Bitcoin's Big Moves and Crypto's Legal Hurdles in December

Bitcoin's Price Decline

In December, Bitcoin's price dropped by 4%, ending the year lower than it started.

Strategy's Massive Bitcoin Purchase

Despite the price drop, Strategy, a software company known for its Bitcoin investments, bought over 22,000 Bitcoin. This purchase added to their already massive holdings, bringing their total to around 3.3% of all Bitcoin in circulation.

Corporate Bitcoin Holdings

Strategy's aggressive buying spree has inspired other companies to follow suit. Now, 192 public companies hold nearly 1.1 million Bitcoin in their treasuries. This trend shows that Bitcoin is becoming a popular asset for companies to hold.

Legal Troubles for Prediction Markets

Meanwhile, prediction markets in the US are facing legal troubles. Major media outlets are partnering with these platforms, but regulators in 11 states are cracking down. They argue that these markets are a form of gambling, a claim the companies dispute.

Crypto Scams and Hacks

Crypto scams and hacks also made headlines in December. Hackers stole $22.5 million, and the total for the year reached $3.4 billion. This highlights the growing threat of cybercrime in the crypto world.

Rise of Real-World Assets in DeFi

Interestingly, real-world assets (RWAs) in decentralized finance (DeFi) are on the rise. They've surpassed decentralized exchanges (DEXs) in total value, reaching $19 billion. This shift shows that traditional assets are finding a place in the crypto space.