Cryptocurrencies Under Pressure – Market Upheavals from October 17 to 24, 2025

Cryptocurrencies Under Pressure – Market Upheavals from October 17 to 24, 2025

The cryptocurrency world has been rocked again in the past week – from sharp declines to geopolitical shocks to regulatory upheavals that could change the long-term development of the industry. Here’s a look at the most significant events from around the world.

Massive Market Crash – Liquidations in Billions

The cryptocurrency market has experienced a significant shake-up during this period: The value of the first cryptocurrency Bitcoin (BTC) has fallen below $107,000, its lowest since June.

According to one analysis, more than $19 billion in paired positions were liquidated in a single wave.

Among the main reasons: the reopening of tensions between the US and China – the announcement of import tariffs, including a 100% tariff on Chinese exports – and the washout of leveraged positions.

As a result, market sentiment has fallen to “extreme fear” levels – investors are abandoning risky assets and seeking refuge.

Why it matters: This event is not just a short-term correction – liquidation on such a scale reveals the vulnerability of the market, where leverage and geopolitics can trigger an avalanche. A good reminder that even “digital” assets are not insulated from macro.

Regulation and institutional step back into the game

In addition to market fluctuations, the cryptocurrency camp is also struggling with the regulatory framework and the entry of big players: the Financial Stability Board (FSB) has highlighted gaps in global supervision of cryptocurrencies: inconsistent regulation, risks of interconnection with the traditional financial system.

“Big ones” are also entering the scene – for example, Morgan Stanley has relaxed restrictions on its cryptocurrency advisors, allowing them to recommend “digital assets” to a wider range of clients.

Why it matters: Regulation + institutionalization = a sign that cryptocurrencies are no longer just wild technology, but an asset to be taken seriously – with both benefits and risks.

BNB token and the strength of the BNB Chain ecosystem – from the unexpected frontrunner of a monthly rally

While Bitcoin struggled with the decline, attention shifted to the BNB token: The BNB token took center stage in October – the media declared it the “main driver” of the month.

The growth was supported by activities within the BNB Chain – memecoins, decentralized perpetuals, growing user interest.

After the step when Binance co-founder – Changpeng Zhao (CZ) – was pardoned, BNB continued to strengthen.

Why it matters: Let’s look at this as a remarkable change – normally Bitcoin would dominate, but this time a different token took advantage of both the ecosystem benefits and the regulatory/procedural momentum. It’s a signal that diversification and “platform” tokens are becoming increasingly important.

Politics, Regulation, Public Interest

Big news that resonated in the crypto world: Donald Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, who had previously faced charges and convictions for money laundering.

The event could be seen as a shift in the US’s stance on cryptocurrencies – a signal that the environment may be more welcoming, at least from a policy perspective.

Reactions have been mixed – while some in the industry are cheering, critics are warning of potential conflicts of interest and the risks of a “regulatory-tailored” approach.

Why it matters: Cryptocurrencies are not insulated from politics, as many had hoped. This case shows that it is also crucial to pay attention to political/regulatory signals – they can have a significant impact on trust, adoption and prices.

🌏 Asia

Japan considers allowing banks to trade cryptocurrencies

The Financial Services Agency (FSA) is considering allowing subsidiaries of banking groups to offer cryptocurrency trading. At the same time, the possibility of lifting the ban on banks holding cryptocurrencies as an investment is being discussed.

Major anti-corruption crackdown on crypto fraud in Southeast Asia

The United States Department of Justice (USA) and the United Kingdom HM Treasury have imposed sanctions on a large network of scam centers in Southeast Asia that used cryptocurrencies and forced labor.

Hong Kong-Mainland China Cooperation in the Sphere of Cryptocurrencies

According to reports, there is increased cooperation between Hong Kong and mainland China in the field of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, despite China's previous relatively strict stance on crypto activities.

🌍 Europe

Revolut Gets Crypto License in the EU

Fintech Revolut has received a license under the MiCA framework from the Cypriot regulator, which will allow it to offer crypto services across 30 countries.

Blockchain.com Gets MiCA License, Expands European Reach

This crypto platform has received a MiCA license and plans to expand its services in the EU under a unified regulatory framework.

The EU is starting the next phase of regulation – the planned transition to central supervision

The European Commission and institutions such as the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) are preparing for cryptocurrency services to be more closely supervised at the EU level than at the individual state level, thus “closing” the regulatory framework.

🇱🇦 Latin America

Argentina: Crypto as an escape from currency crisis

In Argentina, the use of stablecoins and cryptocurrencies as a means of storage is growing rapidly due to high inflation and distrust in the national currency.

Latin America reaches record levels of cryptocurrency integration

According to a TRM Labs report, the region has reached a new record in the use of cryptocurrencies for payments, savings and remittances.

Bitget publishes “Proof of Reserves” with 307% coverage in BTC for users – Latin America

The Bitget exchange has published documentation showing that its reserves cover user funds more than three times in Bitcoin – an important signal of trust in the region.

Summary – what to take away for the coming weeks

The market is currently in a cleansing phase – liquidation of leveraged positions and macro/market risks → cryptocurrencies are no longer “free” and are showing vulnerabilities.

But at the same time – consolidation and institutionalization continue: regulatory frameworks are becoming clearer, large entities are entering.

The importance of ecosystem tokens (like BNB) is growing – it turns out that not only the “big two” (Bitcoin, Ethereum) may win.

Politics can create conditions for a “new beginning” or, conversely, increase risks – investors and projects should also monitor regulatory and geopolitical developments.

*This is not an investment recommendation.

The Coingarage Team