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The Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting concludes today with the rate decision at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:30 p.m. IST), followed by Chair Jerome Powell speaking at 2:30 p.m. ET (12:00 a.m. IST). The Fed is expected to hold rates at 3.50%–3.75%. Markets will focus on Powell’s comments on inflation, jobs, and global tensions. Earlier, February’s PPI data at 8:30 a.m. ET may also influence sentiment and market reactions.

Binance has announced it will delist several tokens from its platform, including A2Z, FORTH, HOOK, IDEX, LRC, NTRN, RDNT, and SXP. Spot trading for these tokens will end on April 1, 2026, at 03:00 UTC, and all open orders will be automatically removed. Futures positions will be closed earlier on March 24. Users are advised to manage or close their trades and bots before the deadlines to avoid losses. Deposits will stop on April 2, and withdrawals will remain open until June 1. Binance may later convert remaining balances into stablecoins, though this is not guaranteed.

Crypto payments platform Bitrefill revealed it was targeted in a cyberattack on March 1, 2026, possibly linked to North Korea’s Lazarus Group. Around 18,500 order records were accessed, including customer email and crypto addresses. The breach began with a compromised employee device and stolen login credentials. Attackers gained access to parts of the company’s database and hot wallets, transferring funds before the issue was contained.

Pi Network has rolled out its full Mainnet upgrade to Protocol 20, unlocking support for programmable smart contracts that can power decentralized apps, NFTs, escrow systems, and subscription services. Launched in 2019 by Stanford founders Nicolas Kokkalis and Chengdiao Fan, the network now has 17.7 million verified users. After exchange listings, including Kraken, Pi trades near $0.1735 with a $1.7 B market cap. The team emphasizes careful testing and audits ahead of broader utility releases.

Hyperliquid’s permissionless HIP‑3 derivatives market has set a fresh record with open interest topping $1.43 billion, highlighting strong trader demand for decentralized perpetual futures. Notably, the WTI crude oil contract logged about $1.39 billion in 24‑hour volume, placing it behind only Bitcoin in activity and ahead of Ethereum. Recent trends show most of Hyperliquid’s top 30 active markets are tokenized real‑world assets, such as the S&P 500 Index, NVIDIA, and precious metals, while just seven are traditional crypto pairs, underscoring a shift toward broader asset exposure.

Mastercard has agreed to acquire stablecoin infrastructure firm BVNK for up to $1.8 billion, including $300 million in performance‑based payments, in a deal expected to close by the end of 2026. BVNK’s platform connects fiat money and stablecoins across major blockchains, helping businesses send and receive digital payments in 130+ countries. The move gives Mastercard on‑chain payment rails and builds on its broader digital‑asset and Crypto Partner Program efforts, coming months after BVNK’s talks with Coinbase collapsed.

Ripple has announced a major expansion in Brazil, strengthening its role in one of the world’s fastest-growing financial markets. The company now offers a full suite of services for institutions, including cross-border payments, digital asset custody, prime brokerage, and treasury management. Ripple also plans to apply for a VASP license with Brazil’s Central Bank, aligning with new regulations. President Monica Long said Brazil remains a key market for Ripple’s long-term growth strategy.

After three months of inactivity, MetaPlanet has moved 4,986 BTC—worth about $368.3 million—into new wallets, likely redistributing funds rather than preparing an immediate sale. The transfers were split across multiple transactions, pointing to internal treasury management. The move comes as Bitcoin sees a slight pullback due to profit-taking, adding pressure across the market. At the same time, MetaPlanet’s stock dropped 12% on Tuesday following the transfers. The sharp reaction highlights how closely investors are tracking the company’s Bitcoin holdings and any large on-chain movements tied to its treasury strategy.

Pepe coin ($PEPE) is gaining attention as its price holds steady near a key support level around $0.0000033, where large buyers have been stepping in. Recent activity suggests investors may be building a base, helping prevent further drops. The token is now trading in a tight range up to $0.0000040, setting up for a possible breakout. Adding to the buzz, PEPE was recently included in a global crypto partner program linked to Mastercard, hinting at growing recognition. Analysts say if momentum continues, the coin could see a strong upward move in the coming months.

On March 16, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded about $200 million in net inflows, extending their winning streak to nearly a week, with BlackRock’s IBIT alone contributing roughly $139 million. Ethereum ETFs also stayed strong with around $35.9 million in inflows, marking continued institutional demand, while XRP products saw a $5.98 million outflow, keeping their overall cumulative flows in negative territory.