Cryptocurrencies to watch this week: Kaito, Avalanche, Pi Network

Bitcoin is evolving beyond just being a speculative asset—it's increasingly being woven into the fabric of global finance. According to Fabian Dori of Sygnum Bank, institutional investors have moved past questioning Bitcoin's legitimacy and are now focused on how to integrate it into financial systems. With Bitcoin spot ETFs hitting $50 billion in assets and companies issuing Bitcoin-linked financial instruments, the conversation has shifted to "Bitcoin financialization"—how it functions as infrastructure rather than just an investment.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about traders betting on price swings anymore. Bitcoin is maturing into a foundational piece of the financial world, much like stocks or bonds. That means more stability, broader adoption, and potentially deeper integration into everyday finance—whether through ETFs, loans, or corporate balance sheets. For everyday investors, it signals that Bitcoin is here to stay, even if its wild volatility isn’t going away anytime soon.

US Senator Cynthia Lummis criticized the Federal Reserve's recent crypto decision as "just lip service," arguing it doesn't represent real progress. Meanwhile, SEC Chair Paul Atkins spoke at an agency roundtable, and Circle executive Dante Disparte denied rumors about the company seeking a US federal bank charter. The crypto industry's optimism over softened Fed guidance may be premature, according to Lummis.

The crypto market is heating up again, with altcoins (alternative cryptocurrencies to Bitcoin) surging after XRP hit a record high of over $3.66 before settling slightly lower. Analysts are eyeing three lesser-known tokens in the top 50 that might deliver big gains by mid-2025, suggesting this could be the start of another "altcoin season" where smaller cryptos outperform.

Editor’s Note: If you're into crypto trading, this could be your heads-up—smaller coins might be gearing up for a run. While XRP’s spike has already stirred the pot, the real action could be in overlooked altcoins that follow its lead. Just remember: crypto moves fast, and what goes up can come down even quicker.

Big players are quietly stockpiling massive amounts of Ethereum (ETH), hinting at a potential surge in demand—or possibly a strategic play that could shake up the crypto market. While retail investors might not have noticed yet, this behind-the-scenes accumulation suggests institutions are betting big on ETH’s future.

Editor’s Note: When heavyweights hoard a crypto asset like this, it usually signals confidence—or at least a calculated gamble. If demand spikes or supply tightens, prices could react sharply. For everyday crypto watchers, it’s a heads-up to keep an eye on ETH’s moves, because when whales make waves, the whole market feels it.

This week was a wild ride for crypto—Bitcoin smashed through $123,000 as big companies scrambled to buy in, even paying extra to get their hands on it. But the celebrations were dampened by major exchange hacks, and Trump unexpectedly signed a law bringing stablecoins under tighter regulation. A classic crypto rollercoaster: huge wins, messy setbacks, and regulatory curveballs.

Editor’s Note: Whether you're cheering Bitcoin's surge or sweating over exchange security, this week shows why crypto still feels like the Wild West. The market's heating up, but so are the risks—and now regulators are stepping in. For investors, it's a reminder that dizzying highs often come with equally sharp drops (or hacks). Buckle up.