Want a quick recap of today’s biggest crypto developments? Here’s everything you need to know about Bitcoin prices, blockchain advancements, DeFi trends, NFTs, Web3 innovation, and crypto regulation updates.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins Highlights Benefits of Crypto at Roundtable
In one of his first major appearances since being sworn in, new U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins spoke at the agency’s third crypto-focused roundtable, “Know Your Custodian,” on April 25.
Atkins emphasized the potential “huge benefits” of blockchain technology, citing improvements in efficiency, transparency, risk management, and cost reduction. He also stressed the importance of creating “clear regulatory rules of the road” for the digital asset market — suggesting that past leadership under Gary Gensler may have contributed to uncertainty.
“I’m eager to work with market participants, President Trump’s administration, and Congress to craft a rational, purpose-fit framework for crypto assets,” Atkins stated.
His appointment by President Trump is seen by some critics as a pro-crypto move, aiming to reduce heavy-handed regulation. However, some Senate Democrats have voiced concerns about Atkins’ potential conflicts of interest given his industry ties.
Circle Denies Pursuing a U.S. Federal Bank Charter
Meanwhile, stablecoin giant Circle cleared up recent rumors about its banking ambitions.
On April 25, Circle’s Chief Strategy Officer Dante Disparte publicly refuted reports suggesting the company is seeking a U.S. federal bank charter or planning to acquire a federally insured bank. Instead, Circle is focusing on preparing for upcoming U.S. regulations surrounding payment stablecoins — which may eventually require a trust charter or similar nonbank licensing.
Disparte also urged lawmakers to accelerate efforts toward regulatory clarity for stablecoins, calling for swift legislative action.
This follows reports that Circle, alongside firms like BitGo, Coinbase, and Paxos, was exploring federal banking licenses.
ARK Invest Predicts Bitcoin Could Hit $2.4 Million by 2030
In a major forecast update, Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest raised its most optimistic Bitcoin price target to a staggering $2.4 million by the end of 2030, citing rising institutional demand and Bitcoin’s strengthening position as “digital gold.”
The firm also revised its “bear case” and “base case” Bitcoin price predictions to $500,000 and $1.2 million, respectively — up from earlier forecasts of $300,000 and $710,000 made just a few months ago.
“Institutional adoption is the biggest driver in our bull case,” said ARK analyst David Puell, estimating Bitcoin could penetrate 6.5% of the $200 trillion global financial market (excluding gold) under the most optimistic scenario.
ARK also sees Bitcoin capturing up to 60% of gold’s market cap if it continues its momentum as a digital store of value. At $2.4 million per Bitcoin, the total market cap would soar to $49.2 trillion — surpassing the current combined GDP of the United States and China.
