- Crypto market cap hits $4 trillion, marking its entry into macro financial systems.
- Ethereum ETFs record $1.7B in weekly inflows, driving strong institutional demand.
- U.S. lawmakers advance three crypto bills, pushing regulatory clarity and market stability.
The total crypto market capitalization has reached a record $4 trillion, marking a historic milestone that exceeds all previous bull market highs. This development highlights the growing importance of digital assets within the global financial system. The rally is supported by institutional inflows, ETF approvals, and broader adoption of stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets.
Altcoins Outperform as Crypto Heats Up
Bitcoin has regained its position above $120,000 on Thursday. As of press time, BTC is trading at $119,231, showing a 1.01% increase over the past day. Ethereum also rose by 5.2% and surpassed $3,600 for the first time since January. The asset has gained around 38% in the past two weeks alone. The XRP has also recorded a significant surge, surging almost 20% to a high of $3.64.
Ethereum’s total market capitalization now stands at approximately $436.7 billion. The gains are tied to rising institutional interest and inflows into U.S.-listed spot Ethereum ETFs. Nine Ethereum ETFs saw a combined $602 million in inflows on Thursday. The previous day saw $717 million in inflows, and the weekly inflow stands at nearly $1.7 billion, the highest since the ETF’s launch.
U.S. Lawmakers Push Forward Key Crypto Bills
Developments in U.S. crypto regulation have also driven the latest gains in the market. On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed three bills focused on digital assets. One bill now moves directly to President Donald Trump for approval. The other two have been sent to the Senate for further consideration.
The GENIUS Act is the most significant among them. It introduces a framework for regulating stablecoins, cryptocurrencies tied to fiat currencies such as the U.S. dollar. The bill received bipartisan support in the House of Representatives. Its aim is to support innovation in the payments space while ensuring strong consumer protection.
Another bill seeks to create legal clarity on how digital assets are categorized. It distinguishes between commodities and securities, assigning regulatory duties to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, respectively. This move is intended to reduce overlap between agencies and create clearer rules for businesses and investors.
A third bill proposes a nationwide ban on the issuance of a U.S. central bank digital currency. If passed, it would prevent the Federal Reserve from introducing a government-backed digital dollar. The bill secured limited support and is currently awaiting Senate consideration.
Related: U.S. Senate Shifts Focus to Crypto Market Structure in Regulatory Push
Crypto Profits Put Trump Under Scrutiny
At the same time, President Donald Trump’s connections to crypto ventures have raised concerns. Trump and his family are financially linked to World Liberty Financial and other token-based businesses. Public disclosures show that Trump earned $58 million from crypto ventures in 2024, mostly from WLFI token sales.
Trump’s meme coin, introduced in January, continues to see significant trading activity. His family is also involved in areas such as Bitcoin mining and tokenized investment products. These connections have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest as he advocates for expanded crypto legislation.
The $4 trillion milestone highlights crypto’s expanding position in the global financial system. Market liquidity is increasing, institutional participation is rising, and regulatory frameworks are evolving. Digital assets are no longer on the margins; they are now integrated into the core of the financial system.
