2024 was nothing short of transformative for the world of cryptocurrencies.
Clear regulations, widespread adoption, and institutional trust started to become a reality this year.
Let’s dive in and take a closer look at the key moments that made 2024 a game-changer for the industry!
1. January: U.S. SEC Approves Bitcoin ETFs
In January, the SEC approved the first batch of Bitcoin spot ETFs submitted by the likes of BlackRock and Fidelity, a major milestone for cryptocurrency. This decision made Bitcoin a legitimate, regulated asset, triggering a rush of institutional and retail interest.
2. March: Ethereum Completes Dencun Upgrade
In March, Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade introduced proto-dank sharding (EIP-4844), a breakthrough that improved scalability and reduced transaction costs.
This helped consolidate Ethereum’s position as the leading blockchain for decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs, solidifying its dominance over competitors and attracting more institutional players.
3. April: Bitcoin Completes Halving
April’s Bitcoin halving, which reduced miner rewards from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC, sparked a rally in its token price.
But in 2024, high inflation and global instability made Bitcoin’s role as a store of value more important than ever.
Despite market unpredictability, Bitcoin’s resilience drew more institutional attention.
4. May: U.S. House Passes FIT21 Bill
In May, the U.S. House passed the Financial Innovation Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21), a groundbreaking regulatory framework for crypto.
This bill provided much-needed clarity on digital asset classification and market conduct, but the bill remains unpassed in the Senate. Some say it could pass by the end of the year.
5. June: EU Introduces Sweeping MiCA Regulation
In June, the European Union introduced the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, establishing clear and comprehensive rules for the crypto industry.
By providing a stable, transparent regulatory environment, MiCA made Europe a leader in crypto regulation, attracting institutional investors and setting the stage for further global adoption.
6. July: Ethereum ETFs Start Trading
In July, Ethereum spot ETFs also were launched, providing institutional investors with a regulated way to gain exposure to Ethereum.
This milestone solidified Ethereum’s position as a legitimate institutional asset and further bridged the gap between traditional finance and the crypto world.
7. August: Ripple Wins SEC Case, Setting a Legal Precedent
August brought a landmark legal victory for Ripple when a U.S. court ruled that XRP was not a security.
This decision set a precedent for how digital assets might be classified in the U.S., providing regulatory clarity and boosting optimism throughout the crypto market. XRP’s token price has nearly quadrupled over the last few months.
8. September: US Fed Initiates First Rate Cuts since 2020
In September, the Federal Reserve slashed interest rates by 50 basis points for the first time in four years, in order to stimulate economic growth.
The Fed’s actions sparked a surge in riskier, high-reward investments such as stocks and cryptocurrencies.
The momentum continued into November, when the central bank followed up with a quarter-point rate cut, fueling fresh optimism in the markets.
9. November: Donald Trump Wins U.S. Presidential Election, Sparking Rally
November’s U.S. presidential election saw Donald Trump win over Kamala Harris, sparking a wave of optimism for businesses, stocks, and cryptocurrencies across the board.
$10 billion have since flowed into Bitcoin ETFs, as investors anticipate a crypto-friendly regulatory environment under his administration.
10. December: Trump Appoints Key Officials; Bitcoin Hits $100k
In December, Bitcoin hit a historic $100,000 after Donald Trump appointed pro-crypto officials such as David Sacks and Paul Atkins to key positions in his administration.
Light at the End of the Tunnel
As we turn to 2025, it’s clear that this isn’t just the evolution of technology—it’s the dawn of a new economic era. Crypto has proven itself to be far more than a fleeting trend. Each milestone—from institutional adoption to progressive regulations—builds the foundation for a more resilient, inclusive financial system.
What started as a radical experiment is now shaping up to be an indispensable part of the global economy.
In 2025, the crypto revolution isn’t just a possibility—it’s already happening, and the future has never looked more exciting!
Our aim is to create a platform that offers users the most enjoyable trading experience. If you have any feedback, please reach out to us at support@btse.com or on X @BTSE_Official.
Disclaimer: BTSE blog content is intended solely to provide varying insights and perspectives. It does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The views expressed are not necessarily those of BTSE. Unless otherwise noted, they do not represent the views of BTSE and should in no way be treated as investment advice. Trading involves substantial risk due to market volatility, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always trade with caution and consider seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.
