Cryptocurrency News — Wednesday, July 30, 2025: Bitcoin at $120k, Institutional Records and Regulatory Support

The cryptocurrency market continues to attract investor attention: Bitcoin is hovering near the psychological mark of $120,000, while the industry demonstrates resilience following a recent rally. As the values of major coins stabilize, there is an increasing influx of institutional investments, and regulators are launching new initiatives that may set the tone for the market's future development. Let us examine the details of the current situation and key news that are important for investors on July 30, 2025.

Market Overview: Bitcoin and Key Trends

Bitcoin (BTC) is consolidating around $118–120k, maintaining historical highs after impressive growth in the first half of the month. Daily volatility has decreased: Bitcoin quotes are displaying a relatively narrow range, reflecting a balance between buyers and those taking profits. Ethereum (ETH) is trading around $3,800, gradually approaching the $4,000 mark amid sustained demand. The total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies fluctuates around multi-trillion-dollar values, indicating the establishment of crypto assets as a significant investment class. Investors are evaluating the macroeconomic backdrop—specifically, the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting—awaiting signals on interest rates that could influence risk appetite and the dynamics of the crypto market.

Market sentiment is generally neutral to positive. After the strong rally of recent weeks, many assets have entered a phase of moderate correction or sideways trends. The absence of sharp price jumps is viewed as a sign of a healthy market: participants are taking in profits and waiting for new drivers. Central to the focus now are the regulatory steps and major economic events. A report from the U.S. presidential working group on cryptocurrencies is expected to be released today, July 30, which may shed light on the government strategy for the sector. These factors, along with technical indicators, are shaping the equilibrium point at which the market finds itself this morning.

Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies

The top ten leaders of the cryptocurrency market by market capitalization include the following coins and tokens:

1. Bitcoin (BTC) – around $118,000–120,000. The first cryptocurrency holds over 45% of the total market capitalization and has established itself at new heights. Investors see Bitcoin as "digital gold" and a hedge against inflation risks, sustaining high demand.
2. Ethereum (ETH) – approximately $3,800. The largest altcoin holds a market share of ~18%. Ethereum is strengthening due to network updates and growing institutional interest—capital inflows into ETH funds have reached record levels. The immediate goal is to surpass the $4,000 threshold amidst a deflationary ETH issuance model.
3. Tether (USDT) – ~$1, the leading stablecoin. USDT provides liquidity to the crypto market, remaining the primary tool for parking capital between trades. The issuer Tether is preparing to enter the U.S. market with a new regulated stablecoin, highlighting the demand for reliable digital dollars.
4. Binance Coin (BNB) – ~$800. The token of the largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance has reached an all-time high amidst growing platform activity. Despite tightening regulation in several countries, BNB has solidified its status as one of the leading coins, providing holders with advantages on the exchange and within the BNB Chain ecosystem.
5. USD Coin (USDC) – ~$1, the second leading stablecoin. This coin, issued by the Centre consortium (Circle and Coinbase), plays a key role in digital payments. Full reserve backing and transparency have made USDC a benchmark for regulatory compliance, especially amid new legislation regarding stablecoins.
6. XRP (Ripple) – ~$3.07. The token of the Ripple payments network has surged to new multi-year highs this month. XRP’s recovery is linked to legal clarity in the U.S. after the end of a protracted litigation process and expectations for the launch of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) based on XRP. The coin is attracting institutional investors as an effective tool for cross-border payments.
7. Solana (SOL) – ~$180. A promising first-layer blockchain known for its high transaction speeds continues to secure its place among leaders. SOL has shown significant growth over the year, driven by the development of the Solana DeFi and NFT ecosystems, as well as rumors of a possible ETF launch on SOL. Investors note improved network stability after previous technical issues.
8. Cardano (ADA) – ~$0.77. The largest PoS blockchain emphasizes an academic approach to development. While ADA may not be setting new records, it consistently remains in the top 10. In 2025, the Cardano network is undergoing an active phase of smart contract development and decentralized application ecosystems, sustaining community and investor interest.
9. Dogecoin (DOGE) – ~$0.22. The popular meme cryptocurrency, originally created as a joke, remains one of the most capitalized coins. DOGE is correcting after spikes in growth but continues to be in demand due to a loyal community and support from influential figures. Dogecoin's volatility rises at times under the influence of social media, yet overall, the coin follows the general altcoin market trend.
10. TRON (TRX) – ~$0.34. The platform for smart contracts and decentralized entertainment, founded by Justin Sun, has entered the top ten. TRX showed growth this week, standing out amid the stagnation of some altcoins. The Tron network attracts users with low fees and is actively applied for stablecoin issuance and tokenization, supporting the price trend.

Altcoin Growth: XRP, BNB, Solana, and Others

The altcoin segment is developing in various directions. Among the most notable successes are the surges of XRP and Binance Coin. XRP, the token of Ripple, has surpassed $3 for the first time in seven years, supported by positive news regarding regulation and institutional adoption prospects. Investors see this as a return of trust in the project after a prolonged period of uncertainty. BNB, the internal token of the Binance exchange, has set an absolute price record, exceeding previous highs from 2021. Its growth is attributed to both the overall market rise and high user activity on Binance and related services.

Other major altcoins are also attracting capital. Solana (SOL) retains its position following an impressive rally in the first half of the year—its current price of around $180 reflects investor confidence in the network's technical potential. Tron (TRX) has grown by several percent this week, becoming one of the few altcoins in the "green zone." This may be due to an increased transaction volume on the Tron network and the integration of stablecoins popular in the Asian region. Meanwhile, several altcoins are showing moderate corrections: for example, Cardano and Dogecoin have retreated from recent local highs. Nevertheless, overall interest in alternative cryptocurrencies remains strong—especially those backed by active ecosystems or expectations for ETF launches.

Regulation: New Rules and Government Support

The regulatory environment has notably evolved in 2025, with fresh initiatives continuing to change the game rules in the cryptocurrency market. In the U.S., the Genius Act has come into effect, establishing a federal regulatory framework for stablecoins. This law, signed by President Donald Trump on July 18, requires issuers of dollar-pegged tokens (stablecoins) to fully back the issued coins with liquid reserves, as well as to undergo mandatory annual audits for large companies (with a market capitalization over $50 billion). The new rules aim to protect investors and enhance trust in stablecoins. Against this backdrop, Tether, the issuer of the world's largest stablecoin USDT, has announced plans to expand into the U.S. market with the launch of a new stablecoin for institutional clients—a move made possible thanks to clear regulatory criteria.

The U.S. administration's policy is currently supportive of the crypto industry. Donald Trump, during his election campaign, promised to make America the "crypto capital of the world," and these promises are now being supported by concrete actions. The presidential working group on digital assets, created immediately after the inauguration, has completed a six-month review of the industry’s regulation. The final report is expected to be published today, July 30, and market participants are anticipating recommendations that could accelerate the institutionalization of cryptocurrencies. Among potential measures is even the idea of creating a national cryptocurrency reserve based on Bitcoin, which would constitute an unprecedented step for the financial system. Although the specifics of the report are still unknown, the very fact that top government officials are paying attention to cryptocurrencies raises investors' confidence in the sector's long-term prospects.

Beyond the U.S., clearer regulations are being formed in other regions as well. In Europe, the MiCA regulation norms, which are uniform throughout the European Union, have come into effect, establishing transparent requirements for crypto assets and licensing of companies. This opens new opportunities for legal cryptocurrency business operations in the European market. In Asia, several countries, including Hong Kong and Singapore, are competing to become regional crypto hubs by introducing special regulatory regimes to attract companies. Overall, the global trend shows that governments are striving to integrate cryptocurrencies into the existing financial system through clear rules, which will likely reduce legal risks for investors and major market players.

Institutional Investments Hit Record Highs

Institutional investors are increasing their presence in digital assets at unprecedented rates. According to the latest report from CoinShares, from the beginning of the month (July 1–25), cryptocurrency investment funds attracted approximately $11.2 billion—this is the highest monthly inflow on record, significantly surpassing the previous peak ($7.6 billion). The influx of capital into crypto funds has continued for over three months, reflecting sustained interest from financial institutions. The total assets under the management of crypto funds (AUM) reached $221 billion, hitting an all-time high. For comparison, at the beginning of the year, this figure was significantly lower, but thanks to 15 weeks of continuous inflows, the crypto ETP and trust market is rapidly expanding.

The structure of inflows indicates a shift towards altcoins. Last week, Ethereum emerged as the leader—ETH-based funds attracted $1.59 billion over seven days, marking the second-largest weekly inflow in history. Since the beginning of the year, investments in Ethereum products have exceeded $7.7 billion, already surpassing the total results from 2024. Meanwhile, funds focused on Bitcoin experienced an outflow of about $175 million over the week—the first noticeable outflow in a long time. Analysts interpret this as a potential sign of an emerging "alt-season," where major players diversify positions beyond Bitcoin in search of higher returns. Products on Solana and XRP were popular, seeing inflows of $311 million and $189 million respectively this week—this is linked to expectations for ETF launches on these assets and growing trust in them. At the same time, traditional altcoins from previous cycles, such as Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash, experienced slight outflows, indicating a selective approach from investors: capital is mainly flowing into projects perceived as most promising and institutionally prepared.

Major Investors and Companies in the Crypto Market

The growing trust in cryptocurrencies is confirmed by the actions of notable investors and corporations. Major economic players are betting on digital assets, thereby strengthening the market trend:

• Trump Media & Technology Group (the media holding of former U.S. President Donald Trump) disclosed the acquisition of Bitcoin worth $2 billion. According to the company, Bitcoin now constitutes two-thirds of its liquid assets. This move demonstrates the confidence of the business sector in the long-term value of the first cryptocurrency.
• Metaplanet (a Japanese investment firm) increased its Bitcoin reserves in July to 17,132 BTC, adding 780 coins (~$92.5 million) at an average price of $118.6k per BTC. The total value of Metaplanet's Bitcoin assets now exceeds $2 billion. The company is steadily increasing its positions—just a year ago, its reserve was under 500 BTC—reflecting a strategic belief in Bitcoin's growth as an asset.
• Ray Dalio—the legendary investor and founder of Bridgewater Associates—has changed his view on crypto assets, recommending allocating up to 15% of a portfolio to Bitcoin or gold. He called this distribution an optimal balance of risk and return amid growing national debt and fiat currency devaluation. For comparison, in 2022, Dalio recommended only holding 1–2% in Bitcoin. This shift in recommendation is significant: even conservative financiers acknowledge Bitcoin as an effective hedge against macroeconomic risks.

Such examples of capital inflows and shifts in the investment strategies of major players enhance the legitimacy of cryptocurrencies in the eyes of the market. Previously, participation in crypto assets was mainly limited to specialized funds and tech enthusiasts, but now media corporations, institutional funds, and Wall Street veterans are joining in. This creates a new level of trust and will likely lead to further capital inflows from traditional financial sectors.

Infrastructure and Technologies: Mining, DeFi, and New Developments

Simultaneously with the increase in investments, the infrastructure of the crypto market is expanding. The mining industry is experiencing significant changes. The largest manufacturer of Bitcoin mining equipment, the Chinese company Bitmain, has announced plans to open its first ASIC miner manufacturing facility in the U.S. The factory's launch is scheduled for early 2026—thus, Bitmain is responding to the Trump administration’s focus on localizing the mining business in America. The company's decision was made shortly after U.S. authorities promised to create favorable conditions for the industry and introduced tariffs encouraging the relocation of manufacturing from Asia. This step strengthens the U.S.'s position as a new hub for crypto mining and reduces geopolitical risks associated with reliance on Asian equipment supplies.

The development of services for retail users is also gaining momentum. The popular crypto wallet MetaMask, which has over 100 million registered addresses, has implemented a new feature called Stablecoin Earn for passive income generation. Now holders of stablecoins (USDT, USDC, DAI) can deposit their funds directly in the app for interest, thanks to integration with the decentralized lending protocol Aave. Users no longer need to move tokens to external DeFi platforms—it's sufficient to activate the Earn option, after which the deposited stablecoins automatically begin generating income. Additionally, MetaMask offers a companion debit card (based on Mastercard) that allows spending accumulated funds in ordinary stores while continuing to earn interest until the moment of purchase. This functionality simplifies access for a wider audience to decentralized finance options and indicates that the boundaries between traditional financial services and cryptocurrencies are gradually fading.

Such initiatives—from industrial projects to user services—are forming a more mature ecosystem. Strengthening the infrastructure enhances the reliability and usability of cryptocurrencies, which in the long term attracts even more investors and users. The introduction of new technologies, whether through local production of equipment or the integration of DeFi services into wallets, promotes the mass adoption of cryptocurrencies and the growth of their role in the global economy.

Prospects and Expectations

As we approach August 2025, the cryptocurrency market enters a new phase that combines maturity and dynamics. Bitcoin's resilience around $120k indicates that the market has digested previous highs and is preparing for new challenges. Institutional interest, underpinned by record inflows and the participation of major players, is creating a powerful upward momentum that could continue into the second half of the year. At the same time, the growing involvement of regulators—from the U.S. government to European supervisory bodies—reduces uncertainty and lays the groundwork for broader cryptocurrency adoption in the real economy.

Certainly, volatility has not disappeared: cryptocurrencies remain sensitive to news events and macroeconomic factors. The coming days will indicate how the market reacts to important events—the outcomes of the U.S. Federal Reserve meeting and the release of the government report on the crypto industry. A soft rhetoric from regulators or positive news could provide new momentum to the bullish trend, while unexpected restrictions or policy tightening could temporarily cool investor enthusiasm. Nevertheless, the overall direction appears promising: the crypto market is increasingly integrating into global finance, and investments in digital assets are transforming from a niche hobby into the mainstream.

For investors from the CIS and around the world, this signifies an expansion of opportunities and tools. Cryptocurrencies are now viewed not only as speculative assets but also as part of a balanced investment strategy and capital protection. Should current trends persist, further growth in trust towards the industry can be expected, the emergence of new products (such as the launch of spot ETFs on various altcoins), and an influx of capital from traditional markets. In these conditions, cautious optimism prevails: the market is closely monitoring the situation's developments, ready to capitalize on emerging opportunities while also taking into account the risks inherent in this young and high-tech sector.