In research based on its 2025 survey on Access to Finance Enterprises, the European Central Bank reported that about two‑thirds of European firms use AI, but only around 25% invest in it. Larger companies show usage rates of about 90%, yet many rely on free or open‑source tools instead of paid enterprise solutions, and AI adoption is more often linked to hiring and productivity gains than job cuts.

Patrick Witt, who leads the President's Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, disputed Jamie Dimon's argument that paying yield on stablecoins should automatically trigger full bank-style regulation, while Donald Trump publicly backed the pro-yield GENIUS Act and urged swift passage of the Clarity Act. Kraken's banking unit obtained a Federal Reserve master account, K33 described bitcoin as deeply oversold despite recent losses, and a Bitcoin Policy Institute study found AI models favor bitcoin for long-term value and stablecoins for payments.

On 4 March 2026, South Korea's Financial Services Commission proposed capping individual and corporate ownership in major crypto exchanges at 15–20%, with limited exemptions up to 34%. Large shareholders at platforms such as Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone could be required to divest significant stakes over three to six years, while industry groups argue the plan violates property rights and may push businesses abroad. The initiative is part of the Digital Asset Basic Act (Phase 2), which will be reviewed by parliament in early 2026.

U.S. banking trade associations have criticized the Federal Reserve's decision to grant Kraken Financial a limited-purpose master account, arguing it could expose the payment system to risk without traditional bank-level safeguards. The approval has intensified calls for the Fed to finalize and clarify its framework for so-called "skinny" accounts for nontraditional financial institutions. Some crypto industry participants view the move as a significant step toward enabling payment-focused firms that do not rely on conventional deposit-lending models.

On March 4, Cardano's ADA briefly moved above $0.27 with a roughly 3% daily gain, but it remained about 2% lower over the past week as large holders reportedly shed 230 million tokens worth around $63 million. While this selling has cut whale-controlled supply to under 13.7 billion ADA, or about 37% of circulation, some indicators such as negative exchange netflows and an RSI below 30 suggest the asset could be oversold and potentially positioned for a rebound.

Bitcoin has moved back above $73,000 for the first time since early February, with on-chain analyst Ali Martinez suggesting the move could evolve into a relief rally. Spot Bitcoin ETFs reportedly absorbed about $776 million in BTC last week and roughly $789 million since the week starting March 2, helping to support the price near $73,200. Martinez notes that on-chain resistance looks relatively light between $72,000 and $81,000, with stronger supply clusters only emerging around $83,307 and $84,569.

On March 4, 2026, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City approved a limited master account for Kraken Financial, giving the crypto-focused bank unit direct access to core payment rails like Fedwire. Kraken can now move U.S. dollars without an intermediary, though it will not receive full bank privileges such as interest on reserves or access to the discount window.

A U.S. banking lobby has objected to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's decision to grant Kraken Financial a limited-purpose master account for an initial one-year term. The group warns the move could increase payment-system risks, set a precedent for crypto-focused institutions and was approved before a broader access framework is finalized.