OKX $25B Valuation, South Korea Crypto Rules & Kazakhstan National Reserves

Crypto moves fast, and new updates appear almost every day. Some stories shake the market, while others slowly reveal trends that investors and traders should watch closely. Because of this, we collect the most important crypto news in one place, so you do not have to search through dozens of different websites. In this quick recap, you will find the events that really mattered this week, from major market movements to announcements that could shape the future of the industry.

Blockchain Stocks Gain Momentum as Crypto and AI Trends Converge

Interest in blockchain-related stocks is rising again. Strong trading activity across several companies shows growing attention from investors. Many traders look for exposure to digital assets without buying cryptocurrencies directly. Stocks connected to blockchain technology offer that option through traditional brokerage accounts. Recent market momentum, combined with Bitcoin price movements and expanding tech applications, pushes these companies back into focus.

Blockchain-linked stocks usually represent firms working with digital asset infrastructure, financial technology, or distributed ledger systems. Some run mining facilities. Others build software platforms or financial products powered by blockchain networks. Investors often see these equities as a bridge between traditional markets and the crypto sector.

Core Scientific recently attracted attention due to high trading volume. The company runs large mining data centers in North America. It also hosts equipment for other operators. Now it plans to use part of its infrastructure for artificial intelligence workloads. Massive power capacity allows the company to support AI computing and high-performance hosting.

Figure Technology Solutions focuses on blockchain tools for lending and financial markets. Its platforms process loans, investments, and credit products directly on chain. Faster settlement and improved transparency make these systems attractive for modern finance.

Globant approaches blockchain from another direction. The firm delivers digital transformation services worldwide. Its teams combine blockchain with cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

Bitdeer and Digi Power X concentrate on mining and computing services. Both companies operate infrastructure that supports cryptocurrency networks and high-performance computing markets.

South Korea Moves Toward Corporate Crypto Trading but Blocks Stablecoins

South Korea prepares to open the door for corporate participation in digital asset markets. Financial regulators are drafting new rules that would finally allow listed companies and professional investment firms to trade cryptocurrencies. The initiative signals a shift in policy after years of tight restrictions that kept institutions away from the sector.

The Financial Services Commission is preparing a framework called the Corporate Virtual Currency Trading Guidelines. These rules would define how companies can buy and manage digital assets for financial or investment purposes. Until now, the Korean crypto market has remained largely driven by retail traders.

Under the proposal, firms could invest in large cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. Reports suggest the allowed assets might come from the top twenty coins by market capitalization. Regulators may also limit exposure to a small percentage of a company’s total equity.

However, major dollar-pegged stablecoins will remain outside the initial framework. Tokens like Tether and USD Coin do not fit current foreign exchange rules in the country. South Korea’s Foreign Exchange Transactions Act requires international payments to pass through approved banks. Stablecoin holdings could create conflicts with that structure.

Authorities also want a cautious rollout. Officials worry that unrestricted stablecoin access could trigger unexpected cross-border activity or financial instability during early adoption.

Meanwhile, lawmakers continue discussions about updating digital asset legislation. A proposal submitted to the National Assembly in 2025 could eventually recognize stablecoins as payment instruments.

For now, regulators focus on large cryptocurrencies first. Broader access may come later if legal reforms move forward.

Major Crypto Investor Backs Reform UK with Record Political Donations

New financial disclosures reveal that a prominent cryptocurrency investor has become one of the largest political donors in recent British history. Christopher Harborne, known for his ties to the stablecoin issuer Tether, provided major financial support to Reform UK. Recent filings show contributions totaling £12 million.

The largest payment arrived last year when Harborne transferred £9 million to the party. Another £3 million followed in November 2025. These donations rank among the biggest individual political contributions recorded in the United Kingdom.

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, places digital assets at the center of its economic proposals. The party wants Britain to become a global hub for blockchain companies and crypto businesses. One key policy suggests reducing capital gains tax on cryptocurrency profits to 10 percent.

The party also began accepting crypto donations in 2025. Supporters can send Bitcoin and other digital currencies directly through wallet transfers. This approach marks one of the first attempts by a British political organization to integrate blockchain payments into campaign funding.

The idea sparked debate in Parliament. Several lawmakers worry that crypto donations could complicate transparency. Earlier this year, leaders from multiple parliamentary committees asked the government to consider banning digital asset contributions to political groups.

Kazakhstan Plans $350 Million Digital Asset Investment from National Reserves

Kazakhstan is preparing a new strategy that links national reserves with digital asset markets. The country’s central bank plans to allocate up to $350 million toward investments connected to blockchain technology. Officials confirmed the initiative during a March 6 policy briefing.

Governor Timur Suleimanov explained that the portfolio will focus on indirect exposure. The bank will not purchase large amounts of cryptocurrencies directly. Instead, it will invest in companies and funds related to the digital asset ecosystem.

Eligible investments include technology firms building blockchain infrastructure, financial platforms connected to crypto markets, and specialized index funds tracking digital asset performance. The strategy aims to diversify reserve management while limiting direct volatility.

Kazakhstan holds around $69.4 billion in gold and foreign exchange reserves. The planned allocation represents roughly half a percent of that total. Officials describe the move as an experimental step rather than a major shift in reserve policy.

Deputy chair Aliya Moldabekova said deployment could begin in April or May 2026 once the final investment list receives approval.

The government may expand the plan later. Discussions involve another potential $350 million allocation from the National Fund, which collects revenue from the country’s energy sector.

Kazakhstan already holds a strong position in the global crypto industry. The nation became a major Bitcoin mining hub after miners moved operations from other regions. Abundant energy resources supported that growth.

OKX Reaches $25 Billion Valuation After Strategic Investment from ICE

The global cryptocurrency industry received a major signal of institutional interest this week. Crypto exchange OKX secured a $25 billion valuation after a minority investment from Intercontinental Exchange, the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange. The announcement arrived on March 5, 2026.

The partnership highlights growing connections between traditional finance and digital asset platforms. Large financial institutions increasingly explore blockchain technology and crypto market infrastructure.

OKX operates as one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. The platform supports spot trading, derivatives markets, staking services, and decentralized finance integrations. More than 120 million users access its trading tools and wallet services worldwide.

The investment from ICE also opens the door for deeper cooperation. One part of the agreement allows ICE to license price data from OKX. The information may support regulated futures products tied to cryptocurrency markets.

OKX will also distribute certain ICE products to its global user base. Plans include tokenized assets and new derivatives instruments designed for digital markets.

Crypto Investors Look for the Best Countries to Live in 2026

Choosing the right country has become an important decision for cryptocurrency investors. Regulations, taxes, and banking access now play a major role in how digital assets are managed. As global oversight expands, location increasingly affects how people hold, trade, and report crypto holdings.

A recent analysis reviewed more than twenty jurisdictions that integrate digital assets into their financial systems. Researchers focused on tax policies, banking support, licensing rules, and legal clarity for blockchain businesses.

Some countries stand out as stable financial hubs. Switzerland, Singapore, Germany, and the United Kingdom offer clear regulations and strong banking connections to the crypto industry. These locations appeal to investors who prefer predictable rules and mature financial infrastructure.

Other regions attract residents with favorable tax treatment. Portugal, Malta, Estonia, and the United Arab Emirates offer residency options combined with crypto-friendly policies. Dubai in particular has developed a regulatory system dedicated to digital asset companies.

Large financial centers also remain important. The United States and Hong Kong provide deep liquidity and strong trading activity. However, both markets require strict reporting and compliance.

Emerging markets also attract attention. Countries such as Brazil and Vietnam show rapid growth in digital asset adoption.

For many investors, the ideal location combines three elements: clear regulations, reliable banking services, and predictable taxation. As crypto moves deeper into mainstream finance, geography plays a bigger role than many expected.

OmniPact Secures $50 Million to Build Decentralized Trust Layer for Global Transactions

Blockchain startup OmniPact has raised $50 million in a private investment round aimed at accelerating development of its decentralized transaction infrastructure. The protocol focuses on creating a trust layer for peer-to-peer exchanges of both digital and physical assets. With fresh capital now secured, the team plans to expand engineering work, finalize its mainnet architecture, and prepare for upcoming testnet deployment.

The funding came from a group of institutional investors and family offices. Participants chose to remain anonymous, though they expressed strong confidence in OmniPact’s technology roadmap. Investors believe the protocol could become a key building block for secure transactions without centralized intermediaries.

A large portion of the funds will support final development of OmniPact’s smart contracts and multi-chain infrastructure. The company also plans to conduct extensive security audits before launching its public testnet in the first quarter of 2026. At the same time, OmniPact will hire additional engineers to speed up work on cross-chain integrations and real-world asset functionality.

The protocol aims to solve a long-standing problem in digital commerce: trust between unknown participants. OmniPact replaces traditional intermediaries with smart contracts that hold assets and enforce agreements automatically.

The platform also plans to introduce decentralized arbitration and reputation systems. These features would allow users to resolve disputes without relying on centralized authorities.

Developers say the long-term goal is simple. Create a neutral infrastructure where people and automated AI agents can exchange value securely across networks.

Bybit Publishes New Proof of Reserves Showing Full Asset Backing

Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has released its latest Proof-of-Reserves report, offering another look into the platform’s asset backing. The snapshot reflects balances recorded on February 26, 2026. Independent cybersecurity firm Hacken reviewed the data. The results show that reserves for major cryptocurrencies remain fully backed, with ratios equal to or above 100 percent.

Proof of Reserves allows users to verify whether an exchange holds enough assets to cover customer balances. Bybit continues to publish these reports regularly, giving traders the ability to check wallet balances directly on chain. The goal is simple: prove that customer deposits remain fully supported by actual reserves.

The newest snapshot shows strong reserve levels across several major assets. Tether reserves reached a ratio of 104 percent. Users hold about 6.12 billion USDT on the platform. Bybit wallets currently store around 5.87 billion USDT.

USD Coin reserves also exceed the benchmark. The report shows a ratio of 113 percent. Users hold roughly 723 million USDC, while the exchange controls about 634 million USDC in reserve wallets.

Bitcoin reserves stand at 109 percent. Customers hold around 59,060 BTC. The exchange maintains over 54,000 BTC in wallets. Ethereum reserves sit close to full backing, with a ratio of 100 percent.

Industry analysts say Proof of Reserves has become an important transparency tool. Many centralized exchanges now publish similar reports to strengthen trust among traders and institutional participants.

Bybit plans to continue releasing updated reserve snapshots each month.

This article is not supposed to provide financial advice. Digital assets are risky. Be sure to do your own research and consult your financial advisor before investing.