GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ostium, the pioneering leveraged trading platform for Real World Assets, today announced the launch of its Ostium Points Program, a competitive system tracking user activity and engagement across the platform designed to help incentivize trading, referrals, and liquidity provisioning across its ecosystem. Today the platform enables users to long or short stocks, commodities, indices and currencies.
The program officially launches on Monday, March 31, 2025, with an initial points distribution of 10 million points allocated retroactively to early adopters who have been active on the platform prior to the program launch. Retroactive points emphasize recognizing users on Ostium’s public Mainnet and private Mainnet, testnet, and pre-testnet phases. Visit ostium.app/points to check your points allocation.
500,000 points will be distributed weekly based on user activity. Weekly points distribution may increase and available points will be communicated at the start of each week.
The program is designed to recognize early adopters while creating an engaging competitive environment for all participants. By acknowledging users who contribute to the ecosystem through their trading activity, referrals, and liquidity provision, Ostium aims to further strengthen its community of traders and liquidity providers.
The Ostium Points Program features the following components:
Real-time score tracking: Scores update immediately when users trade or provide liquidity. These scores are converted into points at the end of every week.
Weekly conversions to points: Every Sunday at midnight UTC, accumulated scores convert to points based on relative participation levels. Score tracking then resets for the new week.
Dual scoring system: The program tracks two types of scores: Trading/Referral scores and Liquidity Provision scores. While there are two score categories, they combine into a single points total.
Competitive leaderboards: Users can monitor their real-time ranking against other participants in both score categories and in the global points leaderboard.
Referral benefits: The program allocates 1 trading score for every 5 trading scores generated by referred users. Users who sign up with a referral code receive a 5% boost on all trading scores.
Community contributions: A small portion of weekly points is optionally reserved for substantial open-source contributions to the protocol, such as critical bug reports and technical research.
The Points Program represents the next phase in Ostium’s community development strategy, building on its mainnet launch that brought access to global macro markets for the first time onchain.
The Ostium Points Program begins March 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET. Users can view their point allocations and track their scores on the platform’s interface. New points are allocated weekly on Sundays at midnight UTC.
For more information about the Ostium Points Program, visit www.ostium.app/points.
About Ostium
Ostium is the leading leveraged trading platform for Real World Assets offering the first onchain long/short exposure to markets like the Nasdaq, Gold, and Oil. The platform enables users to trade stocks, commodities, indices and currencies. Ostium was founded by alumni from Harvard, Bridgewater, and BlackRock and is supported by top-tier investors such as General Catalyst, LocalGlobe, Susquehanna (SIG), GSR, and Alliance DAO.
Note: The Ostium Points Program is designed for tracking engagement and participation. Points have no monetary value, cannot be transferred, sold, or exchanged for any consideration, and do not represent any ownership interest, investment opportunity, or any right to any future rewards. Ostium reserves the right to modify or terminate the program at any time.
The deadline for U.S. federal agencies to disclose their crypto holdings is rapidly approaching, with April 5 set as the date for agencies to report their Bitcoin and other digital asset holdings to the Secretary of the Treasury. This requirement is part of President Donald Trump’s executive order signed on March 6, which established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Asset Stockpile. The order mandates that all federal agencies disclose the digital assets they hold as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings.
Background on the Executive Order
The executive order represents a significant development in the U.S. government’s involvement with digital assets. It directs the Treasury Department to create two separate reserves — one for Bitcoin (BTC) and one for other cryptocurrencies such as XRP (Ripple), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA). These assets will come from those seized during criminal investigations or forfeiture processes. According to David Sacks, the White House’s crypto czar, the U.S. government already holds approximately 200,000 Bitcoin, although a complete audit of these holdings has not been conducted to date.
U.S. Government’s Crypto Holdings: What We Know
As of April 1, 2025, the U.S. government is known to own 198,012 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $16.8 billion based on current market prices. This Bitcoin is part of the assets the government has acquired over the years through law enforcement actions. However, with the creation of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and the Digital Asset Stockpile, there is potential for these holdings to increase.
The Digital Asset Stockpile will not be limited to Bitcoin but will also include other major cryptocurrencies like XRP, Solana, and Cardano. President Trump has already indicated that these digital assets will be part of the reserve, potentially raising their profile and impact in the market. The federal agencies must report these holdings by April 5, providing a clearer picture of the U.S. government’s involvement with digital currencies.
What Will the Disclosure Mean for the Market?
Once federal agencies disclose their crypto holdings to the Treasury Secretary, it could have major implications for the cryptocurrency market. A more comprehensive view of the government’s digital asset reserves could lead to increased investor confidence, particularly in Bitcoin and the other cryptocurrencies listed in the executive order. If investors believe the U.S. government is increasingly backing these assets, it could provide a significant boost to their value.
However, this move comes at a time when other economic concerns are weighing heavily on the markets. Although the cryptocurrency market rebounded slightly on April 1, the overall market cap has declined by approximately 7% in the past week, currently sitting at $2.76 trillion. Concerns over President Trump’s pursuit of a global tariff war and the impact of broader economic policies have dampened market sentiment, affecting both traditional and digital asset markets.
What’s Next for the U.S. Digital Asset Strategy?
Looking forward, the U.S. government will not be acquiring additional Bitcoin for the Digital Asset Stockpile beyond what has already been seized. However, there are still opportunities for agencies to acquire more assets through forfeiture processes. The Treasury and Commerce Secretaries have been authorized to pursue strategies to acquire more digital assets, though any additional Bitcoin acquisition will not affect the current stockpile’s composition.
This executive order could also lead to more comprehensive regulations for the crypto industry in the U.S. As the federal government becomes more involved with digital currencies, additional policies may emerge to govern their use, trading, and taxation. It’s clear that cryptocurrencies are becoming more intertwined with U.S. financial strategy, but how this will unfold remains to be seen.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for U.S. Crypto Holdings
The disclosure of U.S. crypto holdings by April 5 marks a crucial moment in the evolution of the nation’s relationship with digital assets. With Bitcoin, XRP, Solana, and Cardano poised to become part of the government’s stockpile, the spotlight is on these cryptocurrencies and how they will influence the broader market. As the world’s largest economy takes a more prominent role in crypto, the sector could see a shift in how governments and investors view digital assets.
In the early months of 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has quickly solidified his pro-crypto stance, delivering on promises made during his election campaign. Through a series of executive orders and key appointments, Trump has laid the groundwork for sweeping crypto reforms in the United States. This article provides a breakdown of these developments, showcasing how the Trump administration is taking bold steps to shape the future of digital currencies in the U.S.
January: U.S. Crypto Reforms Take Shape
Trump’s second term began with the signing of an executive order (EO) aimed at reshaping U.S. crypto regulations. This EO established the formation of a crypto working group, tasked with providing a comprehensive report on crypto regulations and stablecoins by July 2025. The EO also addressed the controversial topic of a U.S. dollar central bank digital currency (CBDC), with the administration opting to ban its creation. This move diverges sharply from global trends, where many countries are exploring the development of their own CBDCs.
Additionally, Trump ordered the creation of a national digital asset stockpile, which would include various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. In March, two additional EOs officially set up crypto reserves, solidifying the U.S. government’s position in the digital asset space.
Furthermore, the repeal of the Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 (SAB121) marked a significant victory for the crypto industry, especially for companies engaged in digital asset holdings. This regulatory change paves the way for greater clarity and less restrictive rules around digital assets.
Key Appointments and Pro-Crypto Appointments
Trump made several high-profile appointments that further signaled his commitment to crypto reforms. Former PayPal executive David Sacks was appointed as the AI and Crypto Czar, tasked with overseeing the integration of digital assets into the U.S. economy. Meanwhile, Caroline Pham was named acting Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and Scott Bessent took on the role of Secretary of the Treasury. These appointments were instrumental in creating a pro-crypto environment in Washington.
Moreover, the appointment of Tim Scott as Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee allowed for the establishment of the Senate’s first-ever crypto-focused subcommittee. This subcommittee was led by Cynthia Lummis, a prominent advocate for Bitcoin (BTC), and marked the beginning of serious legislative efforts to explore crypto-related policies.
February: SEC’s Crypto Reversal
In February, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made headlines with its reversal of previous regulatory stances. Once viewed as an opponent of cryptocurrency, the SEC began dismissing cases against major players like Binance, Coinbase, and Robinhood, signaling a shift in regulatory attitude. This is an encouraging sign for the industry, as the SEC’s actions laid the groundwork for a more open and friendly regulatory environment for crypto in the U.S.
March: Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
March proved to be a landmark month for crypto developments under Trump’s administration. On March 6, the White House hosted the first-ever Crypto Summit, bringing together industry leaders, regulators, and policymakers to discuss the future of the U.S. crypto sector. At the summit, Trump unveiled plans to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, capitalized by the 198,012 BTC that the U.S. government has seized over the years. This reserve would solidify the U.S.’s position as a major player in the crypto space.
Trump also signed another EO that created a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile, expanding the nation’s crypto holdings to include not only Bitcoin but also other digital assets such as Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA).
In addition, the reintroduction of the Digital Commodity Exchange Act (DCEA) sought to expand the remit of the CFTC in regulating crypto markets, providing clarity and consumer protection for digital assets traded in the U.S.
What to Expect in 2025
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for crypto in the U.S. With Paul Atkins still awaiting confirmation as the new SEC chair, progress on crypto legislation may slow temporarily. However, upcoming crypto roundtables will focus on decentralized finance (DeFi) and tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs), signaling continued innovation in the sector.
Overall, Trump’s efforts in Q1 2025 have set the stage for significant crypto reforms, ushering in a new era of digital currency adoption in the U.S. These bold initiatives signal a clear departure from the more cautious stance taken by the previous administration, potentially marking the beginning of a major shift in U.S. policy towards cryptocurrencies.
DUBAI, UAE, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, released the latest weekly crypto derivatives analytics report in collaboration with Block Scholes. The report provides insights into macroeconomic developments, the state of crypto spot and derivatives markets, and emerging trading signals.
Key insights
Since bottoming out on March 11, crypto asset prices have climbed steadily over a two-week period, with BTC briefly surpassing $87,000 and ETH recovering above $2,000. XRP has remained relatively stable, while BTC, ETH, and SOL continue to trade below their year-opening levels. SOL, which hit an all-time high in January following Cboe’s Solana Spot ETF filing, also remains down year-to-date. While the broader market has shown signs of recovery, derivatives activity reflects lingering caution. Demand for BTC and ETH put options remains elevated, signaling ongoing hedging behavior.
Cautious rebound in perpetuals
Perpetual open interest stayed flat for most of the week, underscoring a cautious, risk-off tone. A brief market rebound saw BTC rise to $88,000 — a two-week high — triggering modest increases in perpetual trade volume, primarily driven by BTC. Still, volumes remain significantly below those recorded earlier this month, when U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a national crypto reserve centered on the four largest tokens.
Despite lower realized volatility and positive price movement among major assets, BTC and ETH perpetual contracts continued to post negative funding rates. This indicates that short sellers are still paying long positions, an ongoing sign of bearish sentiment. In contrast, large-cap altcoins showed more mixed positioning, with funding rates fluctuating between positive and negative without a clear directional bias.
Volatility retreats to yearly lows
Implied volatility declined by 3 to 5 points over the past week, with 30-day options now trading at their lowest levels since the beginning of the year. Realized volatility is also nearing the 30% floor last seen in February. As typically observed in low-volatility periods, options market activity has slowed, with open interest remaining low and relatively balanced between puts and calls. Around $40 million in options expired during the week.
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
Crypto wallets play a crucial role in the world of cryptocurrency by allowing users to send, receive, and manage digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Unlike traditional wallets that store physical cash, crypto wallets store private keys that grant access to your cryptocurrency holdings.
These wallets do not actually hold cryptocurrencies but store the keys that unlock access to the funds recorded on the blockchain. Without the private keys, it is impossible to authorize transactions or prove ownership of digital assets. As the popularity of cryptocurrencies grows, choosing the best crypto wallet becomes increasingly important to ensure security and ease of use.
Types of Crypto Wallets: Hot vs Cold Wallets
When selecting the best crypto wallet, it is essential to understand the two main types: hot wallets and cold wallets. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the user’s needs and preferences.
1. What Is a Hot Wallet?
Hot wallets, also known as online or custodial wallets, are connected to the internet and are typically provided by cryptocurrency exchanges. These wallets store private keys on a third-party server, making them easily accessible for transactions.
Hot wallets include mobile apps, browser extensions, and desktop applications. They are convenient for frequent trading and transfers but are more vulnerable to hacking and phishing attacks.
2. What Is a Cold Wallet?
Cold wallets, also known as non-custodial wallets, store private keys offline, making them less susceptible to hacking attempts. Hardware wallets are the most common form of cold wallets and provide a safer way to store large amounts of cryptocurrency.
These wallets resemble USB drives and allow users to sign transactions securely without exposing private keys to online threats. While cold wallets offer superior security, they may not be as convenient for frequent trading.
Top 5 Best Crypto Wallets for 2025
Choosing the best crypto wallet depends on factors such as security, functionality, and compatibility with different cryptocurrencies. Here are the top five wallets to consider in 2025:
1. Trezor
Trezor is a leader in the hardware wallet space, offering models like the Trezor Model One and Trezor Safe 5. These wallets provide top-notch security features and support for a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
Key Features:
Touchscreen interface for easy navigation
High-level offline security
Integration with wallets like Exodus for seamless management
2. Ledger
Ledger is another trusted name in hardware wallets, with models like the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S. Ledger wallets support over 5,500 assets and provide a user-friendly interface through their Ledger Live app.
Key Features:
Two-factor authentication for added security
Mobile and desktop compatibility
Access to decentralized finance (DeFi) applications
3. Exodus
Exodus is a versatile non-custodial wallet that offers both a desktop application and a mobile app. It supports multiple cryptocurrencies and includes built-in exchange and staking options.
Key Features:
Intuitive interface suitable for beginners
Integration with Trezor hardware wallets for added security
Ability to stake assets and generate passive income
4. SafePal
SafePal is gaining traction as a secure and versatile wallet option. Backed by Binance Labs, SafePal offers hardware wallets, software wallets, and a browser extension.
Key Features:
Supports over 100 blockchains
Affordable pricing for hardware wallets
Intuitive mobile app with trading and swapping features
5. Coinbase Wallet
Developed by the popular cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN), Coinbase Wallet is a non-custodial mobile wallet that gives users full control over their private keys.
Key Features:
User-friendly interface with secure storage
Support for NFTs and ERC-20 tokens
Biometric security features for added protection
Best Crypto Mobile Wallets for 2025
For those who prefer managing their cryptocurrencies on the go, mobile wallets offer convenience and security. Some of the best crypto mobile wallets for 2025 include:
MetaMask: Ideal for accessing Ethereum-based decentralized applications (dApps).
Trust Wallet: Supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks.
Phantom Wallet: Specializes in managing Solana (SOL) assets securely.
How to Choose the Best Crypto Wallet
When selecting the best crypto wallet, consider the following factors:
? Security: Opt for wallets with multi-factor authentication and encryption. ? User Experience: Choose a wallet with an intuitive interface and easy navigation. ? Compatibility: Ensure the wallet supports the cryptocurrencies you intend to store. ? Backup and Recovery: Look for wallets that offer backup options and recovery phrases.
Conclusion: Protect Your Assets with the Best Crypto Wallets
As cryptocurrencies continue to gain mainstream adoption, securing your digital assets becomes more important than ever. Whether you prefer the offline security of a hardware wallet like Trezor or the convenience of a mobile wallet like Coinbase Wallet, choosing the best crypto wallet will help safeguard your investments.
Evaluate your needs, prioritize security, and select a wallet that aligns with your crypto journey. With the right wallet, you can confidently navigate the world of digital currencies in 2025 and beyond.