The Bitcoin market has long been defined by its seemingly immutable four-year cycle, a pattern of three years of surging prices followed by a sharp correction. However, a seismic shift in policy from Washington, led by former President Donald Trump, may shatter this cycle and usher in a new era of prolonged growth for the cryptocurrency industry.

Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management, recently posed an intriguing question: Can Trump’s Executive Order break crypto’s four-year cycle? His answer, though nuanced, leans towards an emphatic yes.

The Four-Year Cycle: A Recap

Hougan clarifies his personal belief that the four-year Bitcoin market cycle is not driven…

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I was recently having a conversation with a friend in Kenya who described how difficult it was for women in that country to stand in local elections due to the complexity of setting up a bank account. The first challenge is to obtain identification documents, which is a process that is complicated by cultural attitudes in certain communities in which the men may object to women seeking independent documents. Many women also live far from registration centres, have limited literacy to complete the forms and may not be able to afford the journey and the documentation fees. Furthermore, many women lack birth certificates, do not have proof of residence if they live with a male relative and…

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Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global, managed by Norges Bank Investment Management, has significantly increased its bitcoin exposure. According to K33 Research, by the end of 2024, the fund’s indirect holdings in bitcoin reached 3,821 BTC, marking a 153% increase from the previous year. This growth is part of a larger trend starting from 796 BTC in 2020, showcasing the fund’s escalating commitment to cryptocurrency.

In addition to its bitcoin investments, NBIM holds substantial stakes in several key crypto-related public companies. The end of 2024 saw the fund owning 0.72% of MicroStrategy and 1.1% of Tesla, alongside investments in Coinbase, Metaplanet, and MARA Holdings. These stakes align with NBIM’s strategy to diversify its portfolio, which also benefited from the recent artificial intelligence boom, yielding a record profit of $222.4 billion for the year.

This strategic shift towards cryptocurrencies, especially bitcoin, reflects a broader acceptance of digital assets in traditional investment portfolios. As sector values rise, the fund’s increasing bitcoin allocation not only diversifies its investments but also capitalizes on the growing financial technology sector.

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Grayscale Investments LLC has officially launched the Grayscale Bitcoin Miners ETF (MNRS), providing investors with a unique opportunity to gain exposure to the Bitcoin mining industry. This ETF is designed for those who want to invest in Bitcoin miners without directly purchasing Bitcoin itself, making it an attractive option for traditional investors looking to diversify their portfolios.

Introducing the Grayscale Bitcoin Miners ETF ($MNRS) ⛏️ , offering investors targeted, pure-play exposure to Bitcoin Miners and the Bitcoin Mining Industry, available directly in your investment account. Learn more below. Brokerage fees and other expenses may still apply.

— Grayscale (@Grayscale)… Read more on BitcoinMagazine

In the past two months, I’ve attended the Adopting Bitcoin Cape Town conference in South Africa and the African Bitcoin Conference in Kenya. I’ve also visited Bitcoin circular economies in both of these countries including Bitcoin Ekasi, Afribit Kibera and Bitcoin Witsand.

These experiences have opened my eyes to the fact that developers, community leaders and everyday plebs across Africa are harnessing the power of Bitcoin to catalyze change in their lives, and they’re doing so while carrying on the spirit of the early cypherpunks.

An African Bitcoiner’s Manifesto

In “A Cypherpunk’s Manifesto,” Eric Hughes wrote:

“Cypherpunks write code. We know that someone has to write…

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Nuvve Holdings Corp., a publicly listed green energy company focused on electric vehicle (EV) charging, announced that it will invest up to 30% of its excess cash in bitcoin.

The company’s Board of Directors has approved the move, which marks Nuvve’s entry into the growing trend of public companies adding bitcoin to their balance sheets.

In a January 28 press release, Nuvve explained its Bitcoin strategy, saying it will diversify its treasury and prepare to accept bitcoin as a form of payment. The company says it believes bitcoin is a valuable asset and will improve payment options for customers and suppliers.

Gregory Poilasne, Nuvve’s CEO and founder, said, “BTC…

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Illinois has initiated the Bitcoin Strategic Bill making it the first state in the U.S. to treat Bitcoin as a strategic financial asset. State Representative John Cabello introduced the proposal to establish a Bitcoin reserve fund controlled by the Illinois State Treasurer. The fund will collect Bitcoin donations from residents and government bodies storing the digital currency for at least five years before utilization.

Under the new proposal Illinois sets a precedent for financial innovation by incorporating Bitcoin into its state financial strategy. This move is safeguarded by stringent regulations and mandates regular reporting on the fund’s status. The bill known as the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act will take effect immediately upon passage reflecting the state’s proactive approach towards leveraging cryptocurrency.

With Illinois paving the way experts anticipate other states and institutions will soon follow suit in integrating Bitcoin into their financial strategies. This strategic move is aimed at fortifying financial assets against market fluctuations and economic uncertainties making Bitcoin a more prominent player in economic resilience plans.

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El Salvador’s Congress has approved a pivotal amendment to the nation’s bitcoin law enhancing its relationship with cryptocurrencies. The bill initiated by President Nayib Bukele now makes the acceptance of bitcoin voluntary aligning with a major $1.4 billion loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund. This legislative move is seen as a step toward stabilizing the crypto market in the country which previously mandated bitcoin as legal tender.

Lawmakers from Bukele’s ruling New Ideas Party have been instrumental in the swift passage of the reform which garnered 55 votes in favor and only two against. This revision was deemed essential for ensuring the longevity and practical application of bitcoin as a legal currency within the nation’s financial ecosystem.

With global attention on El Salvador’s innovative embrace of bitcoin the country continues to bolster its cryptocurrency reserves. The adjustments to the law are anticipated to attract more sustainable investment and foster a pro-crypto environment under the current administration.

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