The crypto market continued to evolve this week as institutional activity, regulatory updates, and macro narratives impacted sentiment and price action. Here are the top stories that moved assets and influenced investor positioning:

1. Bitcoin Rebounds to $84K Amid Tariff Concerns

Bitcoin recovered to trade around $84,000 after dipping below $77,000 late last week. The rebound came as investor risk appetite remained cautious following U.S. trade policy developments. Investopedia
‍

Impact: Reinforces Bitcoin’s appeal as a macro hedge. The quick rebound signaled market resilience and institutional accumulation at lower levels.

2. Ripple's Legal Battle with SEC Approaches Critical Stage

Ripple is due to file an appellate brief by April 16 in response to the SEC’s ongoing legal challenge. Market participants are speculating that the case may be nearing resolution. CoinJournal
‍

Impact: Regulatory clarity for XRP could remove a key overhang. Traders are watching for settlement signals that could boost confidence and price momentum.

3. Kraken Launches Commission-Free Stock Trading

Kraken expanded into traditional finance by launching commission-free trading for U.S. stocks and ETFs. This move positions the exchange as a multi-asset trading hub. Reuters
‍

Impact: May attract new retail users and foster greater crossover between traditional and crypto assets, supporting platform growth.

4. Binance to Delist 14 Tokens on April 16

Binance confirmed it will delist multiple tokens including TROY, SNT, and UFT. The tokens will be removed from various services including futures, margin, and earn. FXStreet
‍

Impact: May cause short-term volatility or sharp selloffs in affected tokens. Holders should reassess positions and monitor liquidity.

5. EigenLayer Introduces Slashing Mechanism

Ethereum restaking protocol EigenLayer will enable slashing starting April 17 to penalize validator misbehavior and enhance security. BeInCrypto
‍

Impact: Encourages responsible validator behavior and boosts trust in restaking infrastructure, potentially drawing more capital to EigenLayer.

6. ICERAID App Sparks Meme Coin Controversy

ICERAID, a Solana-based app that rewards users with crypto for reporting alleged crimes, gained viral traction. Critics call it a “GovFi” stunt with concerning ethics. The Verge
‍

Impact: Market response remains speculative. While hype-driven gains are possible, reputational risks and lack of transparency may limit sustainable investment.

7. ETF & Institutional Headlines: Grayscale Delay, Polkadot Filing, Bitcoin Treasury Play

• SEC delays staking decision for Grayscale’s Spot Ethereum ETF (April 14)
• 21Shares updates Spot Polkadot ETF filing with the SEC (April 16)
• Semler Scientific files $500M offering to acquire Bitcoin as a corporate treasury asset (April 16)‍

‍Impact: These moves highlight continued ETF momentum and institutional adoption. Delay in ETH staking may disappoint some bulls, but Semler’s bold BTC allocation adds to corporate treasury validation.

‍

Week 16: ETF Expansion, Regulatory Signals, and Strategic Bets

‍This week showed that despite policy headwinds, institutions and protocols continue to build. ETF filings, legal pivots, and treasury allocations highlight growing alignment between crypto and traditional finance.

‍

‍

‍

***

Disclaimer: This blog is intended solely for informational purposes and is directed at our followers in Switzerland. It does not represent an opinion, legal, or investment advice, nor does it create any obligation or responsibility for FiCAS.