Mike Smith
Jan 9
.png)
The cryptocurrency market in the United States is undergoing a critical transition period, combining legal formalization, institutional investment, and growing fraud risks. This is not just a technology for enthusiasts — digital coins are becoming increasingly integrated into the financial system, attracting the attention of major players and regulators.
At the beginning of 2026, investors' attention is focused on the movement of the largest cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin has fallen slightly below a psychologically significant level and is trading closer to $90,000, while Ethereum remains around $3,150. This correction occurred amid expectations of important economic reports and court decisions on tariffs, which forced traders to reassess their risks and positions in the market.
On the institutional front, one of the largest US financial organizations has filed applications to create exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to the prices of Bitcoin and the Solana token. For many investors, such funds are attractive because they offer higher liquidity and transparency compared to direct storage of digital assets. This move underscores that large banks are seeking not only to store crypto assets, but also to actively include them in their clients' portfolio strategies.
At the same time, large-scale fraud schemes pose a real threat to market participants. In 2025, fraudsters stole a record $333 million through fraudulent crypto ATM transactions, according to federal agencies. Older individuals were particularly vulnerable, accounting for a significant portion of the losses. This underscores the importance of caution and verification of sources in any financial transactions involving digital assets. The US regulatory environment is rapidly evolving. In 2025, a number of bills were passed aimed at creating a clear regulatory framework for digital assets. One of the key initiatives is a law establishing rules for “stablecoins” — digital tokens pegged to traditional assets — and defining how different categories of digital instruments are regulated. These steps are aimed at reducing uncertainty and increasing investor protection.
The combination of regulation, institutional investment, and market dynamics is creating a unique environment where digital assets are moving from the experimental stage to the mainstream of finance. This process is accompanied by increased attention from both institutional investors and regulators, making the market more structured and attractive for long-term strategies.
