Key Dates and Events to Follow in Cryptocurrency This Week

This week, the focus in cryptocurrency markets will be shaped both by specific blockchain events and ongoing macroeconomic factors, notably developments surrounding the Iran conflict and Federal Reserve signals. Key crypto events include the launch of Aave V4 and the EthCC conference, alongside notable updates from projects like Jupiter and Sushi.

Key Takeaways

The week is influenced by macroeconomic factors such as energy prices and geopolitical tensions.
Key crypto events include Aave V4 activation and the EthCC conference in Cannes.
Jupiter and Sushi are making significant moves with new products and derivatives.
FTX Recovery Trust is distributing $2.2 billion to creditors, potentially impacting crypto markets.

What To Watch In Crypto This Week: Key Dates And Events

Main Content

As the week begins, cryptocurrency markets are closely monitoring the broader economic landscape. While several protocol-related events are set to take place, developments related to the conflict in Iran and signals from the Federal Reserve are likely to be the primary influencers.

On Sunday, Reuters reported that the Pentagon is preparing for possible extended ground operations in Iran. However, President Trump has yet to approve these plans. Meanwhile, the Associated Press noted that Trump is exploring the possibility of seizing Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal, even as diplomatic discussions continue. Last Friday, Brent crude oil prices settled at $112.57, up 4.2% for the day.

BREAKING: President Trump states the US is in “serious discussions with a new and more reasonable regime to end our military operations in Iran.” He also warns that if a deal is not reached, the US will “blow up and completely obliterate all of their electric generating plants, oil…”

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to speak later on March 30 at Harvard. Market participants will be keen to pick up any clues regarding how the Fed is addressing the current inflationary pressures stemming from rising oil prices. The ongoing conflict with Iran is exerting upward pressure on energy costs, forcing policymakers to navigate the dual challenges of inflation and economic growth.

In line with previous weeks, macroeconomic developments may continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the crypto landscape. A further escalation in the Iran situation or a change in Powell’s guidance could significantly impact risk markets, including cryptocurrencies.

Crypto Events to Watch This Week

Within the cryptocurrency sector, Aave is set to take center stage this week with the rollout of Aave V4 on the Ethereum mainnet. Aave V4 has progressed beyond the rumor phase and completed the ARFC process, with its proposals highlighting a “security-first” approach, conservative risk parameters, and a focused hub-and-spoke model for launch.

For Ethereum (ETH), the timing of related events may serve more as a gauge of market sentiment than as a direct catalyst. The EthCC conference kicks off on March 30 in Cannes, proudly claiming to be the largest and longest-running annual Ethereum event in Europe, lasting until April 2. This week's agenda includes “The Agora” on March 31, which will center on institutional discussions regarding market infrastructure and efficiency.

Another project to keep an eye on is Jupiter, which is expanding its offerings. The Jupiter Offerbook is currently in private beta and is available for registration. Its objective is straightforward: “On-chain finance needs on-chain credit.” The product allows for time-frame based P2P loans without price-based liquidations, letting users define collateral, APR, loan amount, and duration.

Sushi is also gearing up to enter the derivatives space, with new perpetual contracts slated to launch on April 2. Their official account has teased the launch, indicating strong interest in this lucrative section of the crypto market, which has been a strategic priority for Sushi Labs.

FTX is back in the headlines as it prepares for a significant cash distribution. The FTX Recovery Trust plans to initiate its fourth round of distributions on March 31, amounting to approximately $2.2 billion for eligible creditors. Payments will be processed via platforms like BitGo, Kraken, or Payoneer within one to three business days. An important question for the market is how much of this recovered capital will find its way back into crypto trading.

Finally, a new decentralized exchange, Based, will launch its token on March 30. The project confirmed its Token Generation Event (TGE) and has set up trading for the BASED/USDT pair on KuCoin at 10:00 UTC on Monday, with withdrawals starting the following day. KuCoin describes Based as a non-custodial DeFi "SuperApp" including features for crypto, equities, commodities, and spending.

As of now, the total cryptocurrency market capitalization stands at $2.32 trillion.

Total crypto market cap Total cryptocurrency market cap, 1-month chart | Source: ETHUSDT on TradingView.com