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In January 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto, a low-key computer programmer with an unverified identity, shocked the world by mining the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. This was a significant breakthrough after failing to launch digital coins several times, which would provide the world with alternatives to traditional currencies.
Fast forward to 2024, the industry has massively grown, although critics might argue it’s yet to hit its true potential. A report published on CoinGecko, a leading cryptocurrency data analysis website, shows the total value of the crypto market is $1.62 trillion. The report also proved Bitcoin’s dominance after revealing a 50% market share.
Based on this data, next year is probably the best time to invest in cryptos. Investors should exploit the new innovative technologies and clearer government regulations that will further boost the market.
Bitcoin Emerging from the Ashes
2022 was definitely a challenging year for Bitcoin, which saw the valuable digital coin establish a trading range of $20,000 before sinking to a new low of $16,500 at the end of the year. That was a 76% decline from its all-time trading high of $69,000 recorded in November 2021.
Thankfully, 2023 saw Bitcoin prices gradually increase, with the leading cryptocurrency gaining more than 50% by mid-June. Experts in the cryptocurrency industry have predicted a new bull run for Bitcoin, with several voices backing it to reach the $100,000 mark in 2024. This year alone, BTC has rallied more than 120%, giving another solid reason to invest in Bitcoin.
Bitcoin aside, Ethereum (ETH) is another digital asset being touted to achieve great things in 2024. This cryptocurrency has recently posted positive gains after rebounding in 2023 to reach $2,400, with analysts predicting a surge to $3,500 in 2024 and $5,000 by 2025 if this bullish trend continues.
Like Bitcoin, 2023 saw Ethereum recover from a devastating 2022 despite not matching an all-time high of $4,800 recorded in November 2021. According to FieryTrading, ETH has traded inside the “bullish triangle” pattern for over one and a half years. The analyst also predicted that this coin will reach the $5,000 mark at the end of 2025.
Looming Approval of Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)
There is more motivation if you plan to invest in BTC in 2024. A memo released in November 2023 revealed that the US Securities and Exchange Commission is formally in talks with asset managers ahead of the highly anticipated decision regarding the regulator’s approval of a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).
The financial regulator stated that it has already met with Grayscale to discuss the possibility of transforming the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust into an ETF. It’s to be noted that Grayscale successfully contested the SEC’s earlier judgment to prohibit this action in court. The US Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it has no plans to challenge the loss against Grayscale, increasing the possibility that we could see Bitcoin ETF soon.
We anticipate that the approval of Bitcoin ETF by the SEC will be a catalyst for other cryptocurrencies to follow suit. But we must remember that the US financial regulator may approve or reject all applications after postponing several decisions on Bitcoin funds. The good news is that SEC Chair Gary Gensler, a strong critic of crypto funds, recently stated publicly that he would consider suggestions about a possible Bitcoin ETF.
Mass Cryptocurrency Adoption in 2024
Although nothing is certain, the surging adoption of cryptocurrency payments is expected to continue rising in 2024. First, the blockchain revolution is already becoming a reality across several industries. And by 2024, blockchain technology will probably have more applications in sectors like healthcare, gaming, and banking. Blockchain has proved to be a more dependable and transparent platform to handle private financial and medical data.
Another factor that will lead to mass cryptocurrency adoption is the improved user experience. Modern cryptocurrency platforms have become more intuitive and user-friendly by simplifying all processes to make them perfect for individuals with limited tech experience.
For instance, a traditional way of playing casino games such as Pragmatic Play’s Sweet Bonanza is by depositing funds using bank transfers and payment cards. But although these banking methods are safe and secure, some players may find sharing their banking information online to be too much work and risky. Conversely, crypto payments are quick and anonymous. You only need to scan the QR code or paste a transaction link.
Lastly, as regulatory clarity surrounding cryptocurrencies becomes clearer, so is its acceptability among the masses. Cryptocurrencies are widely becoming integrated into mainstream financial systems, with countries such as Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, and Grenada having their own national digital currencies to help speed up transactions.
Below is how improved regulatory clarity in 2024 will affect cryptocurrency adoption:
- Proper regulation will establish legitimacy and boost public and investor confidence.
- Regulation will help reduce the legal uncertainty often surrounding the crypto market.
- Clear regulation will encourage innovation, leading to the birth of more digital assets.
- This will reduce criminal activities often associated with the crypto industry, where investors can lose a fortune.
Coming from a Terrible Period
The crypto industry is emerging from a terrible period that saw the value of leading coins fall and a ruthless government crackdown. 2022 saw the swift downfall of cryptocurrency exchange giant FXT, leaving a damaging domino effect that will take time to heal. After Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested and charged with criminal activities, investors left FXT in droves, leaving the exchange company bankrupt.
A few months later, US regulators arrested and charged Binance chief Changpeng Zhao with multiple violations, including breaking the Commodities Exchange Act. He pleaded guilty in November 2023 and agreed to pay a $4.3 billion fine, the largest fine issued in the US corporate sector. CZ also stepped down as the Chief Executive of the company he founded.
These arrests preceded China’s announcement in September 2021 that all crypto transactions were illegal. The government said this move will help maintain social stability and national security. As a result of this announcement, all Chinese traders and foreign websites were banned from processing crypto payments.
But with these developments now behind us, there is unbridled optimism in the cryptocurrency and stock markets. The crypto market will likely bounce back stronger in 2024, aided by the developing regulatory structures worldwide.
