Cryptocurrencies have developed from a niche concept to a financial force in a little over a decade, impacting investment strategies, finance, and even monetary policy. With Bitcoin currently trading above 90,000 as of May 2025, the second half of the year will surely put a stamp on this years mark for digital assets. We will explore how crypto-currency has reshaped financial landscape in 2025, key milestones made, and regulatory responses to date.
Bitcoin has developed from peer-to-peer cash system to a store of value since its inception in 2009 followed by Ethereum, which launched in 2015. The latter introduced smart contracts, which enabled decentralized applications (dApps). With the shift to proof-of-stake, crypto currency matured to and became viable for mass adoption that we are witnessing today. As of late, tokenized stocks, real estate, bonds and more have opened up illiquid markets to global retail investors.
Governments have also launched their own digital currencies known as CBDC’s, which are blockchain-based.
| Feature | CBDCs | Cryptocurrencies |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Centralized | Decentralized |
| Privacy | Low | High (in some cases) |
| Supply | Managed | Algorithmic/fixed |
| Purpose | Monetary policy, compliance | Peer-to-peer exchange, decentralization |
As of today, regulation continues to be a crucial crossroad for cryptocurrencies, with governments taking different approaches globally.
| Country | Stance |
|---|---|
| U.S. | Fragmented, with SEC and CFTC disputes over jurisdiction |
| EU | MiCA framework implemented, providing regulatory clarity |
| Japan | Pro-innovation, clear licensing rules for exchanges |
| India | Strict capital gains tax but legal trading environment |
| Nigeria | Embracing blockchain innovation while restricting crypto-to-fiat conversion |
Technical Analysis
Bitcoin Weekly Chart
Taking a look at the Bitcoin weekly chart, the pair appears to have formed a 4th wave, according to Elliott wave theory, with a possible 5th wave on the horizon pointing to new highs so long as cryptocurrency remains above 70,000. If indeed another high is made, we do not rule out a major pullback as divergence is apparent in the sub chart and will deepen should a new high appear. With a break above, extension levels lie at 118,558 (50%) and 125,494 (61.8%).
Looking ahead, the next decade may depict a total different look of cryptocurrency as projects continue to unravel. Analysts are projecting tokenized equities to outpace traditional stock trading volumes and countries with unstable currencies could dollarize through stablecoins. The challenge lies in balancing protective measures with innovation, trust, and governance.
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References
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CoinMarketCap. (2025). Global Cryptocurrency Market Capitalization
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Fidelity Digital Assets. (2025). [Institutional Investor Survey]
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European Central Bank. (2025). [Digital Euro Progress Report]
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Chainalysis. (2025). [Global Crypto Adoption Index]
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SEC vs. Ripple Labs, Court Ruling, 2024.
