Geopolitics

The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has reviewed the Department of Labor's proposal to include alternative assets, including digital assets, in 401(k) plans. This move implements the executive order from former President Trump and signals a shift in the federal government's attitude toward digital assets. The Department of Labor will initiate a public comment period and plans to introduce new regulations in the future.

Gate News reports that on March 26, French President Emmanuel Macron will attend and speak at Paris Blockchain Week, held at the Louvre Caroussel from April 15 to 16, 2026. The speech will cover three main topics: the adoption of stablecoins and digital assets, and Europe's role in the institutional digital economy. Additionally, senior French government officials actively involved in shaping MiCA (EU Crypto Asset Market Regulation), stablecoin regulation, and European digital infrastructure policies will also attend the event.

Gate News reports that on March 26, according to market sources, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a statement on the Middle East situation. Putin said that the consequences of the Middle East conflict are difficult to predict, and Russia must stay strong and united in facing the challenges. Additionally, Putin remains cautious and conservative regarding the rise in oil prices.

Investors are selling stocks and bonds to avoid the risks of Iran war, increasing their cash holdings to a six-year high. JPMorgan Chase indicates that geopolitical uncertainties will continue to impact the stock and bond markets, although cash levels remain relatively moderate.

The cryptocurrency advocacy organization Stand With Crypto launched the "Voter Hub" platform on March 26, to help digital asset users understand candidates' positions on crypto, and to publish lists of supportive and opposing members of Congress. Polls show that about 60% of crypto holders do not consistently support a particular party, and nearly 50% prioritize candidates' crypto stances when voting.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Christopher Hui stated that the People's Bank of China and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority are exploring upgrades to digital wallets to enhance usage limits and user experience. The digital yuan has made significant progress in Hong Kong, with a substantial increase in the number of wallets and merchant acceptance.

Gate News reports that on March 26, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media urging Iran to take negotiations seriously as soon as possible. Trump said that Iran's negotiating team is very different and "strange," secretly "pleading" with the U.S. to reach an agreement, but publicly claiming they are only "considering our proposals." He said this stance is wrong. Trump stated that Iran "has been militarily eliminated, with no chance of resurgence," and they should get serious soon before it's too late. Trump warned that once the situation develops to that point, there will be no turning back, and the situation won't be good.

The crypto market is poised for significant movements as $14.2 billion in Bitcoin options expire this Friday on Deribit. This event, one of the year's largest, may impact liquidity and market direction amid geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Iran.

The proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Labor has been approved by the White House, potentially allowing cryptocurrencies and private equity to be included in 401(k) plans, aiming to change investment options in the $10 trillion market. The proposal originates from an executive order by Trump, emphasizing the facilitation of alternative investments.

The European Parliament plenary session approved the trade agreement between the EU and the United States on March 26. The agreement requires the EU to remove tariffs on American industrial products and to provide market preferences for American seafood and agricultural products, in exchange for the U.S. imposing a 15% tariff on most EU goods.

The Guangzhou Municipal People's Government has issued the "Implementation Plan for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Artificial Intelligence Industry in Guangzhou," encouraging breakthroughs in key technologies. The focus is on computing power, data, algorithms, and other areas, promoting AI chips, dynamic scheduling technology, and multimodal data fusion. The plan aims to advance automation toolchains in industrial quality inspection and financial risk control fields.

The White House has completed regulatory review of the proposed rule by the Department of Labor, aimed at allowing 401(k) plans to invest in cryptocurrencies and paving the way for their entry into the retirement market. If approved, this rule will provide new investment options for digital assets, private equity, and more, marking an increase in the prominence of digital assets within traditional finance and having a significant impact on the retirement market.

QCP Capital reports that Bitcoin is fluctuating around $70,000. The market reacts quickly to inflation shocks, but geopolitical risks still suppress risk appetite. Bitcoin shows resilience, with outflows indicating tokens being moved rather than sold off. Overall market sentiment is cautious; dips are being accumulated but there’s no chasing of rallies. It is expected to remain in a range and fluctuate in the short term.

The Middle East conflict has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to most ships, causing a global fuel supply shortage. Brent crude oil prices have risen, and fuel stations in countries like Australia are experiencing severe shortages. Several nations have taken emergency measures to address the crisis, and India is facing a rush to buy fuel. Iran is allowing friendly countries' ships to pass through, but supply chains remain strained.

Gate News reports that on March 26, QCP released a market report. Bitcoin is currently hovering around $71,000, in a consolidation phase. The report indicates that the Middle East situation has increased geopolitical risk premiums, and on-chain data shows net outflows of funds, with capital tending to withdraw from exchanges. In the options market, implied volatility has decreased, and the curve remains slightly in contango, with some downward hedging demand. The QCP report states that, before macro and geopolitical factors become clearer, the Bitcoin market is driven by news.

Gate News reports that on March 26, according to U.S. media AXIOS, two U.S. officials and two informed sources revealed that the U.S. Department of Defense is developing a military plan to launch a "lethal strike" against Iran, which may include deploying ground troops and conducting large-scale bombing operations.

FiscalNote Holdings has been delisted from the New York Stock Exchange due to its stock price remaining below $1 for an extended period and will now trade on the over-the-counter market. The company faces challenges from AI technology replacing its core business model. Despite efforts to pivot and diversify, market confidence remains low. This delisting reflects the profound impact of the AI-driven era on traditional SaaS models.

The dispute over Bitcoin mining in the United States continues to escalate, with Swan Bitcoin filing for evidence in the New York court to obtain proof related to Tether. The controversy stems from the breakdown of the partnership between Swan and the joint venture 2040 Energy with Tether, accusing internal executives of misconduct. Meanwhile, Cantor Fitzgerald and its CEO are also involved, with potential links to funds and interests. The case could impact Bitcoin mining models and the stablecoin ecosystem.

Gate News reports that on March 26, an Israeli official stated that Ali Reza Tangsiri, commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, was killed in an attack at Abas Port. Currently, Iran and the Israeli military have not commented on the attack. It is reported that Ali Reza Tangsiri was responsible for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.