2024: Crypto key events and timeline

2024 has been a transformative year for cryptocurrency and digital assets. The industry has evolved from its rebellious roots to gaining unprecedented institutional acceptance and political support.

Here's a review of the interesting events from 2024, particularly focused on US regulatory and political events.

January

- SEC approves first Bitcoin spot ETF after years of applications

- BlackRock CEO Larry Fink emerges as crypto advocate, discussing global financial asset tokenization

- Trump softening stance on Bitcoin during Fox News interview

- Federal Reserve publishes comprehensive stablecoin report

February

- Solana ecosystem experiences memecoin trading surge on Pump.fun 

- Institutional investment in crypto reaches new heights following ETF approval

April

- Bitcoin undergoes fourth halving event!  Reducing mining rewards

- SEC issues Wells Notice to Uniswap Foundation

- Consensys launches preemptive lawsuit against SEC in 5th Circuit

- DOJ updates Tornado Cash case stance, suggesting KYC requirements for DeFi

May

- Congress passes bipartisan resolution challenging SEC's SAB 121 crypto accounting bulletin

- Trump administration shifts pro-crypto as election geared up

- Ethereum ETF receives regulatory approval, expanding institutional crypto offerings and leading speculation on other tokens

July

- German government starts selling its Bitcoin holdings makes global headlines

- Historic Bitcoin conference featuring  both RFK and Trump advocating for U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve

August

- Trump releases a new NFT collection

- SEC issues Wells Notice to OpenSea , one of the largest NFT marketplaces

- Regulatory uncertainty drives market volatility

September

- Ripple founder makes large donation to Harris campaign 

- Vice President Harris's campaign intensifies crypto industry outreach

- Bipartisan support for crypto continues to grow

October 

- Polymarket, a crypto prediction market shows Trump with a clear advantage over Harris. Traditional media 

November

- Election Results Show Crypto's Political Influence with the House having 253 pro-crypto candidates elected vs. 115 anti-crypto and the Senate having 16 pro-crypto candidates secure seats vs. 12 anti-crypto

- Courts rule that OFAC exceeds its authority and cannot sanction immutable smart contracts 

December 

- Bitcoin hits $100,000 for the first time 

- MiCA Regulation takes effect

What's next in 2025?

As we look to 2025, one thing is clear: cryptocurrency has moved beyond being a technological novelty to become an integral part of the global financial system. The foundations laid this year - institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and political support - set the stage for the next phase of digital asset innovation. 

What developments do you think will define crypto's next chapter in 2025? Share your thoughts below! 

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