Bitcoin has recently surpassed the $100,000 mark, marking a significant milestone in its journey. This surge is largely attributed to the post-election rally following Donald Trump's U.S. presidential election victory. The cryptocurrency's price escalated from $69,374 on Election Day to an all-time high of $103,713. Analysts suggest that Trump's pro-cryptocurrency stance and his nomination of cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins as the next SEC chair have played pivotal roles in this upward trajectory. The election outcome has instilled optimism among crypto enthusiasts, anticipating favorable legislative and regulatory changes. However, experts caution about the inherent risks and volatility associated with Bitcoin investments, emphasizing the need for prudent decision-making.
In a notable development, President Donald Trump's cryptocurrency ventures are expanding with the launch of a new dollar-backed stablecoin, USD1, through World Liberty Financial. This stablecoin is pegged at a 1-to-1 ratio with the U.S. dollar, aiming to facilitate seamless and secure cross-border transactions. Additionally, Trump's Truth Social parent company, Trump Media & Technology Group Corp , plans to introduce investment funds for digital assets in collaboration with Crypto.com. These initiatives underscore Trump's commitment to integrating cryptocurrency into mainstream financial systems. Despite ethical agreements that restrict his direct involvement in day-to-day management, Trump continues to actively endorse and profit from these crypto-related projects.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has recently reversed its previous stance on cryptocurrency, announcing that banks no longer require prior approval to engage in crypto-related activities. This policy shift allows banks to hold digital currency assets and collaborate with industry companies without seeking FDIC's prior consent. FDIC acting chairman, Travis Hill, emphasized the move away from the previous cautious approach, highlighting the need for updated regulations in the evolving financial landscape. This change follows a joint warning issued in January 2023 by the Fed, FDIC, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency after significant events like the crash of the Terra stablecoin and the downfall of FTX. The OCC was the first to revise its guidelines, allowing banks to partake in common crypto activities without prior approval. The FDIC's updated policy now requires institutions to manage associated risks adequately while engaging in digital asset activities.
In the international arena, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre has established an internal cryptocurrency task force aimed at combating the criminal exploitation of cryptocurrencies. This task force will focus on crypto ATM providers who fail to comply with Australia's anti-money laundering laws. AUSTRAC's research indicates a growing misuse of cryptocurrency for money laundering, scams, and money mule operations. With over 1,200 crypto ATMs and 400 registered digital currency exchange providers in the country, the task force aims to enforce stringent practices to prevent fraudulent activities. AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas highlighted the increasing issue of Australians falling victim to cryptocurrency scams and warned that non-compliant crypto ATM providers would face financial penalties.
On the security front, the Lazarus Group, a hacking group believed to be backed by North Korea, has been linked to significant cryptocurrency exchange hacks. In February 2025, the Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange Bybit was hacked, resulting in the theft of approximately 400,000 Ethereum, valued at about $1.5 billion at the time. The attackers exploited a vulnerability in a third-party wallet tool, Safe {Wallet}, gaining access to Bybit’s cold wallet system. This incident led to a sharp decline in cryptocurrency prices, with Ethereum falling over 20% and Bitcoin dropping below $90,000. Regulators worldwide have since intensified their scrutiny of exchange security measures. Bybit managed to recover most of the stolen Ethereum and announced new security upgrades, offering a bounty to help track down the hackers and recover the remaining funds.
In the realm of sports and cryptocurrency, Kraken, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, has extended its partnership with the Williams Racing Formula 1 team through the 2025 season. The collaboration includes enhanced branding on the FW47 car's halo, as well as on drivers' race suits, helmets, and team apparel. Kraken has also strengthened fan engagement initiatives, such as the Grid Pass digital collectible program and the Rear Wing Takeover contests, allowing fans to design the car's rear wing. This partnership reflects the growing integration of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology into mainstream sports, aiming to attract a broader audience and promote digital asset adoption.
These developments highlight the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the cryptocurrency landscape, encompassing significant policy shifts, international regulatory actions, security challenges, and innovative partnerships across various sectors.
