
Bitcoin (BTC) has weathered one of its most volatile periods in recent months, yet top analysts remain unfazed. According to Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at the $12 billion asset manager Bitwise, BTC isn’t just surviving; it’s preparing for an unprecedented surge. Bitcoin Poised for Liftoff “Bitcoin bulls should be inspired by its performance,” Hougan declared in a recent analysis . “Once this market volatility stabilizes, we’re going to see it return to new all-time highs and beyond.” His confidence isn’t blind optimism; it’s rooted in Bitcoin’s dramatic evolution since its early days. In his view, the number one cryptocurrency has shed its reputation as a speculative gamble and emerged as a legitimate macro asset. Comparing BTC’s COVID-era crash, when it plunged below $5,000, to today’s $80,000+ price floor, the analyst noted a critical shift: institutional investors. “It’s a different asset, it has a broader distribution of institutional ownership,” declared Hougan, alluding to its deeper base of holders, including hedge funds, corporations, and even sovereign wealth funds. The Bitwise executive argued that this structural change has made Bitcoin far more resilient. Unlike 2020, when panic dominated, today’s holders seem to be more long-term believers. Previously, the investment expert highlighted the fading of existential threats, including the fear of exchange collapses, technological failures, and government bans. In his opinion, President Donald Trump’s establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve eliminated the last significant risk to BTC’s long-term viability. Market Watch The crypto community was quick to react to Hougan’s bold forecast. One X user posted, “Bitcoin’s just catching its breath before taking off again!” Another was more cautious, citing Trump’s unpredictability, especially considering how he has blown hot and cold over his new trade policies, causing wild price swings in both the traditional and crypto markets. Still, others have mocked Hougan’s optimism, with pseudonymous analyst Crypto Orc dismissing it as “sensory deprivation tank” talk. However, despite the mixed responses, some observers are backing the bullish case. Referencing historical Mayer Multiple trends, prominent on-chain analyst Ali Martinez claimed that a breakout above $86,900 could push BTC prices toward a possible peak near $208,550. This model, using Bitcoin’s price relative to its 200-day moving average, has successfully signaled tops in previous cycles. Another trader, Aylo, echoed cautious optimism, saying they expect short-term sideways movement but see little downside in the near term. “I can’t conjure up too many scenarios where some news would force BTC lower in the short term,” he wrote on X. “We’re finally at a point where the market can exhale and catch its breath.” The asset has surged 8% in 24 hours, hitting $83,425 before settling near $81,770. Though still down 1.7% for the week, it is outperforming the broader crypto market, which dropped 2.6%. The post Bitwise CIO: Bitcoin Primed for Historic Rally After Market Turmoil appeared first on CryptoPotato .
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Disclaimer: The opinion expressed here is not investment advice – it is provided for informational purposes only. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of BitMaden. Every investment and all trading involves risk, so you should always perform your own research prior to making decisions. We do not recommend investing money you cannot afford to lose.
Discover the Ultimate Real-World Asset with Bob Ejodame, VP Capital Markets at INX (Paris Blockchain Week Interview)

At this year’s Paris Blockchain Week, Bob Ejodame, VP of Capital Markets at INX, offered an insightful perspective on the evolving regulatory landscape in the United States, the emergence of real-world assets (RWA), and the broader implications for institutional and retail crypto adoption. A Shift in U.S. Regulation Ejodame began by addressing the notable shift in sentiment which was spurred from the election of President Donald Trump in November 2024. While concrete legislation is yet to be enacted and developed, the language from the White House signals a stance that’s pro-innovation, especially in comparison to past regulatory hurdles. “Years ago, being a U.S.-based company was a disadvantage in global conversations,” he said. “Now, that stigma is fading fast.” Despite the early stage of proposed changes, Ejodame noted that optimism is already influencing international sentiment. The concept of a “special purpose broker-dealer” and the expansion of custody rights for broker-dealers could unlock new opportunities, particularly for firms already operating under U.S. regulatory frameworks. To this point, CryptoPotato reported on April 11th that Donald Trump signed a bill that repeals the IRS DeFi broker rule, marking a major win for the cryptocurrency industry. RWA: From Hype to Infrastructure Real-world asset (RWA) crypto projects have been a major topic of discussion in recent years, but according to Ejodame, 2024 marked a turning point. Major asset managers like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton began to reveal the depth of their tokenization strategies, many of which had been years in the making. “The winners last year were money market funds tokenizing treasury assets,” Ejodame observed. But looking forward, he believes stablecoins are poised to dominate the RWA conversation. While often overlooked in this context, he argues stablecoins are “the ultimate real-world asset” due to their utility in global financial rails. Another area he highlighted is the tokenization of private credit markets. A new product, a tokenized collateralized loan obligation with secondary trading capabilities, is expected to launch soon. This move could mark a new phase in blockchain adoption within institutional finance. On the retail front, Ejodame emphasized accessibility. Through tokenized equities, individuals in emerging markets can gain fractional exposure to publicly traded companies like Tesla or Google—an opportunity previously out of reach. The focus, he explained, is on enabling everyday investors in countries like Nigeria, Argentina, or the Philippines to invest in global markets for as little as $10. The Role of INX in a Broader Ecosystem Though the conversation was not promotional in nature, Ejodame briefly addressed INX’s recent acquisition by Republic. While the deal awaits regulatory approval, it represents a notable moment in the digital asset space. INX, previously a publicly listed company in Canada, had established itself as an end-to-end digital asset service provider—from token issuance to listing and dividend distribution. The acquisition by Republic, a firm known for its crowdfunding footprint in both the U.S. and Europe, opens up new possibilities for integrated, global capital markets infrastructure. “We’re combining capabilities,” Ejodame noted, “and creating an ecosystem that supports the full lifecycle of a digital asset—from advisory and issuance to trading and distribution.” Conclusion From regulatory clarity in the U.S. to institutional breakthroughs in private credit, and increased access for retail investors globally, the RWA narrative is no longer theoretical. Bob Ejodame’s insights offer a confirmation of a rapidly maturing market where real-world assets are becoming central to the next wave of blockchain adoption. The post Discover the Ultimate Real-World Asset with Bob Ejodame, VP Capital Markets at INX (Paris Blockchain Week Interview) appeared first on CryptoPotato . Crypto Potato

Could Ethereum’s SEC-Approved ETF Options Enhance Market Liquidity and Attract Investors?
The recent approval of options trading for Ethereum ETFs by the SEC signals a transformative moment for the cryptocurrency, enhancing liquidity and attracting institutional interest. This new trading avenue paves Crypto Potato