Microsoft Eyeing Bitcoin Investment? BTC Nears All-Time High with 15% Monthly Surge Amid Rising Regulatory Risks

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Bitcoin (BTC) has once again captured global attention, recently surging to $73,660—just 0.4% shy of its all-time high of $73,881.3 set in March 2025. As of the latest data, BTC trades at $71,888.2, with a 24-hour gain of 0.97%. The rally has drawn intense market participation, but not without consequences: over 60,000 traders were liquidated in the past day, resulting in $200 million in total losses, according to Coinglass.

This resurgence underscores growing institutional and retail interest in digital assets. However, experts warn that behind the bullish momentum lie significant risks—volatility, regulatory scrutiny, and macroeconomic uncertainty.

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Bitcoin’s Momentum: ETFs, Institutions, and Market Sentiment

October has been kind to Bitcoin, delivering nearly a 15% price increase. On October 30, nearly all top 200 altcoins posted gains, reflecting broad market optimism. The total crypto market cap now stands at approximately $2.4 trillion, with Bitcoin dominating 59% of the space.

According to Wu Gaobin, Executive Secretary-General of the World Academy Experts Federation and co-founder of the Web3.0 Committee, this rally is driven by a confluence of factors: global economic conditions, investor sentiment, and improving market liquidity.

A key catalyst has been the sustained inflow into U.S.-listed Bitcoin spot ETFs. Over the past 13 trading days, these funds have attracted a net $4.73 billion, averaging $363 million in daily BTC purchases. On October 29 alone, ETFs saw an $870 million net inflow—the third-highest single-day figure since their launch.

Market analysts point to shifting U.S. political dynamics as another driver. Speculation around Donald Trump’s increasing odds in the 2024 presidential election has fueled optimism in crypto circles. Many believe a potential Trump victory on November 5 could lead to lighter regulatory oversight for digital assets.

Mirabaud Group suggests that relaxed regulations under a Trump administration might attract more capital and innovation to the sector. However, it also warns of heightened risks related to fraud and inadequate consumer protection.

Tyr Capital forecasts Bitcoin could reach $100,000 by year-end and climb to $200,000 in 2025. Yet, the firm cautions that post-election profit-taking could pressure prices, though strong support is expected below $60,000.

Similarly, 10XResearch predicts BTC could hit $100,000 by January 2025, aligning its outlook with expectations of a Trump win. While optimistic about short-term Ethereum rebounds, 10X remains skeptical of its long-term trajectory without meaningful innovation.

Corporate Adoption: From MicroStrategy to Metaplanet

Institutional adoption continues to accelerate. MicroStrategy, one of Bitcoin’s largest corporate holders, has amassed 252,200 BTC at an average cost of $39,292 per coin, totaling $9.91 billion in investment. As of September 20, the company enjoys an unrealized gain of nearly $8.4 billion.

Japan-based Metaplanet has also doubled down on Bitcoin, purchasing over 600 BTC in October alone. With a total holding of 1,018.17 BTC, it has become Asia’s largest corporate holder of the asset.

Wang Peng, Associate Researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, notes that corporate investments can diversify portfolios and unlock new value. But he emphasizes that such moves come with risks—especially given crypto’s volatility and evolving regulatory landscape.

“Companies must conduct thorough risk assessments before allocating capital to Bitcoin,” Wang said.

Microsoft’s Potential Bitcoin Move Sparks Debate

A recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revealed that Microsoft will vote on a shareholder proposal titled “Assessment of Investing in Bitcoin” at its upcoming December 10 annual meeting.

Notably, Microsoft’s board recommends voting against the proposal, stating management has already evaluated the idea and concluded it’s not aligned with current strategy.

Wu Gaobin believes the likelihood of approval is low. “Bitcoin’s price swings pose significant financial risks for large corporations,” he explained. “Moreover, regulatory uncertainty makes such investments legally complex.”

Still, the mere discussion signals growing mainstream consideration of Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset.

Regulatory Pressure Mounts Despite Market Optimism

While prices climb, regulators are tightening their grip.

Since October, the U.S. SEC has filed charges against more than 20 crypto projects and individuals—including Cumberland, Gotbit, and CLS—seizing over $25 million in digital assets. Market makers and exchanges are now prime enforcement targets.

Rumors also swirl around a federal investigation into Tether over possible sanctions and anti-money laundering violations—though Tether denies any wrongdoing. Still, such news fuels market jitters.

Data from Coingecko shows that U.S. regulatory settlements in the crypto sector reached nearly $20 billion in 2024—a 78.9% increase from 2023—and account for two-thirds of all penalties over the past five years. Social Capital reports that SEC fines for crypto violations hit $4.68 billion in 2024, up from $150 million the previous year.

Wang Peng stresses that regulation is essential for long-term industry health. “Clear rules protect investors and foster transparency,” he said. “But they also raise operational costs.”

This burden is evident: on October 29, Consensys, a major Ethereum software provider, announced a 20% workforce reduction—about 160 employees—due to legal expenses from ongoing regulatory battles and macroeconomic headwinds.

The company previously issued an open letter to U.S. presidential candidates urging clear, supportive regulations for crypto and Web3 to maintain America’s global competitiveness while addressing consumer safety and illicit activity.

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FAQs: Addressing Key Investor Concerns

Q: Is Bitcoin likely to surpass its all-time high soon?
A: Multiple analysts predict Bitcoin could exceed $73,881 in late 2024 or early 2025, driven by ETF inflows, institutional adoption, and potential shifts in U.S. policy.

Q: Why are companies like MicroStrategy buying Bitcoin?
A: These firms view Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and a way to diversify corporate treasuries—similar to how companies hold gold or foreign currencies.

Q: What are the main risks of corporate Bitcoin investment?
A: Price volatility, regulatory uncertainty, reputational risk, and potential liquidity issues during market downturns.

Q: How do Bitcoin spot ETFs impact the market?
A: They provide regulated exposure to BTC for traditional investors, increasing demand and legitimizing the asset class within mainstream finance.

Q: Could a Trump presidency benefit crypto?
A: Many believe so—his past pro-innovation stance and criticism of current SEC leadership suggest a potentially friendlier regulatory environment.

Q: Is the rise in SEC enforcement a sign of fear or control?
A: It reflects both. Regulators aim to curb fraud and protect investors while asserting authority over a rapidly growing sector that challenges traditional financial frameworks.

The Road Ahead: Balancing Growth and Oversight

The global regulatory trend is clear: increased oversight and standardization. Wang Peng observes that while stricter rules may raise compliance costs, they also bring long-term benefits—greater transparency, investor trust, and sustainable innovation.

For investors, staying informed about policy developments is crucial. Regulatory shifts can trigger sharp price movements. For enterprises, navigating this landscape requires strategic foresight and robust compliance infrastructure.

As Bitcoin inches toward six figures, the interplay between adoption and regulation will define its next chapter.

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