Bitcoin has made a comeback. After months of strong growth in the markets, the world's most well-known cryptocurrency surpassed $123,000, breaking records and capturing global attention. It's hard to miss the headlines: Bitcoin is on the rise, and it is evolving rapidly.
For many, this kind of news sparks curiosity, excitement, and perhaps even a bit of anxiety. Whether you are new to cryptocurrencies or returning after a long break, it's natural to wonder: have I missed the boat?
The truth is that, even though the numbers on the screen may seem daunting, this could actually be one of the most opportune moments to explore Bitcoin, especially if you want to understand what is driving the rally and how accessible crypto has become.
What is driving the rise of Bitcoin?
Several major forces are pushing Bitcoin to new heights – and perhaps more importantly, giving the asset a stronger foundation than ever before.
One of the most notable developments is the influx of institutional capital. With the approval of spot BTC exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States last year, traditional investors have a clear and regulated way to access Bitcoin. These ETFs have attracted nearly $15 billion in capital inflows since the beginning of 2025, reflecting deep and sustained interest from pension funds, asset managers, and family offices.
At the same time, regulatory momentum is giving the sector a new sense of legitimacy and stability. In Washington, lawmakers are advancing bills aimed at clarifying the oversight of digital assets like Bitcoin and stablecoins. These bills, including the GENIUS and CLARITY acts, have received rare bipartisan support and suggest that the United States is ready to seriously embrace the crypto economy. For an asset class long plagued by legal uncertainty, this is a turning point.
At the same time, macroeconomic conditions have also played a role. In the face of rising geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation fears, and signs of a possible interest rate decline, many investors are turning to Bitcoin as a hedge, a sort of digital equivalent of gold, but with the added benefits of scarcity, portability, and programmability.
Finally, in terms of trading, signs of widening participation are appearing. Interest in BTC futures, which represents the total value of active futures contracts, has surged, with Binance alone accounting for over $9.8 billion in open positions in June 2025. This level of activity reflects strong confidence among traders worldwide in Bitcoin's trajectory.
