Bitcoin Surges Past $116,000 Amid Institutional Frenzy and Pro-Crypto US Policies

Crypto Takes Center Stage in Global Finance

Bitcoin has once again shattered records, climbing to an unprecedented high and reinforcing its dominance in the ever-evolving digital finance ecosystem. Driven by a powerful combination of institutional enthusiasm and pro-crypto government policy, the world’s most valuable cryptocurrency has surged past all previous milestones. With U.S. President Donald Trump actively supporting the crypto market through executive decisions and strategic appointments, the landscape of digital assets is entering a bold new phase. As major players reposition themselves and traditional finance cautiously observes, Bitcoin’s latest rally may mark the beginning of a major financial shift.

Bitcoin’s Meteoric Rise: A Detailed Recap

Bitcoin hit a historic high of \$116,781.10 during the Asian trading hours on Friday, marking an explosive increase of over 24% since the beginning of the year. This new milestone is largely attributed to robust demand from institutional investors who are increasingly viewing digital assets as a legitimate and lucrative asset class. Several moves by President Donald Trump’s administration have further fueled investor confidence. In March, Trump signed an executive order that established a strategic reserve of cryptocurrencies — a groundbreaking policy shift that aligns digital currencies with national economic strategy.

Adding momentum to the bullish sentiment, Trump has strategically appointed high-profile individuals known for their crypto-positive views. Among them are Paul Atkins at the Securities and Exchange Commission and David Sacks as the White House’s artificial intelligence lead. These appointments signal a government that not only tolerates but actively embraces blockchain innovation.

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Meanwhile, Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, also experienced a notable rally. Ether rose more than 5% to \$2,964.02 after briefly touching \$2,998.41, its highest level in five months. The upward trend across the broader market reflects increasing optimism not just around Bitcoin, but also altcoins, smart contracts, and decentralized finance platforms.

Together, these factors underscore a growing belief that crypto is not just a speculative bubble, but a structural force reshaping the financial future.

What Undercode Say:

Institutional Money and Government Alignment Are Driving the Boom

Bitcoin’s latest milestone is not just the result of retail hype or media attention — it’s driven by serious institutional capital entering the space. Major hedge funds, asset managers, and sovereign wealth entities are shifting some of their portfolios into digital assets. This is no longer a fringe movement. When Wall Street veterans and political leaders align on the potential of cryptocurrencies, it adds a new layer of legitimacy.

Trump’s executive order establishing a crypto reserve is unprecedented. It implies that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are being viewed as not just speculative assets, but potentially as strategic economic tools, akin to oil or gold reserves. This redefines how nations could engage with digital finance — not as passive regulators, but as active participants.

The appointment of Paul Atkins and David Sacks is equally important. Atkins is a long-time advocate for lighter financial regulation and has previously suggested that crypto innovation should not be stifled by excessive oversight. Sacks, known for his Silicon Valley connections and tech-forward mindset, brings a decentralized philosophy into federal policy. Their roles could streamline regulations and foster a more transparent framework, which will be critical for attracting long-term capital.

The SEC filing from Trump Media to create a crypto ETF adds another dimension. While ETFs have existed in crypto before, a high-profile, politically-backed venture entering the ETF game could set off a domino effect. It could encourage other major players, even those previously skeptical, to enter the space. ETFs are known to attract institutional investors due to their regulation and ease of access, so the net inflow of capital could be massive.

Ethereum’s rally shouldn’t be overlooked. As Bitcoin soars, it often drags altcoins along, but Ethereum has unique value because of its use in decentralized apps and smart contracts. As investor confidence in the entire blockchain ecosystem rises, Ethereum is increasingly seen as a foundational layer rather than just a Bitcoin competitor.

This rally is occurring against the backdrop of a global financial reset. Inflation remains a concern, fiat currencies are losing trust in some regions, and geopolitical tensions are accelerating interest in decentralized, borderless assets. The alignment of political, institutional, and technological forces is creating a perfect storm for crypto’s mainstream breakthrough.

Skeptics may argue that Bitcoin is due for a correction — and that may be true in the short term. But the long-term structure seems stronger than ever. What we’re witnessing could be the institutional phase of crypto adoption, far beyond the retail-driven waves of 2017 and 2021.

🔍 Fact Checker Results:

✅ Bitcoin’s all-time high: Verified by real-time trading platforms and Reuters
✅ Trump’s crypto executive order: Confirmed through March 2025 government announcements
✅ ETF filing by Trump Media: Documented in official SEC disclosures 📄

📊 Prediction:

Bitcoin is likely to remain volatile in the short term, but with institutional buy-ins and governmental backing increasing, it’s poised to maintain a strong upward trajectory. Ethereum and other altcoins will likely follow suit, particularly if ETF approval comes swiftly. By early 2026, Bitcoin could test the \$150,000 level 📈.