Market Updates: Iran Considers Bitcoin Fees for Oil Tankers, Morgan Stanley Launches Spot BTC ETF, Ethereum Foundation Sells 416 ETH

Latest Market Updates: As of 8th April 2026.

Iran Considers Bitcoin Fees for Oil Tankers

Iran is exploring a plan to charge oil tankers transit fees in Bitcoin as they pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Financial Times. The proposal is linked to a temporary two-week ceasefire with the United States, with officials suggesting the system could help monitor shipments and prevent misuse of the truce.

Hamid Hosseini, spokesperson for Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union, noted that only fully loaded vessels would be subject to the fee. Tankers would need to submit cargo details via email in advance for approval.

The toll is expected to be set at $1 per barrel, with payments settled in digital assets based on official instructions.

Morgan Stanley Debuts Spot Bitcoin ETF

As geopolitical actors experiment with crypto utility, traditional finance continues accelerating its adoption. Morgan Stanley has launched its own spot Bitcoin ETF, a significant milestone for Wall Street.

The Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT), now listed on NYSE Arca, directly holds Bitcoin instead of relying on derivatives. This structure aligns with growing investor preference for physically backed products.

With a 0.14% annual fee, the fund is now the lowest-cost option in its category. Custody will be handled by Bank of New York Mellon and Coinbase Custody Trust Company.

The launch positions Morgan Stanley as the first major U.S. bank to bring a spot Bitcoin ETF to market under its own name.

Ethereum Foundation Liquidates ETH Holdings

Within the crypto ecosystem, institutional activity is also drawing scrutiny. The Ethereum Foundation has sold 416.67 ETH for approximately $933,340 in DAI, prompting speculation about further sales.

The move follows a more than 7% price surge in Ethereum after the U.S.–Iran ceasefire. At the time of writing, ETH was trading near $2,228, suggesting the Foundation may be capitalizing on recent gains.

Just In: Ethereum Foundation has sold 416.67 $ETH for $933,340 $DAI and is likely to sell more.https://t.co/FcROLJudty pic.twitter.com/OtxVAS5uko

— Onchain Lens (@OnchainLens) April 8, 2026

Polygon Labs Targets $100M for Payments Expansion

Meanwhile, crypto firms are refining their strategic focus. Polygon Labs is seeking up to $100 million to expand its presence in the payments sector, according to The Information.

This initiative builds on a previously announced $250 million acquisition program, including deals involving Coinme and Sequence.

By shifting focus from general Layer-2 scaling to payment infrastructure, Polygon aims to create a vertically integrated ecosystem. This would cover fiat on- and off-ramps, card distribution, and developer tools, signaling a more targeted approach to real-world adoption.

CEA Report Challenges Stablecoin Risk Narrative

At the policy level, the debate around crypto’s systemic impact continues to evolve. A new report from the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) finds no evidence that stablecoin rewards drive bank deposit outflows.

This conclusion directly challenges concerns about financial instability raised by critics. Based on analysis by government economists, the report examines how stablecoins interact with traditional banking systems.

Its findings are likely to influence upcoming regulatory discussions and strengthen the case for broader integration of stablecoins into the financial system.