Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Rises on Bullish Outlook Amid Crypto Sector Innovation and Regulatory Focus

A prominent expert has predicted that Bitcoin could rise to $70,000, drawing parallels to the market dynamics observed before the December 2021 price crash. The forecast adds to ongoing discussions about the cryptocurrency's future as it faces a mix of optimism and caution from market participants. At the same time, the broader crypto landscape continues to evolve, with new developments in prediction markets and regulatory scrutiny on dark patterns.

Crypto.com has taken a step forward in the intersection of digital assets and event prediction by hiring a quant trader for its sports prediction market. The role involves managing financial contracts tied to the outcomes of major sports events, with the goal of maximizing profits while managing risk. This move reflects the growing sophistication of prediction marketplaces in the crypto space.

The hiring comes amid heightened interest in blending quantitative finance with digital assets, particularly in Singapore, where the job is based. The firm emphasized that the new quant trader will trade directly against customers, a practice that has raised questions about conflicts of interest and transparency. While Crypto.com asserts it does not rely on proprietary trading as a revenue source, the structure of the role remains under scrutiny.

A New Frontier in Prediction Markets

Prediction market platforms like Crypto.com are exploring innovative ways to engage users by incorporating sports analytics and financial expertise. The role of a quant trader in this context bridges the gap between traditional finance and emerging crypto applications. Unlike conventional sportsbooks, which profit from customer losses, these platforms operate by matching opposing views in an open market.

The structure of such platforms has sparked debates about the fairness of market-making practices. Critics argue that internal trading desks may effectively place the platform on the opposite side of user trades, creating potential conflicts of interest. Crypto.com has addressed these concerns by stating that its market maker does not have access to proprietary data or customer order flow before other participants.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Consumer Protection

While the crypto industry expands into new financial models, regulators are increasingly focused on consumer protection. India's Consumer Affairs Minister, Pralhad Joshi, highlighted efforts to combat deceptive design practices known as "dark patterns" in digital platforms. These tactics manipulate users into unintended actions, such as subscription traps and nagging.

The ministry has identified 13 specific dark patterns and is actively addressing new complaints as they arise. E-Jagriti, a digital justice platform, has been instrumental in resolving over 1.4 lakh consumer cases by December 2025. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to enforcing consumer rights in an evolving digital economy.

Security Concerns in the Web3 Ecosystem

As the crypto industry grows, so do the risks associated with security vulnerabilities. CertiK's 2025 Skynet Hack3D Report revealed that $3.35 billion was stolen in blockchain security incidents, marking a 37% increase from the previous year. The report attributes this rise to the sophistication of attacks, particularly those targeting critical service providers and foundational tooling.

Phishing attacks remained the most common threat, with 248 incidents recorded in 2025. The average loss per incident also increased, reflecting a shift toward higher-value targets. CertiK warned that these figures may be understated, as many smaller incidents go unreported or involve off-chain social engineering tactics.

Expanding the Crypto Ecosystem

Kraken, the second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is poised to file for an initial public offering (IPO) in 2026. The exchange has raised $800 million in funding to reach a $20 billion valuation, signaling its intent to attract more traditional finance (TradFi) capital into the crypto sector. The IPO could serve as a catalyst for further growth and stability in the industry.

Meanwhile, Bybit has introduced an enhanced VIP-exclusive airdrop program, offering expanded rewards and a flexible prize structure for its trading community. The upgraded program features 26 prizes distributed across three pools, with the top prize in the Master Pool reaching $11,888. The initiative aims to reward active traders and reinforce Bybit's position as a leading exchange.

Outlook for Bitcoin and the Market

Despite the challenges and risks, the cryptocurrency market remains in a "mid-stage" bull cycle, according to 50T Funds' CEO Dan Tapiero. He argues that Kraken's IPO and increased M&A activity could attract fresh capital from TradFi. However, not all analysts share this optimism. Fidelity's Jurrien Timmer expects a year of downside for Bitcoin in 2026, predicting a potential local bottom around $65,000.

The volatility and uncertainty surrounding Bitcoin reflect broader concerns about regulatory developments and market sentiment. As the industry continues to evolve, investors and policymakers alike are watching closely for signs of resilience or further instability in the crypto markets.