3.23 AI Daily Report: IMF Incorporates Bitcoin into Global Statistics, Digital Asset Industry Welcomes New Opportunities and Challenges

1. Headline

1. The IMF incorporates digital assets such as Bitcoin into the global economic statistical framework.

The International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) in the latest release of the seventh edition of the "Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual" ( BPM7) has provided detailed guidelines on how to classify and record cryptocurrency assets such as Bitcoin, stablecoins, and token-based platforms like Ethereum and Solana. According to the new framework, digital assets are categorized into fungible tokens and non-fungible tokens, and further classified based on whether they carry related liabilities.

This initiative marks the IMF's formal inclusion of crypto assets into the global economic statistical system, which will help better monitor and assess the role of digital assets in the global economy. With the continuous development and expansion of the crypto asset market, its impact on the macro economy is becoming increasingly significant. Including it in the statistical framework will benefit governments and regulatory agencies in various countries to better grasp the development dynamics of digital assets and formulate corresponding regulatory policies.

However, due to the high volatility of crypto assets and the lack of regulation, their position in the global economy remains highly uncertain. Some experts believe that the speculative nature of digital assets is severe, lacking intrinsic value support, making it difficult to truly integrate into the traditional financial system. On the other hand, some firmly believe that crypto assets represent the future direction of financial technology and will inject new vitality into the global economy.

2. Bitcoin ETF attracted $785 million in inflows this week.

According to statistical data, in the past week, Bitcoin ETFs attracted $785.6 million in inflows, primarily driven by the launch of the I product by BlackRock. In contrast, Ethereum ETFs faced outflows, indicating that market funds are shifting towards Bitcoin investments.

Analysts believe that this trend reflects an increasing preference among investors for Bitcoin, and the overall cryptocurrency market is showing a positive upward trend. As the leader of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin's price movements often lead the direction of the entire market. Continuous inflows of capital will provide strong support for Bitcoin's rise.

However, some analysts are cautious about this. They point out that the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and capital flows are likely to reverse in the short term. Investors need to exercise caution, closely monitor market dynamics, and manage risks effectively. At the same time, changes in regulatory policies may also have a significant impact on capital flows.

Overall, the inflow of funds into Bitcoin ETFs this week further confirms that cryptocurrency investments are gradually being accepted and favored by institutional investors. However, it is also necessary to be vigilant about the risks of market uncertainty.

3. On-chain analyst: AUCTION whales have all been transferred in

Well-known on-chain analyst Yu Jin disclosed on social media that a whale/institution that withdrew 26% of the total AUCTION supply from a certain exchange 20 minutes ago has also transferred the last 200,000 AUCTION(, worth approximately 4.9 million USD), to a large exchange. The 2 million AUCTION they had accumulated earlier has all been transferred to that exchange.

This news has sparked widespread attention and speculation. Some analysts believe that the whale transferring a large number of tokens to the exchange may indicate its preparation for a significant sell-off, which could lead to a drop in AUCTION prices. However, others argue that the whale's actions may be aimed at cashing out some profits and do not necessarily imply a complete bearish outlook on the project.

In any case, large-scale transfer activities of whale addresses will have a certain impact on the price trend of AUCTION. Investors need to closely monitor subsequent trading movements and the development of the project itself to prudently assess the timing of their investments.

At the same time, this event has once again sparked people's attention to decentralized exchanges. Since centralized exchanges hold too much power, the large fund transfers from whale addresses are often closely monitored, which can affect normal trading activities. Decentralized exchanges can largely avoid this issue.

4. The burn rate of Shiba Inu coin has significantly increased, with a surge of 771,019% in the amount burned within 24 hours.

According to data from Shibburn.com, after starting slowly this week, the burn activity of Shiba Inu Coin has surged by 771,019% in the past 24 hours. During this period, a total of 18,684,231 SHIB have been permanently destroyed.

The token burning mechanism of Shiba Inu Coin is considered one of the important factors driving its price increase. By continuously destroying tokens to reduce the circulating supply, it helps to enhance its value and maintain the inflation rate. Therefore, a significant increase in the burning amount will undoubtedly inject new momentum into the long-term value growth of Shiba Inu Coin.

Analysts point out that the surge in the burning amount of Shiba Inu coin is likely related to the upcoming Shibarium Layer 3 expansion upgrade. This upgrade promises to enhance SHIB's privacy features through fully homomorphic encryption, thereby attracting more users to participate in the ecosystem and driving further growth in the burning amount.

However, some opinions suggest that Shiba Inu coin, as a type of "dogecoin", derives its value mainly from community speculation and enthusiasm. If community enthusiasm declines in the future and the increase in burn rate becomes unsustainable, the price of Shiba Inu coin will also face significant pressure.

Overall, the short-term surge in the burn rate of Shiba Inu coin is worth noting, but its long-term value remains to be tested by time. Investors need to maintain a rational attitude towards its development prospects.

5. CZ: BUSD being "strangled" is part of the government's liquidation of the crypto industry.

In response to community questions about the recent situation of BUSD on social media, the CEO stated that BUSD, as a fully reliable stablecoin backed by the US dollar, was terminated in "Operation Chokepoint 2.0"(, a government-led action aimed at the liquidation of the cryptocurrency industry.

CZ pointed out that the good side is that many new stablecoins are now being launched on BSC, which can partially fill the gap left by BUSD. However, on a larger scale, the government's crackdown on the cryptocurrency industry will undoubtedly have a serious impact on the development of the entire ecosystem.

The main objective of Operation Chokepoint 2.0 is to pressure banks and financial institutions to restrict or cut off banking services to cryptocurrency-related businesses and individuals, thereby "stifling" the development of this emerging industry. This not only impacts the issuance and circulation of stablecoins but also brings significant operational pressure to cryptocurrency exchanges, wallet service providers, and other institutions.

Industry insiders point out that the government's move reflects its significant distrust and concerns regarding cryptocurrencies. Due to the lack of effective regulation, cryptocurrencies could be used for illegal activities such as money laundering and tax evasion. At the same time, their high volatility and speculative nature may pose a threat to the stability of the financial system.

However, there are also viewpoints that believe the government's crackdown actions reflect its recognition of the increasingly important status of cryptocurrencies to some extent. Only when an industry develops to a certain scale will it attract the high attention of regulators. Therefore, in the future, cryptocurrencies may usher in a more regulated and orderly development environment.

2. Industry Data

) 1. ZETA Recent transaction price 0.2879 USDT, daily increase +35.00%.

( 2. W Recent transaction price 0.0874 USDT, intraday increase +5.90%.

) 3. ETH The recent transaction price is 1984.4300 USDT, with a daily increase of +0.40%.

4. PI

Recent transaction price 0.9696 USDT, daily increase +8.90%.

5. GT

The recent transaction price is 22.8380 USDT, with a daily increase of +1.20%.

3. Industry News

1. Bitcoin ETFs attract $785 million in inflows weekly, boosting investor confidence.

Bitcoin ETFs surged to $785.6 million in weekly inflows, primarily driven by BlackRock. Ethereum ETFs, on the other hand, faced outflows, indicating a shift in market investment towards Bitcoin. The cryptocurrency market shows positive trends, with Bitcoin attracting more investor attention compared to Ethereum.

Institutional investors' demand for Bitcoin continues to grow, driving the influx of funds into Bitcoin ETFs. This trend reflects investors' confidence in Bitcoin as a store of value asset. Meanwhile, Ethereum ETFs have experienced outflows, possibly due to investors' cautious attitude towards Ethereum's development prospects.

Analysts believe that the strong performance of Bitcoin ETFs highlights institutional investors' preference for Bitcoin. As the regulatory environment continues to improve and more financial products are introduced, Bitcoin is expected to further integrate into the traditional financial system. However, the cryptocurrency market still faces uncertainties, and investors need to closely monitor regulatory trends and technological developments while carefully assessing risks.

2. Bitcoin supply decreased due to the purchase of 172,705 BTC in February – the impact is as follows

The price of Bitcoin has exceeded $96,000 due to increased demand and a decrease in coin supply. Since the collapse of FTX, more than 172,705 BTC have been purchased. Limited coin availability has driven buyers, pushing up the price.

The decrease in Bitcoin supply mainly comes from investors and institutions purchasing large amounts of Bitcoin after the FTX incident. This surge in demand has led to a sharp reduction in the available Bitcoin supply, thereby driving up the price.

Analysts point out that the reduction in Bitcoin supply reflects investors' confidence in Bitcoin as a store of value. However, excessive supply tightening may also pose the risk of price inflation. Investors should closely monitor supply and demand dynamics and carefully assess the timing of their investments.

At the same time, the rise in Bitcoin prices may attract more speculative funds to flow in, further pushing up the price. However, if a large-scale sell-off occurs, prices could quickly fall back. Therefore, investors need to remain vigilant about market volatility.

3. XRP faces resistance at $2.66: a breakthrough at $3.40 could drive it up to $5

XRP faces resistance at $2.66, with attention on the breakout at $2.97 and $3.40. The double bottom pattern at $1.71 indicates strong demand.

XRP recently encountered some resistance at $2.66, which may be due to investors taking profits at this price level. However, the double bottom pattern at $1.71 indicates that the demand for XRP remains strong.

If XRP can break through the resistance levels of $2.97 and $3.40, analysts expect it may rise further to around $5. This expectation is primarily based on XRP's potential for institutional adoption and Ripple's progress in regulatory disputes.

However, investors should also be wary of the risks that XRP may face, such as the rise of competitors and changes in regulatory policies. Overall, the future trend of XRP will depend on the developments in the fundamentals, and investors should maintain a cautiously optimistic attitude.

4. Project News

1. Sui Network: A Rising Star in the Move Language Ecosystem

Sui Network is a brand new blockchain project created by engineers who were involved in the Diem project. It is built using the Move programming language and aims to provide high-performance, low-cost distributed applications.

Latest updates: Sui Network has recently completed its mainnet launch and introduced its first batch of DApps. These include decentralized exchange Cetus and NFT marketplace Turbo, among other applications. The innovation of Sui lies in its adoption of a new execution model that enables parallel execution and high throughput. Additionally, it has introduced a new cryptoeconomic model aimed at achieving sustainable development.

Market Impact: As a rising star in the Move language ecosystem, Sui Network is expected to promote the development and application of the Move language. It provides developers with a high-performance, low-cost infrastructure, which is conducive to attracting more innovative projects into the Move ecosystem. Moreover, Sui's cryptoeconomic model may also offer new operational ideas for blockchain projects.

Industry feedback: Analysts believe that Sui Network has tremendous development potential. Its technological advantages and innovative model are expected to attract a large number of developers. However, some are concerned that the Move language ecosystem is still in its early stages, and whether Sui can ultimately succeed remains to be seen. Overall, the industry has high hopes for Sui Network, anticipating that it can bring new vitality to the blockchain industry.

2. Aptos: Layer 1 public chain created by former Meta engineers

Aptos is a Layer 1 public blockchain created by former Meta engineers, using the Move programming language, aimed at providing high-performance and secure blockchain infrastructure.

Latest Update: Aptos has recently completed its token issuance and launched its mainnet. Several DApps are now running on Aptos, including the decentralized exchange Crunchy and the NFT marketplace Topaz. The innovation of Aptos lies in its adoption of a new consensus mechanism called BFT, as well as a parallel execution engine, which enables a high throughput of tens of thousands of transactions per second.

Market Impact: As a heavyweight project in the Move language ecosystem, the emergence of Aptos will further promote the development and application of the Move language. It provides developers with high-performance, secure, and reliable infrastructure, which is conducive to attracting more quality projects. In addition, Aptos's technological innovations will also bring new development directions to the blockchain industry.

Industry Feedback: Industry insiders generally have high expectations for Aptos. Analysts believe that Aptos has the potential to become a leader in the Move language ecosystem, thanks to its outstanding technical strength and top-notch team. However, some are concerned about whether Aptos can truly solve the scalability issues of blockchain, which remains to be seen. Overall, Aptos is regarded as one of the most promising public chain projects in the Move ecosystem.

3. Lightchain AI: The innovative integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain

Lightchain AI is an innovative project that combines artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, aiming to provide efficient and intelligent infrastructure for the We era.

Latest update: Lightchain AI has recently completed its token presale, raising over $17 million. The project plans to launch its testnet in the first half of this year and go live with its mainnet in the second half. Lightchain AI's innovation lies in combining artificial intelligence technology with blockchain, significantly improving blockchain efficiency through smart contract optimization and automation processes.

Market Impact: As a pioneering project integrating artificial intelligence with blockchain, Lightchain AI is expected to bring new development opportunities for the We era. It provides developers with efficient and intelligent infrastructure, conducive to the birth of more innovative applications. Moreover, the success of Lightchain AI will also promote the application of artificial intelligence technology in the blockchain field.

Industry feedback: Industry insiders have praised Lightchain AI's innovative model. Analysts believe that the integration of artificial intelligence with blockchain is a promising direction that is expected to address many of the pain points faced by blockchain. However, some are concerned that the introduction of artificial intelligence technology may bring new security risks that need to be given special attention. Overall, Lightchain AI is seen as one of the most innovative projects of the We Era.

5. Economic Dynamics

1. The Federal Reserve's interest rate hike cycle is nearing its end, and inflation pressures persist.

Economic Background: The U.S. economy faced sustained inflationary pressures in 2022, with the inflation rate soaring to its highest level in 40 years at one point. To curb inflation, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates continuously 10 times since last March, increasing the federal funds rate from near-zero levels to the current range of 4.75%-5%. Nevertheless, the latest data shows that the core inflation rate rose by 5.6% year-on-year in February, exceeding expectations.

Important Event: At the Federal Open Market Committee meeting on March 22, the Federal Reserve decided to raise interest rates by another 25 basis points. At the same time, Fed officials expect to raise rates once more this year and hinted that rate cuts may begin in 2024. This decision reflects the Fed's trade-off between curbing inflation and avoiding an economic hard landing.

Market Reaction: The Federal Reserve's hawkish stance has intensified investors' concerns about an economic downturn. U.S. stocks briefly fell after the meeting but then rebounded, as investors believe the interest rate hike cycle is nearing its end. The bond market, on the other hand, holds a cautiously optimistic view of the Fed's guidance, expecting rates to peak in the second half of this year.

Expert Opinion: Jeffrey Sachs, an economics professor at Columbia University, stated that the challenge facing the Federal Reserve is to control inflation without triggering a severe recession. He believes that the Federal Reserve should be more cautious in raising interest rates to avoid a hard landing for the economy. On the other hand, former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke supports the Fed's hawkish stance, arguing that only sustained interest rate hikes can ultimately suppress inflation expectations.

2. The pace of China's economic recovery is accelerating, and policy support continues.

Economic Background: Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, China's economic growth slowed to around 3% in 2022, the lowest level in recent years. With the adjustment of pandemic prevention and control policies, China's economy showed signs of recovery in 2023. The latest data shows that the industrial value-added above designated size grew by 2.4% year-on-year in January-February, and investment in manufacturing increased by 8.7% year-on-year.

Important Events: To further promote economic recovery, the Chinese government has introduced a series of supportive policies. These include increasing investment in infrastructure, reducing taxes and fees, and supporting the real estate market. At the same time, the People's Bank continues to implement a prudent monetary policy to maintain reasonable and ample liquidity.

Market reaction: Supported by policies, the Chinese stock market has continued to rise since the beginning of 2023. As of March 22, the Shanghai Composite Index and the Shenzhen Component Index have increased by approximately 6% and 10% respectively this year. Foreign capital continues to flow into the Chinese bond and stock markets, reflecting optimistic expectations for the recovery of the Chinese economy.

Expert Opinion: Ba Shusong, the director of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, believes that the main driving force behind China's economic recovery comes from the continuous repair of domestic demand. He expects that, with policy support, China's economy is likely to achieve a growth rate of around 5.5% this year. However, Goldman Sachs takes a cautious stance, predicting that China's economic growth will be around 4%. The bank believes that the ongoing slump in the real estate sector may weigh down overall economic performance.

3. The Silicon Valley Bank crisis raises concerns about the financial system.

Economic Background: In the past month, small and medium-sized banks such as Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in the United States have successively collapsed, triggering turmoil in the financial markets. This is the biggest challenge faced by the U.S. banking industry since the 2008 financial crisis. The events exposed regulatory loopholes and heightened concerns about the entire banking system.

Important events: To stabilize the financial market, the U.S. government has announced full protection for the depositors of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. At the same time, the Federal Reserve has launched a "temporary bank lending facility" to provide loans to banks in need. These measures are aimed at containing the spread of the crisis.

Market reaction: The turmoil in the banking sector has heightened investors' concerns about an economic recession. U.S. stocks experienced significant volatility after the incident. Meanwhile, bond yields fell as investors shifted their funds to safe assets. However, after government intervention, the financial markets have stabilized.

Expert Opinion: Kenneth Rogoff, an economics professor at Harvard University, believes that the Silicon Valley Bank crisis has exposed regulatory flaws, but it seems that the crisis should not spread like it did in 2008. He calls for strengthening the regulation of small and medium-sized banks. On the other hand, former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warns that if the crisis expands, it could trigger a credit squeeze, thereby exacerbating the economic recession.

6. Regulation & Policy

1. The International Monetary Fund incorporates digital assets into global economic statistical standards.

The International Monetary Fund ### IMF ### in its latest release of the seventh edition of the "Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual" ### BPM7( has provided detailed guidelines on how to classify and record crypto assets such as Bitcoin, stablecoins, and token-based platforms like Ethereum and Solana.

As an authoritative guide to global economic statistical standards, the update of BPM7 reflects the IMF's recognition of the increasingly important role of digital assets in the global economy. According to the new framework, digital assets are classified into fungible tokens and non-fungible tokens, and further categorized based on whether they are associated with relevant liabilities. This classification method aims to provide consistent statistical standards for governments and central banks, helping to better monitor and manage risks related to digital assets.

Market participants generally believe that the IMF's move marks the gradual acceptance of digital assets by the mainstream financial system. Cryptocurrency analyst Vijay Boyapati stated that this initiative will encourage more institutional investors and regulatory bodies to pay attention to digital assets, thereby bringing more capital inflow and regulatory clarity to the industry. However, some experts also warn that while regulation is necessary, it should be balanced with innovation to avoid excessively restricting the development space of digital assets.

) 2. The U.S. government launches a "crackdown" on the cryptocurrency industry.

According to founder CZ, the U.S. government is implementing an initiative called "Operation Chokepoint 2.0" aimed at pressuring banks and financial institutions to restrict or cut off banking services to cryptocurrency-related businesses and individuals, thereby "stifling" the development of this industry.

The specific approach of this action is to require banks to implement stricter due diligence on cryptocurrency customers and threaten heavy penalties for non-compliant banks. Some major stablecoin issuers have already been affected, such as BUSD being forced to cease operations in the United States.

Industry professionals in the cryptocurrency sector strongly oppose this. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong pointed out that this practice contradicts the principles of financial inclusion and will deprive millions of Americans of their right to use cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, some major exchanges are actively seeking alternatives to ensure the continued operation of their businesses.

The U.S. government believes that cryptocurrencies pose risks such as money laundering and tax evasion, and that action is necessary to strengthen regulation. However, industry insiders call for regulation to promote innovation under the premise of manageable risks, rather than simply "stifling" the entire industry.

( 3. Pakistan establishes a cryptocurrency committee to explore regulatory directions.

On March 21, the Pakistani government established a cryptocurrency committee aimed at exploring the regulatory direction for crypto assets in the country. The establishment of this committee marks a shift in the Pakistani government's stance on cryptocurrency issues.

Previously, Pakistan had maintained a position of banning cryptocurrency. In May 2023, former Secretary of Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghaus Pasha stated that cryptocurrency would never be legal in the country. However, with the increasing popularity of cryptocurrency globally, the Pakistani government has realized the need to formulate corresponding regulatory policies.

The cryptocurrency committee will consist of representatives from multiple government departments, including the Ministry of Finance, the central bank, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. They will study the use of cryptocurrency in Pakistan, assess its impact on the financial system and the economy, and propose corresponding regulatory recommendations.

Industry insiders welcome this, believing that clear regulation will be beneficial for the healthy development of cryptocurrencies in Pakistan. However, some experts warn that regulation should not be too strict, so as not to stifle innovation. Overall, the Pakistani government is working to strike a balance between protecting investors and preventing risks while supporting innovation.