Crypto News Today: Ethereum Privacy Funding, UK Crypto Ban, SHIB Burn Surge, and XRP Breakout Watch

Overview:

• Payy’s $6M funding highlights rising demand for privacy-focused blockchain infrastructure and seamless user experience.

• The UK’s crypto donation ban signals stricter oversight as governments address transparency and security concerns.

• Shiba Inu saw a sharp increase in token burn activity, with over 23.7 million SHIB removed in a single day.

The cryptocurrency market saw major developments. Regulatory developments, funding momentum, and shifting on-chain dynamics are influencing the market. From privacy-focused infrastructure funding on Ethereum to tightening political regulations in the United Kingdom.

Ethereum Privacy Network Payy Raises $6 Million

Payy, a new privacy-focused Layer 2 network, has raised $6 million in funding. The round was led by FirstMark Capital. Robot Ventures and DBA Crypto also participated.

Payy aims to simplify privacy on Ethereum by enabling automatic private transactions once users connect the network through their wallets like MetaMask. Unlike traditional privacy tools that require complex steps, Payy integrates privacy by default.

The protocol uses a native privacy pool that aggregates ERC-20 tokens. This allows seamless transfers within the ecosystem. 

Sensitive transaction data is stored in an off-chain privacy vault, which is configured by developers through RPC-based access.

UK Bans Crypto Donations to Political Parties

The United Kingdom has banned cryptocurrency donations to political parties and regulated entities. The decision follows concerns over foreign interference and the difficulty in identifying the true source of funds.

The policy also introduces a £100,000 annual cap on donations from overseas voters. This is an attempt to limit external influence in domestic politics. The decision is based on findings from the Rycroft Review, which highlighted risks associated with anonymous digital asset transfers. 

Authorities believe crypto donations could be used to bypass transparency rules, which will make them vulnerable to misuse.

Shiba Inu Burn Rate Surges Over 1,000%

The Shiba Inu ecosystem has recorded a sharp increase in token burn activity. Over 23.7 million SHIB tokens were removed from circulation in a single day. This represents a 1,086% jump in the daily burn rate.

The burn activity was spread across 10 transactions. The largest single burn transaction exceeded 14 million tokens. These tokens were sent to “dead wallets,” which permanently reduced supply.

Since its launch, over 410 trillion SHIB tokens have been burned. A significant portion of this can be attributed to early actions by Vitalik Buterin.

Meanwhile, SHIB adoption continues to grow, with wallet addresses surpassing 1.55 million across the world. However, concentration remains high, as the top 10 holders control over 62% of the total supply.

Bitcoin ETF Flows Show Mixed Institutional Sentiment

According to SoSoValue, Bitcoin Spot ETFs recorded a net inflow of $7.81 million yesterday, 25 March 2026. This figure indicates cautious but continued participation.

Fidelity’s FBTC recorded the highest inflows with $83.34 million. This pushed its cumulative total to over $11 billion. On the other hand, BlackRock’s IBIT saw $70.71 million in outflows.

Total Bitcoin ETF assets stand at $91.63 billion, with total cumulative inflows reaching $56.33 billion. 

Also Read: Bitcoin Crash Explained: Causes, History, Market Impact, and What Investors Should Do

Clarity Act Faces Critical Senate Deadline

The US crypto market is approaching a crucial regulatory moment with the proposed CLARITY Act. The bill aims to clearly define the roles of the SEC and CFTC, distinguishing between digital commodities and securities.

The legislation has already passed the House and now faces a narrow window in the Senate. A key committee decision is expected between April 13 and 20, 2026. The decision will determine whether the bill will progress or be delayed until 2027.

The proposal introduces the concept of a “mature blockchain.” This will allow projects to transition from securities to commodities as decentralization increases. 

However, unresolved issues, particularly around stablecoin yields and DeFi regulation, continue to create uncertainty.

XRP Volatility Hits Lows, Breakout Expected

XRP is currently trading in a tight consolidation range near $1.40. The figure shows volatility dropping to its lowest level in months. Such compression phases often precede sharp price movements.

Key levels to watch:

• Support: $1.40

• Resistance: $1.43-$1.45

Repeated rejection near $1.43 suggests selling pressure, while buyers continue to defend the $1.40 level. A breakdown below support could push prices toward $1.35, while a breakout above resistance may trigger a rally.

Also Read: XRP Set to Surge? The New Catalyst That Could Change Everything

FAQs:

1. What is Payy and why is it important?

Payy is a privacy-focused Ethereum Layer 2 that enables automatic private transactions, addressing growing concerns around on-chain transparency.

2. Why did the UK ban crypto donations?

The UK banned crypto donations due to concerns about anonymous funding and potential foreign interference in political systems.

3. What does a rise in SHIB burn rate mean?

Higher burn rates reduce token supply, which can potentially support price stability if demand remains strong.

4. Are Bitcoin ETF inflows still strong?

ETF inflows remain positive but mixed, indicating cautious institutional participation rather than aggressive accumulation.

5. What should traders watch for in XRP?

Traders should monitor the $1.40 support and $1.43 resistance, as a breakout from this range could determine the next major price move.