MICHAEL MALLINSON priceMICHAEL

The cryptocurrency market is abuzz on October 28, 2025, with significant regulatory shifts, notable price movements in major assets, and key industry events unfolding. The overarching sentiment points to a blend of cautious optimism and strategic development, as the sector continues to mature amid evolving global frameworks and technological advancements.

Regulatory Landscape Takes Center Stage

Regulatory clarity remains a dominant theme in the crypto space. The Financial Stability Board (FSB) and the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) recently published two reports on October 16, 2025, assessing the implementation of their recommendations for crypto-asset and stablecoin activities. The reports highlighted that while some progress has been made, implementation remains slow and fragmented globally, emphasizing the need for more consistent and effective regulatory responses to prevent arbitrage and ensure market integrity. [1]

In the United Kingdom, new draft legislation, the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Order 2025, published on April 29, 2025, is set to bring cryptoassets formally within the UK's regulatory scope. This legislation introduces new regulated activities, including the operation of crypto trading platforms and stablecoin issuance, and establishes standards for transparency and consumer protection. [2] The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has also released consultation papers and a 'Crypto Roadmap,' with significant changes expected to take effect in 2026. Notably, the FCA has lifted its ban on certain Bitcoin-based Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs), paving the way for products like BlackRock’s ETP launch. [2]

Across the Atlantic, US Senate members convened a private roundtable with leading cryptocurrency executives on October 22, 2025, to discuss comprehensive market regulation. Key policy areas addressed included clearer jurisdictional boundaries between regulatory bodies, a federal framework for stablecoins, enhanced anti-money laundering measures, and robust investor protections. [4] Meanwhile, the Swiss Bitcoin-only application, Relai, achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a MiCA license from the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) today, October 28, 2025. This authorization allows Relai to expand its regulated Bitcoin services across the European Union, enhancing accessibility and transparency for users. [20]

Bitcoin and Ethereum Show Resilience and Bullish Signals

Today, Bitcoin (BTC) is demonstrating bullish momentum, pushing towards the $115,000 region. This surge follows recent outflows and is attributed to easing selling pressure, growing bullish sentiment, and increased accumulation by investors. Over 7 million Bitcoin returned to profitability in the last 24 hours, underscoring renewed investor confidence. [8, 31] Analysts are optimistic, with some projecting Bitcoin could reach $120,000 and potentially surpass its all-time high of $126,000-$130,000 by year-end, possibly extending to $150,000 as 2025 approaches. [9, 26, 31]

Ethereum (ETH) is also exhibiting strong performance, outperforming Bitcoin with a 6% increase and trading above $4,200. [22, 23, 31] Market observers note a 'bull flag' pattern, suggesting potential for ETH to reach $5,000. [22] Institutional demand and continued ETF inflows are contributing factors, with 'whales and sharks' reportedly accumulating ETH, indicating improving confidence among larger accounts. [13, 22] The upcoming Federal Reserve meeting on October 28-29, with an anticipated 25 basis points rate cut, is widely expected to act as a significant catalyst, boosting risk assets across the board, including cryptocurrencies. [9, 21, 22, 27, 31]

Altcoin Market Dynamics

Amidst the broader market movements, several altcoins are drawing attention. Digitap ($TAP), an omnibank offering a Visa card for both crypto and fiat, has successfully raised over $1 million in its presale, with some analysts forecasting significant growth. Hyperliquid (HYPE) recorded a 26% price surge, supported by its treasury firm's plan to raise $1 billion. Cardano (ADA) is also under the spotlight, with investors anticipating a potential ETF approval. [3]

Chainlink (LINK) is showing signs of a potential breakout, driven by increased on-chain activity and accumulation by large holders, solidifying its role as crucial infrastructure in decentralized finance. [16, 17] In a notable development, Vultisig's native token, $VULT, is making its debut today, October 28, 2025, with a listing on the Kraken exchange. [14, 34] Furthermore, Nasdaq-listed EtherZilla (ETHZilla), a corporate investor in Ethereum, executed a $40 million ETH sale to fund a share buyback program, aiming to enhance shareholder value. [29]

Key Industry Events and NFT Market Evolution

The cryptocurrency calendar highlights the Blockchain Life 2025 forum, commencing today, October 28-29, in Dubai. This significant event is set to host over 15,000 attendees, bringing together industry pioneers and leaders to discuss the future of Web3, cryptocurrencies, and mining. [7, 19, 24] Also, a crucial technical milestone for Ethereum is set for today, October 28, as its Fusaka hard fork upgrade undergoes its final dry run on the Hoodi testnet, with mainnet deployment projected for early December. [13, 21, 22]

The NFT market, after experiencing a volatile period in early October that saw a dip in market capitalization due to geopolitical tensions, has demonstrated a resilient rebound. The market's recovery signals a growing focus on utility and long-term value over speculative gains, with OpenSea evolving into a comprehensive crypto trading aggregator. [30] The market is shifting towards projects with clear roadmaps and demonstrable real-world applications, with projections estimating the NFT sector's market capitalization to reach $49 billion in 2025. [30]

In conclusion, October 28, 2025, marks a dynamic period for the crypto market, characterized by advancing regulatory discussions, bullish price movements for leading assets, and continued innovation across the altcoin and NFT sectors. The confluence of these factors underscores a market that is actively building foundational elements for sustained growth and broader adoption.