IG Launches Spot Crypto Trading
IG Launches Spot Crypto Trading
🎯 IG Finally Joins Crypto
IG Group, a major financial services provider, has expanded into cryptocurrency spot trading. The new service allows direct trading of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), along with select altcoins.
This development marks a significant expansion from IG's previous crypto offerings, which were limited to contracts for difference (CFDs).
Key points:
- First direct crypto spot trading service from IG
- Includes major cryptocurrencies BTC and ETH
- Additional smaller tokens available
- Builds upon existing CFD crypto products
The launch represents IG's strategic move to provide more comprehensive digital asset services to its institutional client base.
🏦 Zodia Expands Capital Raising Strategy with Wall Street Partnerships
**Zodia Markets is significantly expanding its capital raising capabilities** through enhanced share issuance plans and new Wall Street partnerships. The crypto custody and trading firm, which previously announced a $50 million fundraising round in November 2024, is now scaling up its financial infrastructure. The company is backed by multiple financial institutions and aims to attract a more diverse investor base. **Key developments:** - Expanded share issuance framework for greater capital flexibility - New partnerships with Wall Street financial firms - Enhanced institutional investor access This strategic move positions Zodia to strengthen its market presence in the institutional crypto services sector, building on its existing backing from traditional finance players.
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Rebrands as Stablecoin Development Corporation
**NovaBay Pharmaceuticals has officially changed its name to Stablecoin Development Corporation**, marking a significant pivot from its pharmaceutical roots into the digital currency space. The nanocap company's rebranding signals a strategic shift toward stablecoin development and blockchain technology. This move reflects the growing trend of traditional companies entering the crypto sector. **Key Points:** - Former pharmaceutical company abandons original business model - New focus on stablecoin technology and development - Represents broader trend of corporate pivots into crypto The name change became official on March 23, 2026, with the company now positioning itself in the competitive stablecoin market.
Token Lockups Extended Until Company Milestones and IPO
Remaining tokens will stay locked until the company hits specific milestones and potentially goes public. **Key Points:** - Tokens remain subject to **long-term lockups** - Release tied to company milestones - Potential IPO could trigger unlock - Previous lockups allowed protocol maturation **Background:** In July 2024, the company initially locked tokens to give the protocol time to develop before stakeholders could access their allocations. This extended lockup continues that strategy. The approach protects early token distribution while aligning releases with company growth.
Metaplanet Eyes Triple Bitcoin Holdings Through Dual Acquisition
Metaplanet has proposed a bitcoin-for-bitcoin acquisition of two companies, Moonshot and Never Say Die, which would **triple its current bitcoin holdings** and significantly expand its institutional presence. The deal structure is notable for being conducted entirely in bitcoin rather than traditional currency, reflecting the growing maturity of bitcoin as a corporate treasury asset. **Key Points:** - Acquisition targets: Moonshot and Never Say Die - Payment method: Bitcoin-for-bitcoin transaction - Expected outcome: 3x increase in bitcoin holdings - Strategic goal: Enhanced institutional scale This move follows Metaplanet's pattern of aggressive bitcoin accumulation. In September 2025, the company tripled its near-term acquisition target and increased its 2026 objective nearly fivefold, positioning itself among the more active corporate bitcoin accumulators. The proposed acquisition represents a shift in how companies structure M&A deals in the bitcoin space, using the asset itself as acquisition currency rather than converting to fiat.
Strategy Adds 1,031 Bitcoin to Treasury Under Saylor's Leadership
**Strategy continues its aggressive Bitcoin accumulation strategy**, adding 1,031 BTC to its corporate treasury in late March 2026. **Key Details:** - Executive Chairman Michael Saylor led the latest acquisition - Total holdings now stand at **762,099 bitcoin** - This represents an increase of approximately 120,000 BTC since November 2025 **Context:** The company has maintained consistent buying pressure throughout the market cycle. In November 2025, Strategy held 641,692 coins after purchasing 487 BTC. The steady accumulation demonstrates the firm's long-term conviction in Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset. Strategy's approach has made it one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin globally, with Saylor remaining a vocal advocate for Bitcoin adoption among institutional investors.