Regulatory change, geopolitical pressure, and accelerating adoption continue to redefine the global crypto landscape. Key developments included DAC9 introducing stricter crypto tax reporting across the European Union, alongside clear signals from Russia that digital assets are becoming part of its evolving financial strategy amid sanctions. At the same time, Bitcoin and stablecoins remained central to the fintech revolution, demonstrating how crypto is increasingly shaping payments, financial access, and modern financial infrastructure.
Bitcoin price predictions strengthen the long-term bull case
Bitcoin’s long-term investment narrative gained renewed momentum this week after Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan projected that Bitcoin could reach $1.3 million by 2035. According to PANews, Hougan argues that Bitcoin should no longer be viewed as a purely speculative or highly volatile asset, but rather as one of the highest-returning investments of the coming decade.
His forecast is based on what he described as conservative assumptions, reinforcing the view that Bitcoin’s scarcity, growing institutional demand, and macroeconomic role could drive substantial upside over time. For long-term investors, such projections further support the thesis of Bitcoin as a hedge against fiat currency debasement rather than a short-term trading vehicle.
U.S. retailers expand indirect crypto payments
Crypto adoption in everyday commerce continues to advance in the U.S., although not yet through direct on-chain payments. Major retailers such as Walmart and Starbucks now allow customers to spend Bitcoin and Ethereum indirectly by converting digital assets into cash within mobile apps.
Walmart’s OnePay app enables users to sell crypto and pay at checkout via barcode scanning, while Starbucks has supported a similar model since 2021 through the SPEDN app. Industry experts note that this model particularly benefits unbanked consumers, offering a bridge between crypto ownership and mainstream retail access. However, analysts also caution that selling crypto for daily purchases may carry opportunity costs if Bitcoin continues to appreciate.
Russia enters a new phase with crypto-backed lending
Institutional crypto adoption also advanced in Russia after Sberbank issued the country’s first crypto-backed loan to major Bitcoin miner Intelion Data. While details remain limited, the pilot deal signals growing confidence among Russian banks in digital asset collateral. Sberbank’s use of its own custody solution and its stated support for gradual crypto legalization suggest deeper integration ahead. As mining activity expands and regulatory frameworks evolve, crypto-backed financing could become a key pillar of Russia’s digital asset economy.
Stay informed,
Rodcas Consulting Group