Bitcoin Soars Past $100K as Spot ETFs and Pro-Crypto Policies Reshape the Market

The Future of Crypto and Blockchain: Fintech 50 2025

According to Forbes, the year 2024 marked a significant turning point for the cryptocurrency industry, with the approval of multiple spot Bitcoin ETFs leading to a surge in institutional investments. This development helped Bitcoin surpass the $100,000 mark by December. The pro-crypto stance of Donald Trump's administration, including the appointment of key figures like David Sacks as AI and Crypto Czar, further bolstered the market. Companies like Figure, Securitize, and Fireblocks thrived in this environment, leveraging blockchain technology to innovate in areas such as tokenized real-world assets and digital asset infrastructure.

Figure, co-founded by Mike Cagney, reported a 50% revenue growth in 2024, reaching $321 million. The company has tokenized over $13 billion in home equity lines of credit. Meanwhile, Securitize, in partnership with BlackRock, launched a tokenized U.S. treasury product named BUIDL, which has already attracted $640 million in investments. Fireblocks, a leader in crypto infrastructure, has facilitated over $6 trillion in digital asset transactions and continues to innovate with AI-driven trading tools. For more details, visit Forbes at https://www.forbes.com/sites/ninabambysheva/2025/02/18/the-future-of-crypto-and-blockchain-fintech-50-2025/.

Blockaid Secures $50 Million to Enhance Blockchain Security

As reported by PYMNTS.com, Blockaid has raised $50 million in a Series B funding round to expand its blockchain security platform. The company plans to use the funds to scale its product and engineering teams, enhance go-to-market strategies, and advance its research capabilities. Blockaid's platform has already secured over $101 billion in assets, prevented $5.3 billion in potential losses, and blocked more than 71 million attacks. The company’s innovative approach includes direct integrations with popular Web3 wallets and real-time monitoring for smart contracts and decentralized applications. For more information, visit PYMNTS.com at https://www.pymnts.com/news/investment-tracker/2025/blockaid-raises-50-million-to-scale-support-for-blockchain-security-platform/.

Pi Network's Open Mainnet Launch Scheduled for February 2025

Cointelegraph reports that Pi Network, a mobile-based cryptocurrency project, is set to transition to its open mainnet on February 20, 2025. This milestone will enable external transactions, exchange listings, and expanded utility through decentralized applications. The network, which claims over 70 million users, has faced criticism for its referral-based mining system and concerns over inflation due to its increasing circulating supply. Despite these challenges, the open mainnet launch is expected to enhance the network's interoperability and market dynamics. For further insights, visit Cointelegraph at https://cointelegraph.com/explained/pi-network-mainnet-launch-what-it-means-for-pioneers.

Story Protocol Launches IP-Focused Blockchain

CoinDesk highlights the launch of Story Protocol, a blockchain designed to register intellectual property (IP) and track its usage. The platform uses the "$IP" token for transaction fees and governance. Backed by $140 million in funding, including $80 million from Andreessen Horowitz, Story Protocol aims to integrate blockchain with artificial intelligence to manage data used in AI model training. The project’s mainnet launch also marks the first unlock event for its IP token, with 25% of the initial supply being released. For more details, visit CoinDesk at https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2025/02/19/the-protocol-story-protocol-launches-its-ip-focused-blockchain.

EVE Frontier: A Blockchain-Based Space Survival MMO

PC Gamer reports on EVE Frontier, a blockchain-based MMO by CCP Games, currently offering a free trial of its closed alpha until February 24. The game features 20,000 star systems, tactical combat, and a unique "dark sci-fi Pinocchio story." EVE Frontier incorporates blockchain technology to enable player-driven modifications and automated systems, such as a player-created PvP tournament. The game’s moddability and survival-focused gameplay set it apart from traditional MMOs. For more information, visit PC Gamer at https://www.pcgamer.com/games/mmo/blockchain-based-space-survival-mmo-eve-frontier-has-a-free-trial-running-with-ccp-hoping-youll-take-a-chance-on-its-20-000-star-systems-more-tactical-combat-and-dark-sci-fi-pinocchio-story/.

Blockchain Association Opposes New Tax Rule

The Block reports that the Blockchain Association is urging lawmakers to support Senator Ted Cruz's resolution to repeal a controversial tax rule finalized by the IRS. The rule requires decentralized finance brokers to report user transactions, a move criticized as regulatory overreach. The Blockchain Association argues that the rule misclassifies technology infrastructure and could stifle innovation. The rule is set to take effect in 2027, but industry leaders are advocating for its repeal to protect privacy and encourage growth in the U.S. crypto sector. For more details, visit The Block at https://www.theblock.co/post/342081/blockchain-association-urges-lawmakers-to-vote-for-sen-ted-cruzs-measure-to-repeal-controversial-tax-rule.

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