Bitcoin price made history in 2024, and if a recent report is to be believed, the flagship cryptocurrency could reach $150,000 in the first half of 2025 and potentially hit $185,000 by the fourth quarter.
Galaxy Research, the research arm of the digital asset management firm Galaxy, released this report last week, and with that, it has aligned itself with another digital asset management firm, VanEck, which has also anticipated Bitcoin appreciating by more than 50% from its current levels by 2025.
Key excerpts from Galaxy Research’s report shared on the firm’s X account provide a glimpse into their outlook for Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The firm predicted that spot Bitcoin exchange-traded products (ETPs) will continue to thrive, potentially surpassing $250 billion in assets under management (AUM) by 2025. Alex Thorn, the firm’s Head of Research, noted on X that U.S. Bitcoin ETPs are just $24 billion shy of overtaking all U.S. gold ETPs in AUM.
Galaxy Research reported another big projection related to Ethereum’s native token, Ether, and said it would trade above $5,500 in 2025. That will happen because of the relaxation in regulations and the corporations’ adaptation and experimentation with the Ethereum technology.
Along with that, the Ethereum staking rate will increase by 50%, per report.
In the world of cryptocurrency, staking involves committing a certain amount of cryptocurrency to a blockchain network for a specified period. This process plays a crucial role in supporting the network’s operations, including validating transactions and maintaining its overall security.
“The Trump administration is likely to offer greater regulatory clarity and guidance for the crypto industry in the U.S. Among other outcomes, it is likely that spot-based ETH ETPs will be allowed to stake some percentage of the ETH they hold on behalf of shareholders,” Galaxy Research posted on X.
As per the report, Dogecoin—the most popular memecoin and a favorite of Elon Musk—will reach $1 by 2025.
“Dogecoin market cap will be eclipsed by the Department of Government Efficiency, which will identify and successfully enact cuts in amounts exceeding Dogecoin’s 2025 high-water mark market cap, “ Galaxy Research posted on X.
Other than these forecasts, the report offers optimistic predictions for stablecoins, top publicly traded companies adopting Bitcoin, and other market trends. However, it clearly mentioned that these projections are not intended as investment advice but are purely illustrative of potential market directions.
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Crypto-linked stocks were higher in premarket trade on Thursday, as traders hope 2025 to be a robust year for cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin (BTC-USD), which breached the $100K mark in 2024, is poised to have a strong year, boosted by expectations that President-elect Donald
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SURREY, England — In an eye-opening study that sheds new light on the evolving landscape of digital financial crime, researchers have uncovered a striking pattern in Nigerian cryptocurrency fraud: all convicted perpetrators are male, and nearly two-thirds are under 30 years old. This revelation comes from recent research conducted through an unprecedented collaboration between academic institutions and Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The study arrives at a critical moment in global digital finance. Nigeria has emerged as the third-largest player in Bitcoin transactions globally, trailing only Russia and the United States, with cryptocurrency transactions reaching approximately $400 million. This surge in digital currency adoption reflects both opportunity and risk in Africa’s most populous nation, where only 36.8% of adults have access to traditional banking services.
“Our research reveals a disturbing surge in cryptocurrency fraud,” says study lead author Dr. Suleman Lazarus, a cybercrime expert at the University of Surrey, in a statement. “We’re observing a rising generation of young, tech-savvy male offenders who adeptly exploit digital platforms and cryptocurrencies to perpetrate high-stakes fraud.”
The research, published in Current Issues in Criminal Justice, reveals a clear geographical targeting pattern, with 55% of cases involving American victims. This international reach demonstrates how digital currencies have transformed the scope and scale of financial crimes, enabling fraudsters to operate across borders with unprecedented ease.
What makes these findings particularly intriguing is the fraudsters’ educational background. Despite the technical nature of cryptocurrency transactions, only a quarter of convicted fraudsters held university degrees, challenging assumptions about the expertise required for such crimes.
The digital toolbox of these fraudsters primarily consists of mainstream social media platforms. Facebook emerged as the preferred platform, used in 27% of cases, followed by Gmail at 22% and Instagram at 14%. These familiar platforms serve as hunting grounds where fraudsters establish trust before executing their schemes.
The financial scale of these operations is staggering. While some cases involved modest sums around $1,000, others reached heights of $475,000 in cash, with one case involving 1,200 Bitcoin – approximately $81.96 million. These figures underscore the lucrative nature of cryptocurrency fraud and its potential for devastating financial impact.
Bitcoin dominates as the preferred cryptocurrency for fraudulent activities, featuring in 46% of cases. This preference likely stems from Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and the relative anonymity it provides, presenting significant challenges for law enforcement in tracking and recovering stolen funds.
“As cryptocurrencies continue to gain popularity, our research serves as a wake-up call for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the general public to remain vigilant against the evolving threats in the digital financial landscape,” warns Dr. Lazarus.
The study illustrates how Nigerian cybercrime has evolved from traditional advance-fee scams to sophisticated cryptocurrency operations, reflecting broader changes in global financial systems and highlighting criminal enterprises’ adaptability. In a digital age where cryptocurrency promises financial inclusion and opportunity, this research serves as a crucial reminder of the shadow economy emerging alongside legitimate digital finance.
The study employed a structured approach, examining court records and case files of convicted cryptocurrency fraudsters from two major EFCC commands in Nigeria. Researchers analyzed 22 cases, documenting the fraudsters’ methods, preferred platforms, victim locations, and financial gains. This approach provided verifiable data from official sources, though it necessarily focused only on cases that resulted in convictions.
The findings paint a clear picture: all convicted fraudsters were male, predominantly under 30, with relatively low formal education levels. They primarily used social media platforms, with Facebook being the most common tool. Most targeted American victims, using Bitcoin as their preferred cryptocurrency. Financial gains varied significantly, demonstrating the range of schemes employed.
The research faced several constraints. The sample size of 22 cases, while providing valuable insights, represents only convicted cases, potentially missing more sophisticated operators who evade detection. Additionally, the focus on two EFCC commands might not represent the entire country’s cryptocurrency fraud landscape.
The research reveals an urgent need for international collaboration in combating cryptocurrency fraud. The predominance of young male offenders and their focus on American targets suggests a need for targeted intervention strategies and enhanced cross-border cooperation in law enforcement.
The study, conducted in collaboration with Nigeria’s EFCC, underwent ethical clearance from both the University of Portsmouth (clearance number 1110) and the EFCC. The research team reports no conflicts of interest, with one author’s EFCC employment providing valuable access to case files while maintaining ethical research standards.
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