Bitcoin’s dramatic ascent to $103,259 marks a pivotal moment in the cryptocurrency landscape, coinciding with the election of Donald Trump as president.
This milestone, representing nearly a 50% gain since early November, is a harbinger of broader shifts under what many call the first pro-crypto administration in US history.
Trump’s explicit support for digital assets is already fuelling optimism across the crypto sector.
His pledges include ending restrictive regulations, creating a strategic Bitcoin stockpile, and appointing crypto advocates to influential positions.
This signals a stark departure from the cautious stance of previous administrations and sets the stage for a new era of unbridled crypto innovation and adoption.
Bitcoin breaks the $100k barrier
Bitcoin’s surge past $100,000 is not just a symbolic victory but a testament to the growing influence of crypto in global finance.
As the market cap of the cryptocurrency ecosystem climbs to $3.6 trillion, Bitcoin alone accounts for over $2 trillion.
This remarkable growth underscores the potential for digital assets to redefine investment norms.
Andy Serwer, Editor at Large at Barron’s, in a report, likened the shift to a “crypto summer,” contrasting it with past downturns like the crypto winters of 2019-20 and 2022-23.
“The underrecognized consequences are so far-reaching and potentially impactful that my little mind fairly reels,” says Serwer. He adds,
This is true not only for investors in digital currencies, crypto exchange-traded funds, and esotericisms like Saylor’s phantasmagorical company, but also for traditional investors who may see money flowing into crypto at the expense of traditional securities and may be left wondering whether to take a flier into the digital asset void.
Regulatory overhaul: crypto’s golden ticket
One of Trump’s most impactful moves was replacing SEC Chair Gary Gensler with crypto-friendly Paul Atkins.
This shift is expected to reduce regulatory scrutiny and foster a more favorable environment for crypto innovation.
Among the administration’s bold proposals is the potential elimination of capital gains taxes on US-registered cryptocurrencies.
If enacted, this policy could divert substantial investment from traditional securities into digital assets, further bolstering the sector’s growth.
Such changes are not without their critics.
Skeptics, including prominent investors like Charlie Munger, caution against unchecked exuberance, likening cryptocurrencies to “rat poison” with the potential for catastrophic losses.
The ripple effects: from the dollar to gold
Trump’s crypto policies could have far-reaching implications for the US dollar, Treasury bonds, and even gold.
By proposing a strategic Bitcoin reserve, Trump aligns with voices like Senator Cynthia Lummis, who advocates using Bitcoin to strengthen the dollar’s global reserve currency status and reduce the national debt.
The rising prominence of Bitcoin is also challenging traditional safe havens like gold.
For the first time, Bitcoin’s value exceeds that of a kilogram of gold, prompting shifts in investment flows.
Data shows cumulative inflows into Bitcoin funds outpacing those into gold ETFs—a trend that could accelerate as crypto gains mainstream acceptance.
Institutional adoption accelerates
Major financial players are positioning themselves for the new crypto-friendly environment.
JP Morgan recently reported record inflows into Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, with total assets in these funds reaching $161 billion.
Traditional finance giants like BlackRock and Fidelity are expanding their crypto offerings, while Robinhood Markets is experiencing a surge in crypto trading volumes.
The availability of crypto options is also rapidly expanding.
Robinhood Markets, which has seen its stock rise by 213% this year partly due to growing optimism around crypto trading, reported in November that notional crypto trading volumes exceeded $30 billion—a surge of over 400% compared to October.
Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood, highlighted crypto’s potential to revolutionize traditional finance.
“It’s still very early in the technology-adoption curve of crypto,” Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev told Barron’s.
Crypto is going to underlie many traditional financial assets that people currently invest in. The costs are lower, and the customer experience is dramatically better.
Trump’s stake in crypto
Trump’s pivot to crypto advocacy is not without personal stakes.
The president-elect owns at least $1 million in Ether, according to Bloomberg, and continues to sell NFT trading cards.
Additionally, Trump Media & Technology Group is developing a crypto payment service, TruthFi, further entrenching its ties to the digital asset space.
His proposed cabinet also reflects a strong crypto affinity, with Vice President-elect JD Vance and Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick among those with significant crypto investments.
Lutnick’s firm, Cantor Fitzgerald, holds $130 billion in Tether Treasury bonds, underscoring the administration’s deep integration with the crypto ecosystem.
The WSJ previously reported that Tether was being investigated for possible violations of sanctions and money-laundering rules.
Beyond the financial sector, Trump’s crypto-friendly policies could influence global trade and economic relations.
His proposed tariffs on foreign goods may push countries to explore cryptocurrency as an alternative to the dollar, potentially accelerating crypto adoption worldwide.
Saxo Bank strategist John Hardy suggests such a scenario could quadruple the crypto market, fundamentally altering the global financial landscape.
The crypto euphoria: what are the risks?
While the optimism is palpable, risks remain.
The volatile nature of cryptocurrencies means that investors could face significant losses, particularly as speculative fervor builds.
Critics warn that the current rally might replicate past bubbles, with catastrophic consequences for unprepared investors.
Nevertheless, proponents argue that the sector’s technological advancements and growing adoption provide a robust foundation for long-term growth.
As Trump prepares to take office, the stage is set for a transformative period in the cryptocurrency industry.
The confluence of supportive policies, institutional adoption, and technological innovation positions crypto for unprecedented growth.
However, as with any financial revolution, the path forward will likely be fraught with challenges.
Investors and policymakers alike must navigate this brave new world with caution and foresight.
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