Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance, Solana, Ripple: Weekly News Roundup

Amid revolutionary announcements, technological advancements, and regulatory turbulence, the crypto ecosystem continues to prove that it is both a territory of limitless innovations and a battlefield of regulatory and economic struggles. Here's a summary of the most significant news from the past week surrounding Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance, Solana, and Ripple.

Fresh off the heels of revolutionary announcements, technological advancements, and regulatory turbulence, the crypto ecosystem continues to showcase its boundless capacity for both limitless innovations and a battlefield of regulatory and economic struggles. Here’s a summary of the most significant news from the past week surrounding Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance, Solana, and Ripple.

Jamie Dimon: Bitcoin, a speculative mirage?

The CEO of JPMorgan, Jamie Dimon, persists in his criticisms of Bitcoin, which he describes as a “non-existent value” and compares to a speculative bubble destined to burst. Last week, he once again emphasized the lack of intrinsic value of this digital asset, deeming it inferior to gold.

Dimon also points to the risks associated with Bitcoin, notably its alleged use for illicit activities and its potential for financial destabilization. Despite his statements, JPMorgan adopts an ambiguous stance: the bank explores crypto with dedicated funds and exposure to Bitcoin ETFs, reflecting the growing interest in this technology.

This contradiction illustrates a dilemma between innovation and the preservation of the traditional banking system. Dimon’s strong positions reinforce the divide between crypto advocates and defenders of the financial status quo.

Ethereum: Institutional interest propels ETH to new heights

Institutional interest in Ethereum has reached an unprecedented level, with a record of 9 million ETH in futures contracts, demonstrating growing confidence from professional investors. Major platforms like Binance and Bybit account for 54% of the positions, while the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) strengthens institutional adoption with a 10% market share.

This renewed interest is supported by a favorable economic context marked by falling inflation and more lenient monetary policies. Despite a recent 11% drop in its price, Ethereum shows solid fundamentals and raises optimistic expectations, with a potential target of $4,000 driven by market momentum and advantageous macroeconomic conditions.

The memecoin TRUMP: Genius move or chaos ahead?

In a surprising move, Donald Trump surprised the crypto community by launching the TRUMP crypto on the Solana blockchain. Quickly, this memecoin reached a lightning market cap of $8.3 billion.

This launch shook the market: the price of SOL rose by 4.12%, attracting investors eager to ride the wave, but also provoking panic selling on other assets. Observers are urging caution, believing that this enthusiasm could lead to a brutal market correction.

A few hours before his inauguration, this launch adds a dose of mystery and controversy regarding his stance on cryptos.

DeFi on Bitcoin: +2,000% growth, a new era!

In 2024, decentralized finance on Bitcoin (BTCFi) exploded, skyrocketing from a TVL of $307 million to $6.5 billion. Babylon, the leading platform, captured over 80% of this value, notably due to the launch of native Bitcoin staking.

This boom was catalyzed by the introduction of the Runes protocol and the historic approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States, which enhanced institutional interest. Trump’s electoral victory also supported this momentum and increased investor confidence.

The price of BTC surpassed $100,000 in December 2024, favoring a massive influx of capital into the BTCFi ecosystem, now regarded as a pillar of the DeFi revolution.

Ripple vs SEC: XRP status back in debate

The SEC is reigniting its offensive against Ripple by appealing the July 2023 decision, which concluded that programmatic sales of XRP via crypto exchanges did not constitute securities transactions.

The agency claims that Ripple created an expectation of profit among investors through its promotional efforts, which it believes classifies all XRP sales as securities under the Howey test.

Ripple counters by maintaining that XRP is a digital currency and not a security, asserting that the sales do not meet the criteria for an investment contract.

The outcome of this legal battle could have major ramifications for the regulation of digital assets, influencing authorities’ approach to cryptos in the United States. The arrival of the Trump administration, perceived as pro-crypto, could play a decisive role in this closely watched case.

Here’s the essential to remember for this week. But if you want a more detailed recap and in-depth analysis directly in your inbox, feel free to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

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Diplômé de Sciences Po Toulouse et titulaire d'une certification consultant blockchain délivrée par Alyra, j'ai rejoint l'aventure Cointribune en 2019.

Convaincu du potentiel de la blockchain pour transformer de nombreux secteurs de l'économie, j'ai pris l'engagement de sensibil