Ripple, marking a significant development for the company.
Trump’s speech will be available via a live stream on X and YouTube, allowing a global audience to witness his address on the future of digital assets.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
