On 17 March 2026, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission granted no-action relief to Phantom Technologies Inc. for activities related to its self-custodial wallet software. The position allows Phantom to offer wallet interfaces that connect users to trading services from registered futures commission merchants, introducing brokers, and designated contract markets without registering as a broker, as long as specific conditions are satisfied.

On 17 March 2026, Mastercard Inc. announced an agreement to acquire stablecoin infrastructure provider BVNK in a transaction valued at up to $1.8 billion, including $300 million in performance-based consideration. The deal is intended to connect Mastercard's global fiat payment network with onchain stablecoin transactions and leverage BVNK's platform, which supports fiat and stablecoin payments in more than 130 countries.

On March 17, 2026 in George Town, British Virgin Islands, Aster announced the official launch of its Aster Chain Mainnet, a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain focused on trading privacy. The network aims to eliminate onchain position hunting by embedding ZK-verifiable encryption and stealth addresses directly into the execution layer, while targeting CEX-level performance with over 100,000 TPS and 50ms median block times. A phased expansion will follow, including an upcoming staking program to reward early users and liquidity providers.

On March 17, 2026 in George Town, British Virgin Islands, Aster announced the mainnet launch of Aster Chain, a purpose-built Layer 1 focused on onchain trading privacy and high performance. The network integrates ZK-verifiable encryption, stealth addresses and selective disclosure, targeting institutional-grade confidentiality while delivering CEX-style throughput of over 100,000 TPS with 50ms median block times and zero gas. A phased rollout will support the Aster trading interface, third-party builders via Aster Code, and a forthcoming staking program for early participants and liquidity providers.

On March 17, 2026 in George Town, British Virgin Islands, Aster announced the official launch of Aster Chain Mainnet, a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain for private onchain trading. The network embeds ZK-verifiable encryption and stealth addresses at the execution layer to prevent position hunting while maintaining traceable asset transfers for compliance. Aster Chain targets CEX-level performance with over 100,000 TPS and 50ms median block times, and will roll out a staking program within a week of launch to reward early users.

On March 11, Across Protocol proposed moving from a DAO and token model to a US C-corporation via a token-for-equity offer, arguing its current structure hinders institutional deals. The plan, which would let ACX holders swap tokens for equity or a buyout, has divided DeFi voices between those seeing it as a necessary step for stablecoin and RWA growth and those calling it a setback for open access and decentralization. The outcome of Across’ governance vote could signal whether more DAOs follow corporate-style legal frameworks or remain fully decentralized despite operational hurdles.

Mastercard has signed a definitive agreement to buy stablecoin infrastructure provider BVNK for $1.8 billion, including $300 million in contingent consideration. The acquisition is aimed at enhancing cross-border remittances, B2B payments, and global payouts through stablecoin-based solutions.

OpenSea has postponed the long-anticipated launch of its $SEA token, with CEO Devin Finzer citing difficult crypto market conditions and the need to avoid a rushed rollout. From 31 March, the platform will introduce 0% trading fees for 60 days, refund fees for users in Rewards Waves 3–6 in exchange for their "Treasures" points, and retire its Waves rewards system in favor of a clearer roadmap. The decision comes as the NFT market cap hovers near $1.75 billion with modest trading volumes and liquidity concentrated in a few leading collections.