The cryptocurrency market continues to make headlines with significant price movements, regulatory developments, and industry shifts. As of May 11, 2025, Bitcoin and altcoins are experiencing notable activity, while legislative efforts and high-profile ventures stir debates. Here’s a roundup of the latest cryptocurrency news shaping the market today.
Bitcoin Surges Past $100,000, Altcoins RallyBitcoin has reclaimed the $100,000 milestone, a level not seen since early February 2025, fueled by optimism around global trade deals and a pro-crypto U.S. administration. The flagship cryptocurrency surged nearly 6% to $101,679.85, with analysts pointing to strong inflows into spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and a broader "risk-on" sentiment as key drivers. BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) alone recorded $356.2 million in inflows on May 9, marking a 19-day inflow streak and $1.03 billion for the week, according to Farside data.The rally isn’t limited to Bitcoin. Ether, the native token of the Ethereum blockchain, soared 14% to $2,050.46, marking its best week since May 2021 with a 26% gain. Solana’s token also climbed 7%, achieving a 16% weekly increase. However, most altcoins, including Ether and Solana, remain down year-to-date compared to Bitcoin’s 11% rise. XRP, buoyed by positive catalysts like a U.S.-U.K. trade deal and Coinbase’s acquisition of Deribit, is an exception, showing strong gains.Analysts are optimistic about Bitcoin’s trajectory. Standard Chartered’s Geoffrey Kendrick, who previously forecasted a $120,000 price by Q2 2025, now suggests this target may be conservative, citing heavy inflows and strategic asset reallocation. VanEck’s Matthew Sigel projects a peak of $180,000 in 2025, with long-term estimates reaching $400,000 by 2030.
Regulatory Tensions Rise Over Stablecoin LegislationEfforts to regulate cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins, have hit roadblocks in the U.S. Congress. The GENIUS Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at establishing a federal framework for stablecoins, stalled in the Senate due to concerns over President Donald Trump’s personal cryptocurrency ventures. Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Jeff Merkley, have criticized Trump’s ties to the industry, particularly his family’s World Liberty Financial stablecoin project, which recently secured a $2 billion deposit deal with an Emirati venture fund. Merkley called the involvement “a massive form of corruption,” arguing it poses national security risks and erodes public trust.
The bill’s failure to clear a key Senate hurdle on May 8 has frustrated crypto advocates hoping for clearer regulations by year-end. Some Democrats who initially supported the legislation are now demanding stricter measures to prevent fraud and money laundering. Meanwhile, House Democrats, led by Representative Maxine Waters, walked out of a crypto hearing, protesting Republican handling of regulatory discussions amid Trump’s conflicts of interest.
Industry Developments and Legal Updates
Several significant industry developments have emerged:
Coinbase’s Acquisition and Security Issues: Coinbase announced its $3 billion acquisition of Deribit, the world’s largest crypto derivatives platform, strengthening its market position. However, the exchange faced scrutiny after on-chain sleuth ZackXBT reported over $45 million stolen from Coinbase users via social engineering scams in a single week.
SEC and Ripple Settlement: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed for a $50 million settlement with Ripple Labs over its XRP lawsuit, marking a potential resolution to a long-standing legal battle.
Celsius Founder Sentenced: Former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky was sentenced to 12 years in prison for crypto fraud, highlighting ongoing efforts to address misconduct in the industry.
North Korean Hack: Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit lost $1.5 billion to North Korean hackers last month, with the breach traced to an account on a free digital storage service, underscoring persistent security challenges.
Trump’s Crypto Ventures Spark Controversy
President Trump’s deepening ties to the crypto industry continue to dominate headlines. His family’s World Liberty Financial launched a stablecoin, and the $TRUMP meme coin, with 80% of its supply controlled by the Trump Organization, has surged over 50% amid news of exclusive fundraisers. A May 22 gala at Trump National requires $TRUMP token ownership for entry, raising concerns about profiteering and influence peddling. Critics argue that these ventures create unprecedented conflicts of interest, complicating legislative efforts.
Market Sentiment and Future Outlook
Posts on X reflect bullish sentiment, particularly for altcoins, as Bitcoin’s dominance begins to decline—a historically positive signal for smaller cryptocurrencies. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index has risen to 61, up from 37 last week, indicating growing investor confidence. However, some skepticism persists, with the U.K. Treasury ruling out a national Bitcoin reserve, citing it as inappropriate for its market.
Despite regulatory hurdles, the crypto market’s total capitalization rose 2.5% in the last 24 hours to $3.09 trillion, driven by diplomatic initiatives and trade deal optimism. Analysts expect Bitcoin to test its January high of $109,350 soon, though short-term profit-taking could see it revisit $100,000 as a support level.
ConclusionThe cryptocurrency landscape in May 2025 is marked by robust price rallies, regulatory challenges, and high-profile controversies. Bitcoin’s resurgence above $100,000, coupled with altcoin gains, signals strong market momentum, but legislative gridlock and security concerns highlight the industry’s growing pains. As Trump’s crypto ventures fuel debates, the path to mainstream adoption remains complex. Stay tuned for further developments as the market navigates these dynamic forces.
$Sources: TradingView, CNBC, Reuters, Cointelegraph, Investopedia, Yahoo Finance, NBC News, The New York Times, CBS News, Fox News, POLITICO, CNN