Guardians of Bitcoin Live: Bitcoin smashes all-time high, UK to lift four-year ban on Bitcoin ETFs

Welcome to Guardians of Bitcoin Live – your daily Bitcoin-only news and commentary with Bo Jablonski at block height 917913. Bitcoin quietly surged to a new all-time high, as investors sought safety amid weakening fiat currencies and U.S. political gridlock.

Meanwhile, the UK is preparing to lift its four-year ban on Bitcoin ETFs, allowing retail investors regulated exposure to the cryptocurrency for the first time.

At the same time, a GoMining survey highlighted the widening gap between Bitcoin and its DeFi offshoot, BTCFi, among over 700 holders in North America and Europe.

Adding to the conversation, billionaire investor Ray Dalio stirred debate by distinguishing his personal hedge strategies from his broader views on government policy.

Finally, BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF has overtaken Deribit as the largest venue for Bitcoin options trading, underscoring the growing influence of institutional players in crypto derivatives.