Over the past century, the number of American banks has significantly decreased, dropping from 30,000 banks in 1921 to 4,997 U.S. banks in 2021, according to data from the Federal Reserve. Recently, the U.S. central bank denied Custodia Bank of Wyoming, a financial institution that holds $1.08 for every dollar deposited by customers. Although there appears to be a need for such a bank after the collapse of three major U.S. banks, the Federal Reserve stated that board members have “heightened concerns” about institutions with plans to focus solely on a narrow sector. (Bitcoin.com)

Officials from the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrial countries will discuss regulations on cryptocurrencies to improve transparency and consumer protection as part of preparations for the next meeting of the group in Hiroshima, Japan, in May, Kyodo News reported on Sunday. The group aims to take the lead in setting global standards for emerging digital asset industries, the report said. Cryptocurrency-related issues will also be a part of the upcoming G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors set to take place in Washington D.C this April, according to Kyodo. (forkast)

A number of Chinese state-owned banks’ branches in Hong Kong have started offering services to local cryptocurrency companies, Bloomberg reported on Monday, as the city welcomes a growing list of cryptocurrency and digital asset firms looking to expand or relocate to the city. Local companies in the crypto industry have traditionally had difficulties setting up corporate bank accounts, and the moves of these state-owned lenders reflect China’s backing in trying to boost the digital asset industry in Hong Kong, according to the report. (forkast)

North Carolina-based First Citizens Bank is set to acquire all deposits and loans of Silicon Valley Bank, according to a statement from the Federal Deposit and Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Under the agreement, 17 former branches of Silicon Valley Bank will open as First Citizens Bank and Trust Company on Monday, March 27, while all depositors of SVB will automatically become depositors of First Citizens Bank. "As of March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bridge Bank, National Association, had approximately $167 billion in total assets and about $119 billion in total deposits. Today’s transaction included the purchase of about $72 billion of Silicon Valley Bridge Bank, National Association’s assets at a discount of $16.5 billion," said the FDIC in a statement. (Cointelegraph)

Optimism-based lending protocol Kokomo Finance has been suspected of a $4 million “exit scam” that has seen user funds plucked out from the platform via a smart contract loophole. Blockchain security firm CertiK alerted its followers to the “exit scam” in a March 26 Twitter post, noting that the Kokomo Finance (KOKO) token has plummeted 95% in value in a matter of minutes. CertiK also noted that Kokomo Finance removed all social media accounts immediately following the alleged rug pull too. (Cointelegraph)

Bitcoin and the other top 10 non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies opened the working week with gains in Monday morning trading in Asia, as investors seek to diversify portfolios amid banking turmoil and the Federal Reserve’s latest rate hike. Litecoin led the winners. U.S. equity futures rose this morning as authorities sought to reassure investors the financial system is sound following bank failures and sharp declines in some lender’s stocks. The total crypto market capitalization rose 1.34% in the past 24 hours to US$1.17 trillion. Over the last 24 hours, total trading volume dipped 4.67% to US$31.46 billion. (forkast)