Congress on track for stablecoin, market structure bills by August: Blockchain Association
United States lawmakers are on track to pass legislation setting rules for stablecoins and cryptocurrency market structure by as soon as August, Kristin Smith, CEO of industry advocacy group the Blockchain Association, said during Blockworks’ 2025 Digital Asset Summit in New York.Smith’s timeline echoes a similar forecast by Bo Hines, the executive director of the President’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, who said on March 18 that he expects to see comprehensive stablecoin legislation in the coming months. “I think we’re close to being able to get those done for August […] they’re doing a lot of work on that behind the scenes right now,” Smith said on March 19 at the Summit, which was attended by Cointelegraph. “I’m optimistic when you have the chairs of the relevant committees in the House and the Senate and the White House that want to do something and you’ve got bipartisan votes in Congress to get it there,” she added.US President Donald Trump sits beside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the March 7 White House Crypto Summit. Source: The Associated PressBipartisan supportAt the Digital Assets Summit on March 18, Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna said he believes Congress “should be able to get” both the stablecoin and crypto market structure bills passed in 2025. According to Khanna, approximately 70 to 80 Democrats see stablecoin legislation as important for promoting US influence by expanding access to dollars globally.“For the first time those are actually like something we’re able to get done, but to do that you need to have at least 7 Democratic votes in the Senate,” Smith said, adding that “we already have 5 votes at the committee level.”Last week, the Senate Banking Committee approved the GENIUS Act, which is an acronym for Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins. The proposed bill sets collateralization guidelines for stablecoin issuers and mandates compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws.In 2024, the House of Representatives passed the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, also known as FIT21, which sets ground rules for crypto market structure. The bill still needs to pass in the Senate to become law. Executives in crypto have said that the industry will benefit more from US regulatory clarity than even the strategic Bitcoin reserve.On March 6, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating a US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Digital Asset Stockpile, fulfilling a campaign promise he made in 2024.“Markets expect a roadmap for innovation and clear guidelines on stablecoins, institutional adoption and taxation,” Max Giammario, CEO of Web3 artificial intelligence startup Kindred, told Cointelegraph in March.Magazine: Unstablecoins: Depegging, bank runs and other risks loom
Price analysis 3/19: BTC, ETH, XRP, BNB, SOL, ADA, DOGE, LINK, LEO, TON
Bitcoin (BTC) has been clinging to the 200-day simple moving average ($84,359), which suggests that the bulls have kept up the pressure. That improves the prospects of an upside breakout, signaling the corrective phase may be ending. Derive founder Nick Forster told Cointelegraph that the current pullback is a normal correction that Bitcoin experiences during long-term rallies. He anticipates that Bitcoin’s cycle peak is yet to come.A positive sign in favor of bulls is that the US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have again started to witness inflows. According to Farside Investors data, spot Bitcoin ETFs have recorded $525 million in inflows since March 14.Crypto market data daily view. Source: Coin360However, not everyone is bullish on Bitcoin. CryptoQuant founder and CEO Ki Young Ju said in a post on X that Bitcoin could remain in a bearish or sideways trend for the next 6-12 months as the bull cycle is over.Could Bitcoin break out of the 200-day SMA, triggering a rally in altcoins? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.Bitcoin price analysisBitcoin is facing selling at the 200-day SMA, but the bulls have not given up much ground. That suggests the bulls are not dumping their positions as they expect a breakout in the near term.BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bullish momentum is expected to pick up on a break and close above the 20-day exponential moving average ($85,441). The BTC/USDT pair could then climb to the 50-day SMA ($91,904). This optimistic view will be negated in the near term if the price turns down sharply from the 20-day EMA and breaks below $80,000. The pair may then tumble to $76,606. Buyers are expected to defend the $76,606 to $73,777 zone with all their might.Ether price analysisThe narrow range trading in Ether (ETH) resolved to the upside on March 19, indicating that the bulls have overpowered the bears.ETH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewSellers will try to halt the relief rally at the breakdown level of $2,111, but if the bulls prevail, the ETH/USDT pair could ascend to the 50-day SMA ($2,468). If this level is also crossed, the pair could surge to $2,850.Instead, if the price turns down sharply from $2,111, it will signal that the bears are trying to flip the level into resistance. The bears will gain the upper hand if they sink and maintain the price below $1,800.XRP price analysisXRP (XRP) surged above the moving averages on March 19, opening the doors for a rally to the resistance line.XRP/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf the price turns down from the resistance line, the XRP/USDT pair is likely to find support at the 20-day EMA ($2.36). A bounce off the 20-day EMA increases the likelihood of a break above the resistance line. The pair may then climb to $3.On the other hand, if the price turns down from the resistance line and breaks below the moving averages, it heightens the risk of a drop to $2. Sellers will be in control on a close below $2.BNB price analysisBNB (BNB) closed above the 50-day SMA ($618) on March 17, but the bulls are struggling to sustain the higher levels.BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe pullback is expected to find support at the 20-day EMA ($602). If the price rebounds off the 20-day EMA with strength, it will suggest a change in sentiment from selling on rallies to buying on dips. That increases the possibility of a break above $644. The BNB/USDT pair could then rally to $686.Conversely, a break and close below the 20-day EMA suggests that the bulls are booking profits. That may sink the pair to $550.Solana price analysisSolana (SOL) rebounded off the $120 to $110 support zone on March 18, indicating that the bulls are aggressively defending the zone.SOL/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf buyers catapult the price above the 20-day EMA ($137), it will suggest the start of a sustained recovery. The SOL/USDT pair could rally to the 50-day SMA ($167) and, after that, to $180.Contrarily, if the price turns down from the 20-day EMA, it will signal that the bears remain in control. A break below the support zone suggests the start of the next leg of the downtrend. There is minor support at $98, but if the level breaks down, the pair could plummet to $80.Cardano price analysisCardano (ADA) has been trading between the uptrend line and the moving averages for the past few days, indicating indecision about the next directional move.ADA/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe downsloping moving averages and the RSI just below the midpoint give a slight edge to the bears. If the price turns down from the moving averages and breaks below the uptrend line, the ADA/USDT pair could drop to $0.58 and eventually to $0.50.On the contrary, a break and close above the moving averages suggests that the bulls are back in the game. The pair could ascend to $1.02, where the bears are expected to sell aggressively.Dogecoin price analysisDogecoin (DOGE) is facing selling near the 20-day EMA ($0.18), indicating that the bears are active at higher levels.DOGE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bears will try to sink the price below the $0.14 support. If they manage to do that, it will signal the resumption of the downtrend. The DOGE/USDT pair could plunge to psychological support at $0.10.If buyers do not give up much ground from the current level, it improves the prospects of a break above the 20-day EMA. If that happens, the pair could climb to $0.25 and thereafter to $0.29.Related: Fund managers dump US stocks at record pace — Can recession fears hurt Bitcoin?Chainlink price analysisChainlink (LINK) has risen to the 20-day EMA ($14.66), but the bulls are expected to face stiff resistance from the bears.LINK/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf the price turns down from the 20-day EMA, the bears will again try to sink the LINK/USDT pair below the $12 support. If they manage to do that, the pair could descend to the crucial support at $10.Alternatively, a break and close above the 20-day EMA suggests that the breakdown below the channel was a bear trap. The pair may climb to the 50-day SMA ($17.22) and later to $19.25.UNUS SED LEO price analysisUNUS SED LEO (LEO) has been trading in a tight range between $10 and $9.60 for the past few days, suggesting that the bulls are holding on to their positions as they anticipate a move higher.LEO/USD daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf buyers drive and maintain the price above $10, the LEO/USD pair will complete a bullish ascending triangle pattern. The pair may then start an upmove toward the pattern target of $12.04.Contrary to this assumption, if the price turns down and breaks below $9.60, it will signal that the bulls have given up. The pair may then drop to the uptrend line, which is again expected to attract buyers. Toncoin price analysisToncoin (TON) has been facing resistance at the 50-day SMA ($3.56), but a positive sign is that the bulls have not ceded ground to the bears.TON/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThat increases the likelihood of a break and close above the 50-day SMA. If that happens, the TON/USDT pair could climb to $4.50 and then to $5. Sellers are expected to mount a vigorous defense near $5.This positive view will be invalidated in the near term if the price turns down and breaks below the 20-day EMA ($3.26). That will indicate selling at higher levels. The pair may then slump to $3.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
SEC dropping Ripple case is ‘final exclamation mark’ that XRP is not a security — John Deaton
The US Securities and Exchange Commission dropping its appeal against Ripple is the “final exclamation point that these [XRP] tokens are considered digital commodities, not securities,” crypto lawyer John Deaton told Cointelegraph.Deaton added that there is still a $125-million judgment against Ripple over the improper selling of the XRP (XRP) cryptocurrency, which perhaps the company can negotiate down now that the SEC has dropped its appeal.Deaton is a well-known lawyer who represented XRP holders, arguing that their interests were not being represented in the SEC’s case against Ripple. He’d later run against Elizabeth Warren, a vocal crypto critic, for a senate seat to represent Massachusetts in Washington, DC.Related: Why is the Ripple SEC case still ongoing amid a sea of resolutions?Will Ripple drop its cross-appeal?One factor that will play out going forward is Ripple’s cross-appeal, which was filed in October 2024. Deaton believes the SEC doesn’t want Ripple to proceed with the cross-appeal because a ruling could hurt the commission’s jurisdiction and affect other cases.That gives Ripple some leverage in negotiating the settlement. “Everything’s turned,” Deaton said. “The election’s turned, the industry turned, the SEC [has] completely done a 180 as it relates to the industry. Why should we pay $125 million?”However, there still is the issue of the injunction issued by Judge Analisa Torres, which prevents Ripple from selling XRP to institutional investors to prevent violation of securities laws.“If Ripple obviously wants to be able to issue XRP to banks in America directly, I think the hang-up is that injunction and how do you get past that injunction,” Deaton said.Related: XRP’s role in US Digital Asset Stockpile raises questions on token utility — Does it belong?Ripple case was an attack on the industry“I remember when this case was first filed,” Deaton told Cointelegraph, adding:“I thought it was an assault on the industry, like the boot on the neck of the industry, and I was confident that it wasn’t going to be just a one-off, that it wouldn’t just be Ripple, that it was more of a message that the traditional finance, the banking system, the Elizabeth Warrens and the Gary Genslers of the world, had it in for the industry.”He added that Ripple can appeal to the fact that it never left the US even after the SEC brought the case and that it is an American-made company.“I think it’s to do with Brad Garlinghouse being able to say, ‘Well, look, we got sued by the US government and the Biden administration; we’re an American-made company, you know, [and] we never left.’ And I think that bodes well.”Magazine: Hall of Flame: Crypto Banter’s Ran Neuner says Ripple is ‘despicable,’ tips hat to ZachXBT
SEC’s XRP reversal a ‘victory for the industry’: Ripple CEO
The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s dismissal of its years-long lawsuit against Ripple Labs, the developer of the XRP Ledger blockchain network, is a “victory for the industry,” Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said at Blockworks’ 2025 Digital Asset Summit in New York.Earlier on March 19, Garlinghouse revealed that the SEC would dismiss its legal action against Ripple, ending four years of litigation against the blockchain developer for an alleged $1.3-billion unregistered securities offering in 2020.“It feels like a victory for the industry and the beginning of a new chapter,” Garlinghouse said on March 19 at the Summit, which was attended by Cointelegraph. Ripple’s CEO said the SEC is dropping its case against the blockchain developer. Source: Brad GarlinghouseRelated: SEC will drop its appeal against Ripple, CEO Garlinghouse saysMajor reversalThe dismissal is the latest — and arguably most significant — reversal by the SEC under US President Donald Trump. The agency previously dropped charges against other crypto firms, including Coinbase, Kraken and Uniswap, for similar alleged securities law violations. Under former President Joe Biden, the SEC brought upward of 100 enforcement actions against crypto firms, typically alleging failure to properly register products that former SEC Chair Gary Gensler said fell under the securities regulators’ jurisdiction. Trump has taken a friendlier stance toward the burgeoning industry, promising to make America the “world’s crypto capital” and appointing industry-friendly leaders to key regulatory posts. “The new chapter started with the reset at both the Congress and the executive branch […] when Trump came in and nominated Paul Atkins, Scott Bessent, [and] brought on David Sacks,” Garlinghouse said. Trump nominated Atkins and Bessent to head the SEC and Treasury Department, respectively. Sacks is Trump’s artificial intelligence and “crypto czar,” a newly created White House advisory role. “I really deeply believed that we were going to be on the right side of the law and on the right side of history,” Garlinghouse said of his company’s protracted legal fight with US regulators, adding that, in his view, the SEC was “just […] trying to bully” the crypto industry. Now that regulatory headwinds have subsided, Ripple is focusing on expansion, Garlinghouse added. “Ripple has invested over $2 billion in investments and acquisitions across the crypto landscape, and some of those have nothing to do with XRP because if crypto does well, I fundamentally believe Ripple will do well,” he said. Magazine: Classic Sega, Atari and Nintendo games get crypto makeovers: Web3 Gamer
Cardano (ADA) on verge of 20% breakout as social sentiment indicator hits 4 month high
Cardano’s (ADA) price has managed a steady 13.5% in March after experiencing a 32% dip in February. The altcoin is still down 15% in Q1, but technical data is beginning to point to the continuation of the recent positive price action.Cardano 1-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewDespite ADA price moving sideways between $0.78 and $0.70 over the past 10 days, social sentiment related to the altcoin has hit a new year-to-date high.Cardano’s “bullish” sentiment soars to 4-month highAccording to Santiment, an onchain intelligence platform, Cardano’s social sentiment exhibited its highest positive measurement in four months. ADA investors received a boost from the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) recent comments, which classified Cardano’s use case as “smart contracts for government services.” The SEC statement was followed by ADA’s highest ratio of positive comments since the first week of November 2024.Cardano’s crowd sentiment score by Santiment. Source: X.comA rise in social sentiment is often aligned with increased trading activity and, at times, higher prices. In Q4 2024, a rise in positive social sentiment and active transactions went hand in hand for ADA. However, the environment is slightly different right now. Data from Cardanoscan.io showed a stark difference between the number of active transaction counts from early November 2024 and now. In Q4, the average transaction count remained above 100,000 for most of November and December, but currently, it is roughly down 70%, with the number of transactions coming in at 26,437 on March 18.Daily transaction count and fees chart. Source: cardanoscan.ioRegardless of the weak onchain activity, Michael Heinrich, CEO of 0G Labs, told Cointelegraph that Cardano’s strength lies in “lobbying” its community. Speaking on ADA and XRP’s inclusion in a US Digital Asset Stockpile, Heinrich said, “They have time in the game: these tokens have been around for a while, they’re liquid, and they’re unlikely to spring any sudden surprises.”Related: Cardano’s ADA lands spot in US Digital Asset Stockpile — Will it generate value?ADA to rally 20% before the end of March?Irrespective of the underwhelming onchain data, ADA price has been receptive to positive news in the past. The altcoin has maintained a position above the 0.50 Fibonacci retracement line despite ADA being in a downtrend since its 2024 high of $1.32. This indicates that ADA’s high-time frame (HTF) chart remains on a technical uptrend. ADA/USDT 1-day chart. Source: TradingViewCardano retained support from the ascending trendline (black line) while oscillating between its parallel channel. Currently, the immediate resistance lies at the upper range of the channel at $0.78, which is supported by the 200-day exponential moving average (200-DEMA, orange line). A positive candle close above the 200-DEMA on the daily chart indicates a bullish shift, potentially triggering a move above $0.78. The immediate target above $0.78 lies between 0.84 and $0.88, where a daily fair value gap (FVG) is present. A retest of $0.88 marks a 20% return from its current price. However, historically, Cardano has exhibited prolonged sideways movement, which could limit immediate gains. A break above $0.78 validates further confirmation for a rally, but until then, the altcoin may continue to range between $0.78 and $0.70.Related: Bitcoin is just seeing a ‘normal correction,’ cycle peak is yet to come: AnalystsThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Hive doubles down on BTC hodl strategy amid miner equity dilution, debt reliance
Data center infrastructure provider Hive Digital is doubling down on its long-term Bitcoin treasury strategy and is using the recent market sell-off to expand its mining capacity and acquisition targets, signaling a growing shift among public miners to retain their mined assets. In an interview with Cointelegraph, Hive Digital’s chief financial officer, Darcy Daubaras, said the company remains focused on “retaining a significant portion of its mined Bitcoin to benefit from potential price appreciation.” This requires an active approach to treasury management to optimize liquidity in the face of steep market corrections, such as Bitcoin’s (BTC) recent 30% drop. However, a long-term Bitcoin hodl strategy is better than “[relying] more on debt or equity dilution for funding,” which is common in the mining industry, said Daubaras.As Cointelegraph reported, public miners have increasingly shifted to equity dilution — or issuing new shares to raise capital — as part of a broad deleveraging process due to high interest rates and declining creditworthiness. Absent these strategies, miners are usually forced to aggressively sell their mined Bitcoin to fund their operations or expansion. While Hive isn’t opposed to selling some of its Bitcoin holdings — it did so to fund the acquisition of Bitfarms’ 200-megawatt facility in Paraguay — it’s better to “selectively sell Bitcoin to fund accretive investments, [which] creates a balance of growing our operations and positioning ourselves for long-term success,” said Daubaras.Source: Frank HolmesHive added more Bitcoin to its balance sheet in the final quarter of 2024, increasing its “hodl” position to 2,805 BTC.Related: BTC miners adopted ‘treasury strategy,’ diversified business in 2024: ReportImportance of diversification, scalabilityBull market conditions make it easier for miners to stack their Bitcoin, but long-term success requires navigating the minefield of volatile prices, growing competition, and rising electricity and hardware costs. To combat these and other challenges, Hive has revamped its business model to include AI data centers and has prioritized renewable energy sources.Hive Digital executives told Cointelegraph in September that the company repurposed a portion of its Nvidia GPUs for AI tasks, which can generate more than $2.00 per hour compared to just $0.12 per hour for crypto mining.Other miners have followed suit, including Core Scientific, Hut8 and Bit Digital. Their pivot was emphasized in an October mining report by asset manager CoinShares, which said less profitable Bitcoin mining “may explain the rising trend of mining companies diversifying their income streams to include AI.”The cost per mined Bitcoin has essentially doubled following the April 2024 halving. Source: CoinSharesMiner diversification was also a key takeaway from a January report by Digital Mining Solutions and BitcoinMiningStock.io, which listed high-performance computing and AI as offering a “predictable revenue stream to buffer against mining volatility.”High-performance computing and AI applications account for a growing share of miner revenues. Source: Digital Mining SolutionsMagazine: ETH whale’s wild $6.8M ‘mind control’ claims, Bitcoin power thefts: Asia Express
US needs competitive moat around tokenized RWA — Sergey Nazarov
The United States needs to establish a competitive moat around highly secure tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) to remain competitive in the age of borderless, permissionless finance, according to Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov.In an interview with Cointelegraph’s Turner Wright at the Digital Asset Summit in New York, Nazarov said that blockchain is a global phenomenon that relies on open-source software and distributed technology, unlike previous technological shifts.The executive added that the shift to online commerce, which gave the US a competitive advantage due to a five- to 10-year head start on the development of internet infrastructure, is not applicable in the age of digital finance. The executive told Cointelegraph:“The US really has to push its other two advantages of a very strong domestic market and the ability for it to create these highly reliable financial assets. And this is what I think the administration and the people in the legislature are now starting to understand.”Real-world tokenized assets could become a $100-trillion market in the coming years, as the world’s assets come onchain, the Chainlink executive predicted.Sergey Nazarov takes part in a panel at the 2025 Digital Asset Summit. Source: Turner Wright/CointelegraphRelated: Ethena Labs, Securitize launch blockchain for DeFi and tokenized assetsTokenized RWAs reach all-time highsAccording to RWA.xyz, real-world tokenized assets, excluding stablecoins, hit an all-time high in 2025, topping $18.8 billion.Private credit took up the lion’s share of the total RWA market capitalization, with over $12.2 billion in tokenized private credit instruments permeating the market at the time of this writing.Total tokenized real-world assets, excluding stablecoins. Source: RWA.xyzAsset tokenization can make previously illiquid asset classes, such as real estate, more liquid, eliminating the illiquidity discount inherent in physical properties.In February, Polygon CEO Marc Boiron told Cointelegraph that tokenizing real estate could fractionalize ownership, eliminate intermediaries, and lower settlement costs —transforming the slow-moving sector.This real estate overhaul can be seen in Turkey, with projects such as Lumia Towers, a 300-unit mixed-use commercial real estate development that was tokenized using Polygon’s technology. It’s also taking place in the United Arab Emirates, which is considered one of the hottest property markets in the world. Proactive digital asset regulations are driving a tokenized RWA boom in the Gulf state as institutional investors and developers flock to tokenization as an alternative method of capital formation.Magazine: Real life yield farming: How tokenization is transforming lives in Africa
Crypto payments for small businesses: Benefits, risks and how to get started
Key takeawaysAccepting crypto payments reduces transaction fees, eliminates chargebacks, and enables seamless global transactions.Businesses of all sizes, from e-commerce to real estate, are integrating cryptocurrency payments to attract new customers.Risks like price volatility and regulatory compliance can be managed with trusted payment processors like BitPay, CoinsPaid and Coinbase Commerce.Setting up crypto payments is easier than ever, with zero upfront costs and user-friendly integration options for small businesses.The rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies has led businesses of all sizes to increasingly embrace digital currencies like Bitcoin as a legitimate payment method.And it’s not just a rehash of old news. For years, you might have seen luxury brands like Gucci and telecommunications companies like AT&T accepting Bitcoin. But today, crypto payments are much more than an easy bit of PR — they’re seamlessly integrating into e-commerce, hospitality, travel and even your neighborhood coffee shop.What started as a niche trend in the early 2010s has accelerated over the years. As of 2025, over 659 million people worldwide — roughly 1 in 13 individuals — are using cryptocurrency. Moreover, approximately 15,000 businesses globally accept Bitcoin (BTC), including around 2,300 in the United States.While there are considerations to keep in mind, many view accepting BTC and other cryptocurrencies, even as a small business, as a win-win. The benefits often outweigh any challenges, with minimal downsides and significant potential rewards.The following sections explore the whos, the whys and the hows.What companies are currently accepting cryptocurrencies?As briefly touched upon, it’s not only niche crypto-specific sectors that are accepting Bitcoin payments. Here are some sectors that you might not have considered, with accompanying case studies.E-commerceShopify enables merchants to accept cryptocurrency payments through various payment gateways, including BitPay and Coinbase Commerce.Newegg accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for electronics purchases, integrating crypto payments into its checkout process.Rakuten Japan allows users to convert Rakuten Points into Bitcoin, Ether (ETH) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH), effectively incorporating crypto into its rewards ecosystem.Food and beverageSubway accepts Bitcoin at selected locations, with franchises in Europe and North America processing crypto payments.Burger King franchises in Brazil and Venezuela allow customers to pay for meals with Bitcoin and select altcoins.Starbucks supports Bitcoin payments through the Bakkt app, enabling customers to reload their Starbucks cards with cryptocurrency.RetailHome Depot accepts Bitcoin payments via Flexa, allowing customers to use cryptocurrency for home improvement purchases.Whole Foods processes crypto payments through the Spedn app, which enables Bitcoin and other digital currency transactions at checkout.Nordstrom integrates crypto payments into its in-store and online shopping platforms, supporting purchases with Bitcoin and Ethereum.Real estateIn Miami, a $22.5-million penthouse in the Arte Surfside complex was purchased entirely with Bitcoin, one of the largest real estate transactions involving cryptocurrency.Magnum Real Estate Group sold a retail condo in Manhattan for $15.3 million in Bitcoin, marking one of the first large-scale commercial real estate deals in crypto.Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty in Texas completed a home sale using Bitcoin, expanding crypto transactions into the residential property market.Hospitality and travelMirai Flights processes cryptocurrency payments for private jet charters, catering to high-net-worth individuals.Travala accepts BTC, ETH and other cryptocurrencies for hotel and flight bookings, partnering with major travel service providers.Expedia facilitates crypto payments for hotel bookings through Travala, offering Bitcoin payment options on select accommodations.AdvertisingClaimr, a Web3 marketing platform, processes approximately 8 million euros annually, with the majority of transactions conducted in cryptocurrency.Accessible.org began accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in 2025, allowing clients to pay for digital accessibility services with crypto.Black Iris Social Club in Richmond accepts Bitcoin for event bookings and memberships, integrating cryptocurrency into its operations.Did you know? The first-ever real-world transaction using Bitcoin took place on May 22, 2010, when programmer Laszlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 BTC. Today, those 10,000 BTC would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, making it one of the most expensive pizza orders in history. This event is now celebrated annually as Bitcoin Pizza Day in the crypto community.Why are businesses accepting crypto payments?So, all the big brands are in. But what’s driving this trend, and can small businesses benefit, too?One of the most significant advantages is lower transaction fees. Traditional payment processors and credit card companies typically charge businesses between 2% and 4% per transaction, while crypto payment gateways often reduce this to less than 1%. For businesses processing high volumes of transactions, these savings can be substantial.Another key factor is the ability to access a global market without the restrictions of currency exchange rates and international banking fees. Cryptocurrency payments enable seamless cross-border transactions, allowing businesses to serve international customers without friction. This is especially beneficial for industries like travel, luxury goods and digital services, where cross-border commerce is common.Security and fraud prevention also play a role. Cryptocurrency transactions are final, eliminating chargebacks — something that costs businesses billions of dollars annually in fraudulent disputes. This makes crypto payments particularly appealing to merchants in industries where chargebacks are common, such as e-commerce and online services.Did you know? In 2025, chargeback fraud, particularly friendly fraud, has become a significant concern for merchants. Notably, a recent survey revealed that 55% of Generation Z and 49% of Millennials earning over $100,000 annually admitted to engaging in digital shoplifting — a form of first-party fraud where consumers falsely claim issues with online orders to secure refunds or avoid payments. Additionally, businesses recognize that accepting cryptocurrency aligns with the preferences of a growing demographic of crypto users. Companies integrating crypto payments position themselves as forward-thinking and innovative, appealing to solvent, tech-savvy consumers who prefer digital transactions over traditional banking systems.Finally, some businesses are drawn to the potential of holding crypto as an asset. While many use payment processors that instantly convert cryptocurrency into fiat currency to avoid volatility, others see it as an opportunity to gain exposure to a growing asset class. With major corporations like Tesla and MicroStrategy holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets, smaller businesses are following suit, recognizing the potential long-term value.Small businesses stand to benefit the most here, as accepting crypto payments is an easy way to carve out a niche for the brand, reaching far more customers than would be possible by offering only fiat payments. The strategy might well mean the difference between failure and success in a competitive startup environment.Did you know? A survey by Deloitte found that 85% of merchants see crypto payments as a way to reach new customers.Risks of accepting cryptocurrency paymentsWhile accepting crypto payments is often seen as a win-win, businesses must also be aware of potential risks in doing so on their own, without proper accounting systems and crypto processing partners.Price volatilityCryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are known for significant price fluctuations. For example, in early 2025, Bitcoin’s price dropped from $109,071 to around $80,000 — a nearly 25% decline within a short period. Such volatility can impact the value of received payments if not promptly converted to stable currencies.Regulatory and tax complianceThe regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies varies by jurisdiction and is continually evolving. For example, in the United States, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) classifies cryptocurrencies as property, not currency, which introduces complexities in tax reporting and compliance. Businesses must stay informed about applicable regulations to ensure adherence to tax obligations and avoid potential legal issues.Security concernsAccepting cryptocurrencies necessitates the use of digital wallets and exchanges, which can be susceptible to cybersecurity threats.Without robust security measures, businesses risk unauthorized access and theft of digital assets. Implementing strong cybersecurity protocols is essential.Technical barriersIntegrating cryptocurrency payment systems requires technical knowledge that some small business owners may lack. Establishing digital wallets and navigating digital currency exchanges can be challenging, potentially leading to operational inefficiencies or errors. Investing in employee training or consulting with experts may be necessary to overcome these hurdles.Market acceptance and perceptionDespite growing adoption, cryptocurrencies are not universally accepted or understood. Some customers may be hesitant to use digital currencies due to concerns about security or unfamiliarity, potentially limiting the perceived benefits of offering crypto payment options. Businesses should assess their customer base to determine if accepting cryptocurrencies aligns with their clientele’s preferences.Use a crypto payment provider It’s unlikely that, as a small business, you’ll take this road alone — especially when leading crypto payment processors offer zero up-front integration costs:These processors offer immediate conversion services, transforming volatile cryptocurrencies into stable fiat currencies upon receipt, thereby shielding businesses from price fluctuations.They also assist in navigating complex regulatory landscapes by providing tools for accurate tax reporting and ensuring compliance with evolving laws.To address security concerns, reputable processors implement robust cybersecurity measures, safeguarding digital assets against potential threats.Additionally, they offer user-friendly platforms that simplify the technical aspects of cryptocurrency transactions, making integration accessible even for those with limited technical expertise.The next section will explore a number of crypto processing providers that you may wish to choose from as a small business.Which crypto payment gateway to choose in 2025 BitPayFounded in 2011, BitPay is a pioneering cryptocurrency payment processor. As of 2024, it holds a 6.26% market share in the Bitcoin payment processing sector, serving over 523 customers. BitPay caters to a diverse clientele, including retailers, investment banking firms, and nonprofit organizations. The company offers direct crypto-to-fiat settlements, helping businesses avoid volatility while ensuring seamless integration with existing accounting systems. Its security infrastructure includes two-factor authentication (2FA) and encrypted transactions, making it a trusted option for enterprises looking to accept cryptocurrency payments.CoinsPaidEstablished in 2014, CoinsPaid has grown into a comprehensive crypto payment gateway, processing over 41 million transactions worth 23 billion euros. The company facilitates approximately 8% of all onchain Bitcoin transactions, making it a major player in the crypto payments sector. Supporting over 30 cryptocurrencies, CoinsPaid serves industries such as IT, marketing, financial services, real estate and gambling. The platform offers a business wallet, an over-the-counter (OTC) desk for large-volume transactions and software-as-a-service solutions tailored for crypto integration. CoinsPaid is licensed in Estonia and complies with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations while undergoing regular independent security audits to maintain its reputation for secure and compliant processing.Coinbase CommerceLaunched in 2018 by Coinbase, Coinbase Commerce enables merchants to accept multiple cryptocurrencies directly into a user-controlled wallet. It provides seamless integration with major e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce, allowing businesses to accept ETH, Litecoin (LTC) and USDC (USDC). Notably, in February 2024, Coinbase Commerce ended support for Bitcoin and other unspent transaction output (UTXO)-based coins. To make Bitcoin payments, users will need a Coinbase account. The decision comes as Coinbase faces challenges in implementing updates to its Ethereum Virtual Machine payment protocol for Bitcoin.While specific market share data is limited, Coinbase Commerce is widely used by small to mid-sized businesses across sectors such as computer software, utilities and telecommunications. The platform offers a straightforward setup with no transaction fees apart from standard network costs, making it an attractive option for businesses looking for a simple crypto payment solution without intermediaries.Binance Pay Binance Pay, introduced by Binance, is a cryptocurrency payment solution that enables merchants and users to conduct transactions using various cryptocurrencies. It supports over 30 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH and BNB (BNB), allowing for versatile payment options. The platform offers zero transaction fees for both merchants and users, making it an attractive option for businesses aiming to integrate crypto payments without incurring additional costs. Binance Pay also emphasizes security by incorporating features such as 2FA and encrypted transactions, ensuring safe and reliable payment processing.Step-by-step guide to set up a crypto payment gateway Despite a run-in with the Lazarus Group last year, CoinsPaid continues to operate as a major crypto payment gateway, maintaining competitive setup costs and fees. As such, this section will walk you through the steps you’d be expected to take when integrating any crypto payment processor, using CoinsPaid’s flow as an example.Request a consultation: Businesses can begin by submitting a request on the CoinsPaid website. A CoinsPaid representative will promptly reach out to schedule a meeting and discuss requirements.Receive a free demo and proposal: The CoinsPaid team provides a detailed demonstration of the system, answers any questions, and prepares a tailored proposal based on the company’s specific needs.Onboarding: To finalize the agreement, businesses must complete the Know Your Business (KYB) verification by submitting the necessary documents for compliance with regulatory standards.Integration: CoinsPaid’s team assists in integrating the payment gateway into the company’s existing infrastructure, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup.Start accepting crypto: Once integration is complete, businesses can begin offering cryptocurrency payments, providing customers with an additional payment option while potentially expanding their market reach.By following these steps, you can effectively integrate CoinsPaid into your business, offering your customers the option to pay with cryptocurrencies. Integrating cryptocurrency payments is a forward-thinking investmentWith lower transaction fees, access to a global customer base and protection from chargebacks, crypto payments provide clear advantages over traditional payment methods.The risks associated with crypto payments — such as volatility, regulatory compliance and security concerns — are easily mitigated by using a trusted payment processor like CoinsPaid, BitPay or Coinbase Commerce. These platforms handle everything from instant fiat conversion to security and compliance, making the transition to crypto seamless and low-risk.With major brands already embracing digital currencies, there’s no reason for small and medium-sized businesses to be left behind. Crypto payments are fast, borderless and cost-effective, making them a no-brainer for any forward-thinking business. Whether you’re a startup looking to gain a competitive edge or an established company seeking new revenue streams, integrating cryptocurrency payments is an investment in the future.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.