THIS WEEK IN CRYPTO: BITCOIN STRATEGY, BYBIT’S $140M REWARD, AND UAE’S ADOPTION SURGE

Michael Saylor urges the US to acquire 20% of Bitcoin, Bybit offers a $140 million reward for fund recovery, and UAE crypto app downloads surge by 41%, signalling growing adoption.

This week has been packed with major developments in the crypto world, where every week brings crucial advancements. We have already covered some of the most important stories, including The Era of Rug Pulls: Bitcoin Remains the Only Trustworthy AssetMichael Saylor: The Ultimate Bitcoin WhaleBybit Hack Case: Lazarus Group Striking Again?, and our exclusive interview with DeepSeek on how AI perceives Bitcoin’s future. However, several other critical events unfolded, which we consider worth mentioning.

A close-up of gold and silver Bitcoin coins stacked on a reflective surface, symbolising cryptocurrency and digital assets.

Michael Saylor’s Bold Vision: The US Should Hold 20% of Bitcoin

Michael Saylor, founder of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), has again made headlines with his audacious Bitcoin advocacy. At a CPAC conservative conference, Saylor urged the US to acquire 20% of Bitcoin’s circulating supply—equivalent to 4-6 million BTC. He claimed this strategic move could not only strengthen the dollar but also help pay off the national debt.

Saylor warned against rival nations such as China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia securing Bitcoin dominance before the US. He also emphasised that Bitcoin remains the only decentralised, incorruptible asset with no issuer, reinforcing its long-term value proposition. As the largest corporate Bitcoin holder, Strategy now owns 478,740 BTC, worth around $47 billion, with a 51% unrealised gain.

Bybit Offers $140 Million Reward for Information Leading to Fund Recovery

Earlier this week, we reported the Bybit hack, the largest crypto exchange breach in history. While investigations are ongoing, Bybit has taken additional steps to recover stolen funds. The exchange offers a 10% bounty—potentially up to $140 million—for any successful fund recovery. If you consider yourself a cybersecurity specialist, this might be your chance to participate in the investigation and contribute to reclaiming the stolen assets.

UAE Sees 41% Surge in Crypto App Downloads

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has witnessed a remarkable rise in crypto adoption, with a 41% increase in cryptocurrency app downloads in 2024. According to AppsFlyer, downloads surged from 6.2 million in 2023 to 15 million in 2024, with a record 2.8 million installs in December alone. The surge aligns with broader market trends and regulatory advancements that continue to position the UAE as a global crypto hub.

Experts attribute this spike to increased market optimism, aggressive marketing strategies, and key geopolitical events—including Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance and the launch of his meme coin. Looking ahead, analysts predict 2025 will be a record-breaking year for crypto adoption, with sustained growth in user engagement.

Stay informed, 
Rodcas Consulting Group