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Hassan Shittu

Journalist

Hassan Shittu

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Hassan, a Cryptonews.com journalist with 6+ years of experience in Web3 journalism, brings deep knowledge across Crypto, Web3 Gaming, NFTs, and Play-to-Earn sectors. His work has appeared in…

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July 25, 2025

Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan says the long-observed four-year crypto cycle may no longer apply to the current market.

In a recent discussion with Bitcoin advocate Kyle Chassé and Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart, Hougan argued that the historical pattern is breaking down, and a longer, more sustained growth phase could be on the horizon.

Traditionally, crypto markets have followed a four-year rhythm driven by Bitcoin’s halving events, shifting interest rates, and the cyclical blow-ups that have rattled the industry. But Hougan believes these drivers are now losing influence.

Matt Hougan Predicts ‘Sustained Boom’ for Crypto as Traditional Cycles Fade

In a follow-up post on X, Hougan pointed to the diminishing impact of the Bitcoin halving, noting that each one has half the effect of the last. “The halving is half as important every four years,” he said.

The rationale is simple: as block rewards diminish in absolute terms, their effect on overall market supply shrinks relative to the growing scale of the crypto economy. As such, halvings no longer serve as the singular driving force behind bullish market cycles.

He also noted how interest rate cycles, once a severe headwind for crypto in downturns like 2018 and 2022, are now acting as tailwinds, buoyed by a more stable and accommodative macro environment.

Hougan further emphasized that the risk of blowups, which had once controlled cycles in the crypto space, has been greatly reduced due to the shift to improved regulation and growing institutional involvement.

In place of the old cycle, Hougan sees new forces taking hold, ones that move on longer timelines and aren’t tied to halving years.

At the top of the list is the growing inflow of capital into crypto-related ETFs. That wave, which started in 2024, is just beginning, he said, and could last five to ten years.

Institutional adoption is another key trend. Hougan said pensions, endowments, and national account platforms are only starting to embrace crypto exposure. He expects that trend to accelerate as more crypto ETFs win approval.

He also pointed to progress on the regulatory front. In his view, January 2025 marked the beginning of a new era of policymaking for the industry. Hougan cited the passage of the GENIUS Act earlier this month as a major shift.

The legislation has opened the door for Wall Street to begin building financial products around crypto, he said, predicting that banks will invest billions over the coming years.

In his post, Hougan added that new developments such as the rise of crypto treasury firms holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets are shaping a different kind of cycle. He believes these emerging patterns won’t follow the sharp booms and busts of the past.

“I think it’s more of a sustained steady boom than a supercycle,” Hougan wrote. “The long-term pro-crypto forces will overwhelm the classic four-year cycle forces.”

Looking ahead, he believes 2026 will be a strong year for crypto, although he warned that volatility is still expected.

Bitwise CIO Sees Bitcoin on Path to $1M Amid Policy Shifts and Growing Institutional Support

This is not the first time Hougan has believed that Bitcoin has entered a new phase of institutional adoption, marked by major shifts in finance and policy.

On December 13, 2024, Hougan pointed to several key developments signaling this shift: BlackRock’s suggested 2% portfolio allocation to Bitcoin, the rapid uptake of spot Bitcoin ETFs, and growing public support from financial leaders like Ray Dalio.

He also noted the increasing political acceptance of crypto, noting President Donald Trump’s vocal backing of Bitcoin and his appearance at a major industry event.

Forward to this year, Hougan predicted Bitcoin could reach $200,000 by the end of 2025, driven by demand from sovereign wealth funds, public companies, and institutional investors.

“The final barrier fell when governments became holders,” he said. “Bitcoin’s survival was no longer in doubt; growth became the focus.”

Hougan maintains that Bitcoin is now in a new phase, less speculative and more institutional and structural.

The U.S. House of Representatives has designated the week starting July 14 as “Crypto Week,” as lawmakers consider three landmark bills: the CLARITY Act, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, and the Senate’s GENIUS Act, in a comprehensive push to establish the United States as a global leader in digital assets.

Prominent crypto trader and influencer Cas Abbe commented:

“The next few weeks are going to be really bullish for the crypto market.”

What’s on the table during Crypto Week?

Much-needed regulatory clarity for digital assets

During Crypto Week, lawmakers will review the CLARITY Act, a bipartisan bill that aims to end years of regulatory ambiguity by clearly delineating the roles of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in overseeing digital assets.

The Act divides digital assets into three categories: securities, commodities, and stablecoins, assigning the CFTC exclusive jurisdiction over “digital commodities” such as Bitcoin, while the SEC retains authority over securities. It also introduces a dual-track registration system, allowing platforms to register with the agency most relevant to their business, and imposes solid anti-fraud and consumer protection measures.

For years, U.S. crypto entrepreneurs have faced a patchwork of conflicting regulations and uncertainty over whether their tokens are securities or commodities. The CLARITY Act’s clear division of oversight between the SEC and CFTC will provide much-needed certainty, encouraging responsible innovation and reducing the risk of regulatory enforcement actions that have stifled growth.

Supporting stablecoins’ integration into mainstream finance

The GENIUS Act was recently passed in the Senate with bipartisan support, establishing the first comprehensive federal framework for payment stablecoins. It defines who can issue stablecoins, sets capital and reserve requirements, and allows both federal and state regulators to supervise issuers. The Act is designed to foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection and maintaining the U.S. dollar’s dominance in digital finance.

The GENIUS Act’s framework for stablecoins gives legitimacy to dollar-backed digital assets, supporting their integration into mainstream finance. By setting clear rules and consumer protections, the U.S. can attract both institutional and retail users, strengthening the dollar’s role in global digital commerce.

Preserving Americans’ financial privacy and autonomy

An Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act would prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) directly or indirectly to individuals, addressing widespread concerns about government surveillance and financial privacy. By blocking a U.S. CBDC, the Act aims to preserve Americans’ financial autonomy and prevent the potential overreach seen in other countries.

The Anti-CBDC Act addresses a top concern among crypto advocates: the risk of government surveillance via a state-issued digital currency. By banning a retail CBDC, the U.S. would demonstrate its commitment to privacy, individual sovereignty, and free-market principles.

The legislative package under review during Crypto Week is the culmination of years of hearings, bipartisan negotiations, and industry advocacy, and reflects the maturation of the crypto market and the growing recognition of its economic significance.

At the Bitcoin 2025 Conference, a session titled “Making America the Global Bitcoin Superpower” conveyed a clear message: the United States is committed to embracing Bitcoin (BTC) and leading the global market. 

Key speakers Bo Hines, the White House Executive Director for digital assets, and Tyler Williams from the US Treasury Department, alongside moderator Miles Jennings, outlined the government’s aggressive strategy to establish the nation as a leader in the cryptocurrency space.

Integration Of Crypto With ‘Legacy Financial Systems’

“We are well on our way to becoming the Bitcoin superpower of the world,” Hines declared, emphasizing that this initiative transcends partisan politics. He described the movement as a “revolution in our financial system” that requires immediate action.

Jennings pointed out the critical regulatory measures that are currently being developed. “If the bill becomes law, we will play a significant role in integrating Bitcoin, stablecoins, and other digital assets with the legacy financial system,” he stated. This integration, he noted, would be facilitated by pending stablecoin legislation.

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Hines highlighted the importance of modernizing payment systems, asserting, “Updating the payment rails is necessary, and we are making significant progress.” 

He noted that forthcoming market structure legislation would clarify the regulatory landscape for intermediaries such as exchanges and brokers, determining whether digital assets will be classified as securities or commodities.

Encouraging innovation within the crypto sector, Hines remarked, “We want folks to innovate here. We can’t let fear of regulatory repercussions stifle creativity.” He urged innovators who have moved abroad to consider returning, stating, “Our message to those who have gone offshore is: welcome home.”

‘Bitcoin Is The Golden Standard’

Williams reinforced the need for any new regulations to accommodate the unique nature of decentralized finance (DeFi). “Traditional financial markets operate on a principal-agent model, but crypto is shifting us toward a principal-to-principal structure,” he explained. 

He noted that regulatory support for the exchange-traded products (ETP) marketplace had led to a surge in institutional Bitcoin adoption, and he believes that similar outcomes could arise from stablecoin and market structure legislation.

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Hines made a particularly bullish statement, declaring, “Bitcoin is truly the golden standard. This is an asset that we should be harnessing on behalf of the American people. We want as much as we can possibly get.” 

Tyler Williams echoed this sentiment, asserting, “We are going big on digital assets.” Hines concluded the session with a strong commitment: “You will certainly see the United States stepping out as the Bitcoin superpower of the world.”

As of this writing, the market’s leading cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC), is trading at $108,560, just over 2.8% below its all-time high of $111,800, which was reached last week amid renewed investments in the Bitcoin ETF market.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Bo Hines, the Executive Director for the President’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, believes the U.S. is positioned to become the “Bitcoin superpower” of the world, according to an April 29 interview with Bitcoin Magazine.

Bo Hines Talks Crypto Policy In New Interview

“I feel like we’re well on our way and have positioned ourselves to be the Bitcoin superpower of the world,” Hines told the media outlet.

The former football player pointed out U.S. President Donald Trump’s issuance of a January 23 crypto-focused executive order entitled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology” as well as the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve as markers of crypto policy success.

Hines also seemingly took a swipe at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) prior regulation-by-enforcement approach to the blockchain sector as a whole.

“This industry’s been a victim of lawfare like no other industry’s ever experienced,” Hines said, adding that what the sector has been able to do despite headwinds is “truly quite remarkable.”

Bitcoin Recovers From Recent Drop

Hines’ comments come ahead of the U.S. Treasury’s May 5 deadline for reporting on strategic Bitcoin reserve implications regarding law and investment considerations.

The impending deadline follows Trump’s March 6 executive order in which he vowed to develop a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and digital asset stockpile from cryptocurrencies seized from criminal and civil forfeiture proceedings.

Bitcoin has seen a slight surge in value in recent days, with the cryptocurrency hovering around $94,000 despite a small dip on Wednesday.

On Monday, BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF, iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), amassed a record of nearly $1 billion in inflows—indicating a potential economic stronghold amid broader fears following the launch of Trump’s controversial “Liberation Day” tariffs earlier this month.

Despite IBIT’s success, it is unclear how Bitcoin may perform in the coming months as sweeping crypto policy changes are expected to be enacted.

The post Bo Hines Declares US “Bitcoin Superpower” as Trump’s BTC Reserve Takes Shape appeared first on Cryptonews.

Plus: Is your Android possessed?

GM. Sippin’ on some cold-pressed crypto facts – no pulp, just the weirdest headlines and spicy rumors.

New phones that come with malware.

News drops: BNB ETF plans, stablecoin regulation updates + more

Market flavor today

Crypto Market Cap: $2.64T -4.66% (24H)
Name		Price	24H	7D
	Bitcoin BTC	$81,874.04	-5.56%	-5.95%
	Ethereum ETH	$1,776.58	-6.42%	-11.68%
	XRP XRP	$2.00	-8.03%	-14.68%
	BNB BNB	$585.61	-3.45%	-8.17%

Donald Trump’s Liberation Day came and went – and yeah, we were liberated… from the burden of being rich.

He announced tariffs on 185 countries at once – one of the biggest tariff announcements in US history.

Here’s the full list…

… and it includes a 10% tariff on the Heard and McDonald Islands, which have a total population of 0 and are inhabited by PENGUINS.

TRUMP TAXED PENGUINS.

Aaanyways, what’s the deal?

The base rate is a 10% tariff on every country.

BUT! It’ll go higher for some – the US will match half of whatever tariff a country charges on American goods. For example:

• The EU charges a 39% tariff on US goods → so it gets hit with a 20% tariff;

• China charges 67% → they’re getting 34% (except that’s on top of the 20% tariff Trump previously announced, so China’s total is 54%).

Quick n simple mafematics, but this whole thing was still surprising, because most people assumed it would just be 10% across the board.

That said, a few countries and industries managed to dodge the full Trump special this time:

• Canada and Mexico have been exempted from the new round of tariffs because they’re still dealing with earlier ones;

• Russia, Cuba, Belarus, and North Korea have also been excluded, because they already have so many sanctions and tariffs on them that there’s barely any trade left to tax;

• As for industries – copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber won’t be touched by any of the new tariffs.

The 10% tax starts on Saturday, and the higher, country-specific tariffs begin next Wednesday.

They’ll stay in place until Trump decides the US trade deficit isn’t a “problem” anymore (… yeah, no clue when that’ll be).

And the market reaction? Well…

S&P 500 futures lost $2 trillion in market cap in under 15 minutes. That’s trillion. With a T. Yes.

Crypto got dragged too – the total market cap dropped by $130 billion.

So yeah. Happy Liberation Day to those who celebrate. The penguins will remember this

Memecoin harvest

From wtf is this? to I should’ve sold my kidney

Data as of 08:00 AM EST.

Check out these memecoins and plenty more here.

On Monday, we told you not to trust random apps because a crocodile might hurt you. If you have no idea what I’m talking about… uhh, long story, read it here.

Well, now, we’ve got another fun update to get you even more paranoid!! Just what we all need in this economy!!

Jokes aside, tho’ – you do have to be aware of this.

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky warns: be careful when buying Android phones from unknown sellers.

That phone you got online for a too good to be true deal might end up costing you WAY more later.

Cuz some of ’em are fake versions of popular models, and they come with a little surprise: the Triada Trojan.

That’s a nasty type of malware that’s already installed in the phone’s firmware. So no, you can’t just delete it – it’s buried deep in the system.

And it can do a ton of creepy stuff, like:

• Send messages on your behalf;

• Spy on pretty much everything you do – for example, what kinda weird sh*t you Google;

• Download and run other programs;

• Block your internet connection to stop anti-fraud tools from working;

• Replace wallet addresses to steal your crypto;

• Etc etc etc.

Basically, if your phone’s infected, it stops being your phone. Scary stuff.

So far, more than 2,600 people (mostly in Russia) have already fallen victim, and the hackers have stolen at least $270K in crypto.

(Which could be more, especially since they’re also going after Monero – a cryptocurrency that’s super hard to trace.)

VERY scary stuff.

How do you protect yourself?

• Only buy phones from official stores or trusted sellers;

• As soon as you get your new phone, install antivirus or security software. Right away. NO excuses.

Stay safe out there – your phone should be smart, not evil

News drops

Representative Maxine Waters slammed Trump at a House hearing. She said that the stablecoin launched by a company linked to his family is a major red flag.

VanEck filed to set up a Delaware trust company for a BNB ETF. It’s the first time anyone’s tried to launch a BNB ETF in the US.

Kraken got a new license from Canada’s OSC. It’s another step in showing they’re serious about running smoothly for their Canadian users.

The STABLE Act passed the Financial Services Committee. It now heads to a full House vote.

OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely’s new app, Zoop, and the HBAR Foundation want to buy TikTok. TikTok must be sold to a non-Chinese company by April 5 or face a ban in the US.

Juicy memes