The Blockchain Bulletin March 18: VanEck to Launch NODE Crypto ETF

Hey folks! Welcome to the latest edition of the Blockchain Bulletin, where we provide significant developments that took place over the last 24 hours in the crypto world. VanEck is entering the ETF fray with a fresh angle. On May 14, the asset manager will debut NODE, a new actively managed exchange-traded fund tailored to the broader crypto economy, not just coins. Unlike traditional ETFs that track Bitcoin or Ethereum directly, NODE will focus on a curated portfolio of 30 to 60 stocks drawn from over 130 candidates linked to blockchain infrastructure, mining, exchanges, and payment systems. Matthew Sigel, VanEck’s Head of Digital Assets Research, stated that NODE aims to give exposure to the backbone of the crypto economy without requiring direct cryptocurrency holdings. The fund has received approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), reflecting growing regulatory openness toward diversified crypto-related investments.

Shifting from Wall Street to Central America, Panama City has authorized the use of Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, and USDT for various public payments, including taxes, permits, and traffic tickets. In an X post, Mayor Mayer Mizrachi confirmed the advancement, stating a local banking partner that accepts crypto payments would convert to U.S. dollars at the time of the transaction. This mechanism guarantees compliance with Panama’s fiscal regulations that demand public payments be settled in dollars. The initiative represents a milestone in the city’s acceptance of crypto, making the capital a test ground for integrating digital currency into public infrastructure.

While cities adopt crypto at the local level, global exchanges pursue national strategies. CEO of Binance, Richard Teng, feels that under Trump’s governance, the U.S. is becoming more crypto-friendly. Insiders say Teng has been in talks on a national digital asset reserve strategy and is still working with international partners to build sovereign crypto reserves. Binance’s efforts seem to be part of a wider institutional shift, in which the exchange positions itself as a facilitator of national digital reserve systems and enhances its global policy footprint.

On the lighter but chaotic end of the spectrum, a meme token titled “Base is for everyone” went from viral sensation to spectacular collapse within hours. Launched via a promotional tweet from Coinbase’s Base network through the Zora platform, the coin reached a market cap of $17 million before plunging over 95%. The Base team clarified that the token was unofficial and called it a “public experiment.” Despite this, early participants exited en masse, raising concerns about credibility, creator control, and token dynamics in open experiments.

Meanwhile, Ethereum has quietly hit a new low in transaction fees. According to Santiment, average transfer costs have fallen to $0.168, the lowest since May 2, 2020. This decline correlates with a dip in ETH’s price, currently sitting at $1,591.77 after a modest 0.65% daily uptick. Activity on the Ethereum network has slowed significantly since January 2025, contributing to the lower fee environment. The data reflects a cooler but more efficient ETH chain, which may be beneficial for future scalability.

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A week marked by equal measures of innovation, optimism, and irony from the crypto world had headlines converging to paint vivid images of where the digital asset landscape stands at present—and might be heading. From ETF launches to municipal crypto integration, industry policy pivots, and a meme coin meltdown, this edition of the Blockchain Bulletin serves a curated roundup that moves seamlessly from Wall Street to Panama City and back to Ethereum’s low-fee highway.

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