Crypto keeper: Google researchers have warned that quantum computers could crack the cryptography used by bitcoin, ethereum and other cryptocurrencies sooner than previously thought, putting the required so-called physical quantum bits at under 500,000, well below the “millions” previously thought. - "We estimate that these circuits can be executed on a superconducting qubit CRQC (cryptographically relevant quantum computers) with fewer than 500,000 physical qubits in a few minutes," the researchers wrote. "This is an approximately 20-fold reduction in the number of physical qubits required to solve ECDLP-256." ₿-minus nine: The paper warned that quantum attacks could hijack bitcoin transactions in about nine minutes, potentially beating blockchain confirmation about 41% of the time and putting almost 7 million bitcoin worth almost $500 billion at risk. - Quantum-powered attackers could theoretically use the public key, exposed when someone sends bitcoin, to calculate the private key and redirect the funds. Why it matters: The debate over the quantum computing threat to bitcoin and crypto has been raging for months, with this the biggest signal yet that those sounding the alarm are right to be worried. - "The craziest thing is that the Google quantum AI paper is maybe not even the most concerning quantum paper released today," tech and crypto investor Nic Carter, who has been leading the charge to spur developers into action since late last year, posted to X alongside a link to another paper that shows "quantum computers can break crypto with just 10,000 reconfigurable atomic qubits." But but but... not everyone thinks Google's warning is particularly concerning, including economist and author Jeff Booth, who told the Simply Bitcoin podcast there is "zero risk." - "The truth is: Google just showed that the math is advancing faster than most expected. That’s serious progress. But no one has the quantum hardware to touch your keys. Not even close," Pascal Gauthier, the chief executive of crypto hardware wallet company Ledger posted to X, adding his company has "been building for this exact scenario for years. Our hardware is already stress-testing post-quantum signatures."

Better Home & Finance Holding Company (NASDAQ: BETR) accepts Bitcoin (BTC) and USD Coin (USDC) as collateral for conforming home loans through a partnership with Coinbase. This allows borrowers to use digital assets to fund down payments without liquidating them. These, token-backed mortgages are Fannie Mae-eligible and available for home purchases. National Mortgage Professional +3 Key Details on Token-Backed Mortgages: - Collateral: Borrowers pledge Bitcoin or USDC held in a Coinbase account instead of using cash for a down payment. - No Margin Calls: If the value of the pledged Bitcoin drops, no additional collateral is required. - USDC Rewards: Pledged USDC can earn rewards that may help offset mortgage payments. - Loan Types: Better provides GSE-conforming, FHA, VA, and jumbo loans, alongside these new digital asset-backed options.  Disclaimer: Token-backed mortgages are a new product, and the above information is based on reports from March 2026

The recently released compromise text for the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act), finalized on March 20, 2026, focuses on a strict separation between passive holding and active use of stablecoins. The updated language, brokered by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) with White House backing, has triggered a significant market reaction, including a nearly 20% drop in Circle (CRCL) stock as of March 24. Key Provisions of the Compromise Prohibition on Passive Yield: The text explicitly bans platforms from offering yield or interest "directly or indirectly" for simply holding stablecoin balances. This includes any mechanism deemed "economically or functionally equivalent" to bank deposit interest. Permitted Activity-Based Rewards: Rewards are only allowed if they are tied to specific user activities, such as: Payments and transfers. Platform usage or loyalty/promotional programs. Regulatory Oversight: The SEC, CFTC, and Department of the Treasury are directed to jointly define permissible rewards and establish anti-evasion rules within one year of enactment. Industry & Legislative Status Industry Review: Crypto industry insiders and bank representatives began reviewing the draft text in closed-door sessions on March 23 and 24, 2026. Next Steps: The bill must pass a markup in the Senate Banking Committee, potentially in late April, before it can move to the Senate floor. Remaining Hurdles: Negotiators still need to resolve issues regarding DeFi provisions, anti-money laundering obligations, and ethics language concerning government officials' crypto holdings.

CLARITY Act gets deadlock breakthrough that also opens the door to more Bitcoin demand https://share.google/d5BGEWQPZFmYbcqGQ

The CLARITY Act, is designed to regulate Bitcoin & crypto. The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act) is currently stalled in the U.S. Senate Banking Committee due to an intense dispute between the banking industry and crypto companies over stablecoin yield. While the bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support (294-134) in July 2025, it has been "stuck in neutral" since January 2026. Current Status and Key Obstacles The Yield Dispute: Banks (led by the American Bankers Association) are lobbying to ban interest payments on stablecoins, fearing a "deposit flight" of up to $6.6 trillion from traditional accounts. Crypto firms like Coinbase argue that such a ban is anticompetitive. Senate Timeline: Negotiators are racing against a "midterm clock." If a compromise is not reached by May or June 2026, the legislative calendar will likely shift to election campaigning, effectively killing the bill's chances for the year. Recent Compromise Efforts: On March 10, 2026, Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced a new attempt to break the impasse. The proposed deal would ban yield on "static" or idle stablecoin balances (similar to savings accounts) while allowing rewards for active platform use, such as trading fee discounts. Impact on Bitcoin and Other Assets If passed, the Act would provide significant legal certainty by clearly dividing jurisdiction between the SEC and the CFTC: Bitcoin (BTC) & Ethereum (ETH): Would be officially classified as digital commodities under the exclusive jurisdiction of the CFTC. Altcoins: Assets like XRP, Solana (SOL), and Avalanche (AVAX) would have a defined pathway to transition from "securities" to "commodities" once their networks are sufficiently decentralized, potentially paving the way for spot ETFs. Institutional Investment: Analysts from JPMorgan suggest that this regulatory "green light" could unlock billions in sidelined institutional capital.