Crypto Market Bounces Back One Year After FTX Collapse and Regulatory Crackdown

The cryptocurrency market is showing signs of recovery after a tumultuous year marked by the collapse of crypto exchange FTX and increased regulatory scrutiny in 2022. Recently, a New York jury found Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the former CEO of FTX, guilty of defrauding FTX's customers before the exchange's sudden downfall in November 2022, despite SBF's plea of innocence. This event, along with others in the crypto industry, had contributed to a sharp decline in prices and tarnished the industry's reputation.

While the cryptocurrency sector is still a long way from the feverish investment climate of late 2021, notable cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have experienced a resurgence in recent weeks. This resurgence is attributed to expectations of the conclusion of central bank interest rate hikes, which have led investors to return to higher-risk assets.

The crypto industry is also keeping a close eye on the potential approval of new spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Several firms have applied for such products, although none have been approved yet. These ETFs have the potential to bring more institutional money into the crypto market.

Bitcoin, as the primary indicator of crypto market sentiment, has more than doubled in value this year, making it the most successful year since 2020 in terms of percentage gains. In 2021, Bitcoin reached a record high of $69,000, but it suffered a significant loss in value in 2022, plummeting by over 65%. Factors such as the collapse of stablecoin terraUSD and the ensuing turmoil in the crypto market contributed to this decline.

Analysts believe that the anticipation of U.S. regulators approving spot bitcoin ETFs, coupled with the expected end of interest rate hikes, has driven Bitcoin's recovery. The applications for Bitcoin ETFs by major financial firms like BlackRock have the potential to attract substantial institutional investment.

The overall market capitalization of the cryptocurrency market has experienced a rollercoaster ride. It peaked at $3 trillion in November 2021, only to plummet to a two-year low of $796 billion as a result of the FTX collapse in 2022. However, it has since regained some ground, hovering above $1 trillion for most of this year.

The stability of Bitcoin, known for its volatility, increased following the FTX collapse. Nevertheless, some market participants argue that the allure of cryptocurrencies lies in their volatility, providing opportunities for quick profits. In mid-October, Bitcoin's price swings began to expand once again, potentially reigniting investor interest.

Venture capital (VC) investment in crypto firms, which saw substantial inflows in 2021, began to slow in 2022 and 2023. In the third quarter of 2022, U.S. VC investments in crypto amounted to just $704 million, a significant drop from the $6.12 billion invested in the first quarter of 2022. This decline was not solely attributed to the FTX collapse but was influenced by factors like the earlier collapse of the terraUSD ecosystem. Venture investors are now proceeding cautiously in the crypto space.

The cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, with both challenges and opportunities influencing its trajectory. While the FTX collapse and regulatory developments had a significant impact in 2022, the industry remains resilient, adapting to changing conditions and seeking new avenues for growth and stability.

By fLEXI tEAM