Crypto
[Finterest] What is cryptocurrency, and what's with the hype?
MANILA, Philippines – Since the first Bitcoin was mined more than 15 years ago, cryptocurrencies have burst into the mainstream.
Large sums of money are currently being invested in Bitcoin by some of the largest investment firms in the world, such as BlackRock, demonstrating that even conventional financial organizations are getting into cryptocurrencies. And you can see that in the price as well. Bitcoin recently rallied to new highs, hitting a record $73,000 to 1 BTC. Five years ago, that rate was less than $4,000 to 1 BTC.
Filipinos are taking note too. In 2023, the Philippines ranked 6th out of 155 countries in terms of crypto adoption, according to American blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis.
So what’s fueling all this hype? We spoke with the team at Coins.ph – the Philippines’ largest cryptocurrency exchange – to find out more about this disruptive digital asset once dismissed as a fad.
Crypto, explained
Let’s start with what crypto is, and what it isn’t.
Crypto is the “money of the internet,” as Coins.ph country manager Jen Bilango puts it. But unlike the fiat currencies (think, a dollar or peso) that most of us are familiar with, crypto is not issued by a state or government. Despite what its name might suggest, cryptocurrencies are not usually used as money to settle payments.
“It’s a digitally native asset class that’s now diverging depending on the use case and the utility of a particular token,” Bilango told Rappler.
Different cryptocurrencies can fall under different general categories. The biggest, most popular ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana are called “blue chip cryptocurrencies” – ones that have become generally accepted and trusted by people and financial institutions. Like the blue chip stocks of the stock market, the price of these tokens are more stable.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have highly speculative tokens whose prices are much more volatile. These “memecoins” lean into the humorous side of Internet culture, with names like Dogecoin, Shiba Ina, and Pepe.
“There’s no inherent or innate value to it, but people like the speculative nature of it. Predominantly, you can see people trading based on that merit because in any asset class, there will always be people who would like to put money in and get money out – not just on the utility side of it,” Bilango told Rappler.
There are also gamified tokens where cryptocurrencies are used in the context of a game. Although this may sound like a niche use case, this is actually what kickstarted the crypto craze in the Philippines, with the meteoric rise of play-to-earn game Axie Infinity.
In games like Axie, players can earn cryptocurrencies called smooth love potions, which can then be exchanged for other fiat currencies. But remember that the value of tokens like these are a function of their utility within the game’s ecosystem – in other words, the demand and value for the token goes up and down depending on how many players there are. If the game declines in popularity, that can burn players.
Which brings us to what crypto isn’t. Crypto should not be treated like a get-rich-quick scheme. There are no guaranteed gains in crypto, just as there aren’t any in other asset classes like stocks. People can be easily misled by what is promised and what returns are delivered.
Practical uses of crypto
But what can crypto actually be used for? Coins.ph global marketing director Katrina Gonzalez said it can “democratize access to financial instruments and services.”
This concept of decentralized finance, or DeFi, removes banks, clearance houses, settlement houses, and other financial intermediaries, allowing people to directly transact with each other using cryptocurrency. The vision is to use the security of crypto’s blockchain to allow peer-to-peer financial transactions – for instance, directly making a loan to your friend with interest and collateral terms that you set.
“The core concept of decentralized finance is that you don’t need to go to one institution to be able to access financial services. You can do things peer-to-peer, you can lend, you can contribute to a pool, and then you can earn from that,” Gonzalez told Rappler.
Crypto has long touted itself as a slayer of the middle man in finance – big financial institutions, like banks and remittance centers. Another example is how overseas Filipino workers have used crypto to remit money, circumventing banking hours and the expensive fees of “pera padala” centers.
“In crypto, in blockchain, that all happens simultaneously. So we remove all the fat in the financial ecosystem. Using stablecoins, you can transfer money via blockchain instantaneously, in real time, because you don’t have to rely on intermediaries to validate a particular transaction,” Bilango told Rappler.
Crypto remittances are often done through stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency that are protected from the price volatility often associated with crypto. Stablecoins have a constant exchange rate with fiat currencies, such as being pegged 1:1 with the US dollar.
Getting started
For most people who want to dabble in crypto, the easiest entry point would be through a crypto exchange. Using the familiar interface of an app, a user could easily exchange their pesos into Bitcoin tokens.
Those who are just getting into crypto may want to first stick with blue chip cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin or Etherium, since these have been around for a longer time.
“Bitcoin is like digital gold. It’s your hedge, it’s a store of value,” Bilango told Rappler. “It will sustain its value because there’s only a finite amount of Bitcoin. It’s only going to be 21 million Bitcoin in existence, ever.”
Once you’ve bought your tokens, the next decision to make is when to sell. You could either do a simple buy and simple, or use more sophisticated stop-limit orders that allow you to buy or sell crypto when the price hits a certain level. But if investing in crypto isn’t what you want to do, there are still other ways you can get into the space.
“Different people will have different use cases for it. It can be for remittances using stablecoins. It can be because you go play a game, and you want to play and earn from the games you play, or you want to be able to access NFTs,” Gonzales told Rappler.
“Maybe you’re into NFTs and into the Solana ecosystem, and that’s great. Maybe you’re super excited about what’s happening in Bitcoin from an asset class perspective…. Or maybe you see opportunities in DeFi, and you’re just a trader that just looks at the charts, like technical analysis, and you see an opportunity there. It’s really not one-size-fits-all. It’s a very vibrant ecosystem,” she added.
Is crypto safe?
But before you jump head first into crypto, let’s make sure that it’s safe. Over the years, crypto has had scandals and scams mar its reputation. In 2022, the world’s second largest cryptocurrency exchange – FTX – filed for bankruptcy after its chief executive officer was convicted in a multi-billion dollar fraud case. A year later, the CEO of the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange – Binance – pleaded guilty to breaking anti-money laundering laws.
Is that something we should still be concerned about?
Bilango acknowledged these issues, but said that it actually proved the resilience of cryptocurrency as an industry.
“The cryptocurrency industry as a whole has been battle-tested several times. One of the biggest exchanges blew up. One of the biggest hedge funds that put money into crypto also blew up. But we’re still here,” she told Rappler.
The Coins.ph team also noted that the concerns regarding scams and fraud mostly happens on unregulated exchanges.
In contrast, local cryptocurrency exchanges that are licensed and regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) – such as Coins.ph and PDAX – must comply with regulations. The central bank reviews the exchanges’ technology for vulnerabilities, checks their compliance with anti-money laundering guidelines, and ensures they have enough capital.
“BSP ensures that when you put money in [Coins.ph], that your assets are backed one is to one, so we’re not doing any hanky-panky stuff on the side,” Bilango told Rappler.
Ultimately, Bilango said that avoiding the pitfalls that newbie crypto investors fall into is all about knowing your risk appetite and being smart about where you put your money.
“Do your own research. Only invest the money you’re willing to lose. And only transact in platforms that are regulated and are monitored by your license to do that type of transaction in your country,” she said. – Rappler.com
Finterest is Rappler’s series that demystifies the world of money and gives practical advice on how to manage your personal finance.
Crypto
Crypto ATM Count Falls to 38,928 as 597 Machines Exit the Market in Q1 2026
Crypto ATM Data 2026: 597 Net Removals
Recent figures show the global count of crypto ATMs edged close to the 40,000 mark this month, yet data recorded on March 29, 2026, reveals a net reduction of 769 machines. The year opened with a drop of 139 crypto ATMs, followed by the addition of 231 new installations in February.
An additional 80 units were installed at the beginning of March, according to Coin ATM Radar’s net growth logs, though the removal of 769 machines ultimately pushed the year’s total to a net loss of 597. As of this weekend, the global tally of crypto ATMs sits at 38,928 machines. Geographic data from Coin ATM Radar shows the U.S. holds 30,247 of those units, representing 77.7% of the total.
Canada follows with 3,839 crypto ATMs, accounting for 9.9% of the worldwide figure. Europe maintains 1,727 machines, or roughly 4.4% of the overall count of 38,928. Taken together, the U.S., Europe, and Canada host 35,813 machines, comprising 92% of the global share. The remaining 8% is distributed across Asia, Oceania, and other regions.
The crypto ATM tracking site further indicates that the top ten global operators collectively oversee 30,450 machines, representing 78.2% of the total. The industry’s leading provider is Bitcoin Depot, which runs a commanding 9,246 machines (23.8% market share). It is followed by Coinflip with 5,493 machines (14.1%) and Athena Bitcoin with 4,045 machines (10.4%).
Rockitcoin holds a solid footprint with 2,757 machines (7.1%), while Bitstop and Margo operate 2,372 (6.1%) and 2,138 (5.5%) machines, respectively. Stats further show that bitcoin ( BTC) remains the most widely supported asset, available across nearly all machines tracked worldwide by Coin ATM Radar.
Following bitcoin, altcoins as a collective category are supported by 38,910 machines, suggesting that nearly every ATM offering bitcoin also includes at least one alternative asset. Among individual altcoins, ethereum ( ETH) leads with support at 22,200 locations, closely followed by litecoin ( LTC) at 21,292 and tether ( USDT) at 19,894.
Roughly 91.6% of crypto ATMs are configured to facilitate cryptocurrency purchases, while the remaining machines support both buying and selling of digital assets. Logs from Coin ATM Radar offer a revealing snapshot of recent crypto ATM reductions in 2026, showing that the 40,000 threshold remains just out of reach for the industry at present.
Whether the crypto ATM count clears 40,000 this year depends largely on whether operators expand or continue pulling machines. The numbers show a market sorting itself out; large providers like Bitcoin Depot, Coinflip, and Athena hold the majority of installations, while smaller operators account for the gap. With North America controlling over three-quarters of the global count, the industry’s direction remains tied closely to conditions in a single market.
FAQ 🔎
- How many crypto ATMs are there in the world in 2026? As of March 29, 2026, Coin ATM Radar tracks 38,928 active crypto ATMs globally.
- Which country has the most Bitcoin ATMs? The United States leads with 30,247 machines, representing 77.7% of the worldwide total.
- Who is the largest crypto ATM operator in 2026? Bitcoin Depot operates 9,246 machines, giving it a 23.8% share of the global market.
- What cryptocurrencies do crypto ATMs support? Bitcoin is available at nearly all machines, with ethereum supported at 22,200 locations and litecoin at 21,292.
Crypto
Is Crypto Legal in Norway? EY Explains the Regulations
Global Legal Insight publishes a yearly print-and-digital series that investigates urgent themes in business and law with contributions from legal experts worldwide. In the 2025 volume on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, Ernst & Young Tax and Law Norway wrote the country chapter, which addresses whether cryptocurrency is lawful in Norway and surveys how cryptoassets are positioned domestically under Norwegian regulation.
Norway generally permits cryptoasset ownership and trading, while placing the strongest compliance expectations on intermediaries that exchange, safeguard, or facilitate transfers for others.
Cryptocurrency Regulation in Norway: Institutions and Policy Signals
The chapter presents perspectives from the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway, the Ministry of Finance, and the Norwegian Central Bank on current market conditions and responsible approaches to a fast‑moving sector. It also distills the operative legal framework and key tax rules for digital assets. In practice, the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway is the primary supervisory body for many compliance questions that arise when a business provides crypto-related services (for example, exchange services or custody-like safeguarding for clients), while tax reporting and assessment are handled by the Norwegian Tax Administration.
For crypto businesses, the most relevant requirements typically relate to anti-money laundering compliance, including customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and internal controls. Businesses that provide exchange services between cryptoassets and fiat currency, or that provide services for holding or administering cryptoassets on behalf of others, may need to register with the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway before offering services, and should be prepared to document ownership and management, governance arrangements, risk assessments, routines for customer checks, and recordkeeping. If you are looking for a “crypto license” in Norway, the practical path is usually a registration-based process tied to anti-money laundering obligations rather than a single, universal license for all crypto activity.
Legal Status and Compliance Overview
This piece is a practical reference for readers seeking clarity on how Norway governs crypto asset activity. It delivers a concise, trustworthy roundup of regulation in Norway, touching on consumer protection and practical themes for participants in digital finance. For individuals, that often means understanding which activities are permitted, how to document transactions, and which authorities oversee intermediaries versus taxation.
From a consumer-use perspective, self-custody wallets such as Trust Wallet are generally available in Norway through standard app distribution channels, and individuals commonly use them as they do in other markets. Using a self-custody wallet does not typically require registration by the individual, but it does not remove tax obligations or documentation expectations; users should keep clear records of purchases, transfers, swaps, and disposals so gains, losses, and income can be reported correctly. Some banks and payment providers may apply their own risk controls around transfers to and from crypto platforms, so users may encounter practical friction even when the underlying activity is lawful.
PayPal availability for purchasing Bitcoin in Norway depends on the specific service route. Some crypto platforms may support PayPal-funded purchases or deposits in certain cases, but many do not due to chargeback and fraud-risk controls, and availability can vary by provider and user verification status. Where PayPal is supported, users should expect identity checks, potentially higher fees, and limits that depend on the platform’s compliance and risk settings.
To buy Tether in Norway, individuals typically use a crypto exchange or broker that lists the stablecoin and supports onboarding for Norwegian residents. The usual flow is to complete identity verification on the platform, fund the account using the supported payment method (commonly bank transfer or card, depending on the provider), and then place an order for the stablecoin. Practical banking considerations can matter, including a bank’s willingness to process payments to particular platforms and the platform’s own requirements for source-of-funds information.
Bitcoin mining is generally lawful in Norway, but it can trigger ordinary business, tax, and local compliance considerations depending on scale (for example, zoning, noise, and commercial electricity arrangements). Norway’s electricity pricing is market-based and can be attractive in some regions, but miners should not assume dedicated government subsidies specific to crypto mining; any favorable power costs typically come from standard industrial contracts, local grid conditions, or general schemes that are not exclusive to mining and may change based on policy and eligibility criteria.
On taxation, cryptoassets are generally treated as taxable assets in Norway, and taxpayers are expected to report disposals and income tied to crypto activity. As a rule of thumb, gains and losses on sales, exchanges between cryptoassets, and spending crypto can be taxable events, while income-like receipts (such as rewards that function like compensation or yield) may be taxed when received, with later disposal potentially creating an additional gain or loss based on value changes. The applicable tax rate will typically follow the ordinary income tax rate for individuals, and accurate recordkeeping is essential for cost basis, acquisition dates, fees, and fair value at the time of each taxable event.
Legal ways to reduce crypto-related taxes in Norway tend to be documentation- and planning-driven rather than loophole-driven. Common approaches include ensuring all allowable losses are captured and reported, deducting eligible transaction costs where permitted, maintaining consistent cost-basis tracking so gains are not overstated, and planning disposals with an eye to offsetting gains with realized losses when that matches the taxpayer’s broader financial situation. For higher-activity traders or mining operations, it can also be important to assess whether the activity resembles a business in substance, since that can affect how income, expenses, and reporting are treated under Norwegian rules.
Crypto
Bitcoin ETFs Cap Week With $225 Million Outflow as Ether Hits 8-Day Slide
Bitcoin, Ether ETFs Deepen Losses as Weekly Selling Peaks
The week did not end quietly. Instead, it closed with conviction, and not the kind bulls would have hoped for.
Bitcoin ETFs recorded a steep $225.48 million in net outflows, marking one of the largest single-day withdrawals of the week. The selling was concentrated, but decisive. Blackrock’s IBIT accounted for the overwhelming majority, shedding $201.53 million alone. Bitwise’s BITB followed with $18.60 million in outflows, while Ark & 21Shares’ ARKB posted a smaller $5.35 million exit.
There were no inflows to soften the blow. Trading activity remained robust at $3.39 billion, yet net assets fell sharply to $84.77 billion, underscoring the weight of sustained redemptions.
Ether ETFs extended their losing streak to eight consecutive days, with total outflows reaching $48.54 million. Once again, Blackrock’s ETHA led the decline, posting a $70.80 million withdrawal. Fidelity’s FETH followed with $8.92 million in outflows, while Grayscale’s Ether Mini Trust lost $8.68 million.
Still, one fund continued to defy the trend. Blackrock’s ETHB attracted $39.86 million in inflows, reinforcing its growing appeal among investors. Its staking component appears to be drawing attention, even as broader sentiment around ether remains weak. Trading volume stood at $1.16 billion, with net assets closing at $11.52 billion.
Elsewhere, the picture was quieter but no less telling. XRP ETFs saw no trading activity, with net assets slipping to $933.33 million. Solana ETFs faced heavier pressure, recording a $7.84 million outflow entirely from Bitwise’s BSOL. Trading volume reached $45.21 million, while net assets declined to $809.62 million.
The pattern is hard to ignore. Capital is leaving the space at a steady pace, particularly from flagship bitcoin and ether products. Even isolated inflows are no longer enough to change the broader direction.
In summary, Friday capped a difficult stretch for crypto ETFs. Bitcoin led with a sharp outflow, ether extended its losing streak despite selective interest, solana weakened further, and XRP remained sidelined. The market closes the week on uncertain footing, with sentiment clearly under strain.
FAQ 📊
- Why did Bitcoin ETFs see such a large outflow on Friday?
The sharp outflow was largely driven by a significant withdrawal from Blackrock’s IBIT, reflecting continued institutional selling pressure. - What is causing Ether ETFs’ extended outflow streak?
Ether ETFs are experiencing persistent redemptions, mainly from Blackrock’s ETHA, indicating weaker investor confidence than bitcoin’s. - Why is Blackrock’s ETHB still attracting inflows?
ETHB’s staking feature is likely appealing to investors seeking yield, making it stand out even during broader market outflows. - What does continued inactivity in XRP ETFs suggest?
It indicates limited investor engagement and a wait-and-see approach, with capital focusing elsewhere in the crypto ETF market.
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