As the crypto landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the upcoming week promises pivotal developments across regulatory, technological, and market fronts. From high-level government engagement to major token unlocks and network upgrades, March 3–8, 2025 marks a critical window for investors, developers, and industry stakeholders.
This comprehensive preview outlines key events shaping the blockchain ecosystem—from staking launches and exchange listings to macroeconomic indicators and policy milestones. Stay informed with actionable insights and timely updates tailored to both seasoned participants and newcomers navigating the digital asset space.
March 3: Staking Launches and Early Token Releases
HashKey Chain Unveils Official Staking Functionality
HashKey Chain is set to launch its official Staking feature on March 3 at 20:00 UTC+8, empowering users with enhanced on-chain yield opportunities. Initially supporting HSK token staking, the platform offers flexible lock-up periods with tiered annual percentage yields (APY), reaching up to 12% APY, along with additional incentive rewards.
This move strengthens HashKey Chain’s position as a user-centric Layer 1 blockchain by expanding its utility beyond transactions into sustainable asset growth. The integration of dynamic staking options encourages long-term participation while reinforcing network security through increased token decentralization.
👉 Discover how staking innovations are reshaping asset growth in 2025.
SUI Token Unlock: $117 Million Enters Circulation
On March 3 at 08:00 Beijing Time, Sui (SUI) will unlock approximately 40.63 million tokens, valued at around $117 million, representing 1.28% of current circulating supply. While relatively modest in proportion, this release may influence short-term trading dynamics, particularly amid growing institutional interest in high-performance Layer 1 solutions like Sui.
Market analysts suggest that consistent unlocks tied to ecosystem development could signal confidence in long-term utility rather than speculative pressure—especially given Sui’s focus on scalable smart contracts and Web3 gaming infrastructure.
March 4: Exchange Adjustments and Strategic Token Launches
Story Protocol Initiates IP Token Generation and Staking Rewards
Story, the AI-native intellectual property layer built on blockchain, will begin issuing its IP token on March 4 at block 1,580,851. Starting that day, 55,555 IP tokens will be released daily, coinciding with the activation of its staking reward program.
During the current Singularity Phase, users can stake but won’t earn rewards until the Big Bang Block activates full incentives. The staking model uses a time-weighted multiplier system:
- Flexible staking: 1x
- 90-day lock: 1.1x
- 360-day lock: 1.5x
- 540-day lock: 2x
- Locked staking (6 months): 0.5x
This structure incentivizes long-term commitment, reinforcing network resilience and decentralization—key pillars for an emerging decentralized AI content economy.
Solayer Extends LAYER Airdrop Claim Window Until March 4
Solana-based restaking platform Solayer has extended its LAYER token airdrop claim period until March 4 at 20:00 Beijing Time. Eligible early contributors can claim their genesis drop tokens, which are immediately unlocked upon receipt. Additional LAYER tokens will be distributed over six epochs post-claim.
Users who miss the deadline forfeit their allocation, with unclaimed tokens redirected to future community distributions. This urgency underscores the importance of active participation in emerging restaking protocols, a growing trend within the broader liquid staking narrative.
Exchange Listings and Delistings
OKX announced the delisting of GFT/USDT and GFT/USDC trading pairs, with deposit suspension effective December 2, 2024, and withdrawal suspension on March 2, 2025. Users must finalize asset management by March 4 at 16:00 UTC+8 to avoid access issues.
Similarly, Bithumb will terminate trading support for 300 Feet Network (FIT) on March 4 at 15:00 Korea Time, followed by withdrawal discontinuation. These moves reflect tightening exchange standards for project viability and transparency—an ongoing trend enhancing market integrity.
Minor Token Unlock: Staika (STIK)
Approximately 1.57 million STIK tokens, worth about $8 million, will unlock on March 4 at 08:00 Beijing Time. Though smaller in scale, this event highlights increasing visibility for privacy-focused protocols amid rising demand for secure data layers in decentralized applications.
March 5: Network Upgrades and Major Token Unlocks
Ethereum’s Pectra Upgrade Goes Live on Sepolia Testnet
The Ethereum Foundation confirmed that the Pectra upgrade will activate on the Sepolia testnet at epoch 222464 (March 5, 15:29 Beijing Time). Following successful deployment on Holesky earlier in February, this step brings Ethereum closer to mainnet activation.
Pectra builds upon last year’s Dencun upgrade by introducing:
- Enhanced account abstraction capabilities
- Improved validator experience
- Stronger Layer 2 scalability support
These enhancements aim to streamline user interactions, reduce gas costs for rollups, and improve overall network efficiency—critical advancements as Ethereum solidifies its role as the foundation for next-generation dApps.
Ethena (ENA) Massive Unlock: $835 Million Impact
One of the week’s most significant events occurs on March 5 at 15:00 Beijing Time, when Ethena (ENA) unlocks approximately 2.07 billion tokens, valued at $835 million, equivalent to 66.19% of current circulating supply.
Such a large release raises questions about potential selling pressure. However, Ethena’s unique “internet bond” mechanism—backed by delta-hedged staked ETH positions—may mitigate volatility if holders align with long-term yield strategies rather than short-term exits.
👉 Explore platforms offering advanced tools to manage token volatility post-unlock.
March 7: Historic Crypto Policy Moment
White House Hosts Inaugural Cryptocurrency Summit
In a landmark moment for digital asset regulation, the White House will host its first-ever Cryptocurrency Summit on March 7. President Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks, underscoring federal recognition of blockchain’s economic potential.
The event will gather top founders, CEOs, investors, and members of the Digital Asset Working Group, chaired by crypto envoy David Sacks. Topics are expected to include:
- Regulatory clarity for stablecoins
- Innovation in decentralized finance
- National competitiveness in blockchain technology
This summit signals a shift toward structured dialogue between policymakers and the crypto industry—a positive development for long-term adoption and compliance frameworks.
Other March 7 Events:
- Kaspa (KAS) unlocks ~162 million tokens (~0.63% of supply), valued at $12.8M
- Neon (NEON) unlocks ~53.91 million tokens (~22.51% of supply), valued at $8.4M
- Release of the U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls Report, a key economic indicator influencing Fed policy
March 8: Institutional Moves and Final Large Unlock
SBI Group Completes DMM Bitcoin Integration
Japanese financial giant SBI Group will finalize the integration of DMM Bitcoin’s customer accounts and assets by March 8, consolidating services under SBI VC Trade. No user action is required—the transfer includes JPY balances and spot crypto holdings.
Post-integration, SBI VC Trade will support 38 cryptocurrencies, adding 14 new assets including TRX, ALGO, APE, AXS, and SAND. This expansion strengthens Japan’s position in regulated digital asset markets and reflects growing institutional confidence in compliant crypto ecosystems.
Berachain (BERA) Unlock: $85.5 Million Release
On March 8 at 21:00 Beijing Time, Berachain (BERA) will unlock roughly 10 million tokens, worth approximately $85.5 million, representing 9.27% of circulating supply. As a high-throughput EVM-compatible chain leveraging Proof-of-Liquidity consensus, Berachain’s unlock may attract attention from DeFi yield seekers monitoring liquidity incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why are token unlocks important for investors?
A: Token unlocks can increase circulating supply, potentially leading to price volatility. Monitoring unlock schedules helps investors anticipate market movements and adjust positions accordingly.
Q: What does the White House crypto summit mean for regulation?
A: The summit represents a formal step toward regulatory engagement, aiming to balance innovation with investor protection and financial stability—potentially paving the way for clearer U.S. crypto laws.
Q: How do staking rewards work on HashKey Chain?
A: Users stake HSK tokens with flexible or fixed lock-up periods. Longer commitments yield higher APYs—up to 12%—and additional bonuses, promoting network security and user retention.
Q: Is Ethena’s $835M unlock likely to cause price drops?
A: While large unlocks pose risks, Ethena’s delta-hedged model and community sentiment may cushion immediate sell-offs. Long-term impact depends on holder behavior and protocol fundamentals.
Q: What is Story Protocol’s IP token used for?
A: The IP token powers a decentralized framework for AI-generated content ownership, enabling creators to tokenize and monetize digital works securely across platforms.
Q: How does Pectra improve Ethereum?
A: Pectra enhances account abstraction, simplifies user onboarding, improves validator operations, and boosts L2 scalability—making Ethereum more accessible and efficient for developers and users alike.
Stay ahead of market-moving events with real-time insights and strategic analysis—all designed to help you navigate the fast-changing world of blockchain and digital assets in 2025.