7th November

You can read the last “This week in crypto” here.

The institutional appetite for digital assets is continuing to grow, but with a sense of caution. A recent global survey by the Alternative Investment Management Association and PwC shows that 55 percent of hedge funds now have some form of crypto exposure. That figure was 47 percent a year ago, so the trend is clearly moving in one direction.

Allocations remain modest, usually below two percent of total assets, but the willingness to participate signals a gradual shift in how professional investors view crypto. It is no longer seen as purely speculative. Instead, it is being treated as a frontier segment within a diversified portfolio.

This growing presence of institutional capital tends to raise expectations across the board. Service quality, custody standards, pricing transparency and regulatory readiness are now key factors that influence where money flows. Platforms that can demonstrate strong governance and clear operational discipline are likely to attract more interest over time.

While retail users might not move in the same circles as hedge funds, the effect trickles down. As infrastructure improves, risk management becomes stronger, and competition for liquidity increases, the entire ecosystem benefits from a more stable base of participation. It is a sign that crypto is evolving into something more durable, even as volatility remains an inherent part of the journey.

This week, attention shifted toward privacy-focused projects, with several tokens recording sharp gains despite muted conditions elsewhere. Dash climbed more than 60 percent over a few sessions, and Zcash, Monero and Decred all posted double-digit increases. The combined market value of privacy coins briefly surpassed 25 billion US dollars, its highest level in months.

Analysts suggest that heightened debate over data ownership and financial transparency has sparked renewed interest in privacy-preserving technology. As more countries introduce detailed reporting standards for digital assets, traders are re-evaluating how blockchain networks can offer both compliance and confidentiality.

Privacy coins often rise during periods of market uncertainty because they represent independence and self-sovereignty. Yet they also come with their own risks. Liquidity can be limited, regulatory clarity is uneven, and exchange support varies significantly. Holding these assets requires careful research and awareness of potential restrictions on future trading.

The recent rally highlights an important dynamic in crypto markets. Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, there is still room for smaller projects to capture attention when sentiment shifts. That diversity of themes is part of what keeps the market both unpredictable and resilient.

The UK’s regulatory environment for digital assets continues to mature, and that maturity is starting to shape investor behaviour. With retail access to crypto exchange-traded notes now reinstated, competition among issuers is intensifying. Management fees on some of these listed products have dropped as low as 0.05 percent, signalling a race to attract new flows.

This widening choice of investment routes gives both individuals and institutions more flexibility in how they approach the asset class. Some prefer direct ownership of tokens, others lean toward listed vehicles that simplify custody and tax reporting. The important thing is that there are now credible options within a regulated framework, which makes it easier to align crypto with traditional portfolios.

Meanwhile, HM Revenue and Customs is stepping up its focus on compliance and reporting. Gains from disposals, swaps and withdrawals all remain taxable, and new data-sharing agreements mean that information about transactions will be more visible to tax authorities from 2026 onwards. Investors who keep accurate records and understand their reporting duties will avoid unnecessary surprises later.

All of these points toward a more structured landscape. Access is widening, costs are falling, and oversight is tightening. The result is a market that still rewards innovation but operates with a clearer set of expectations than ever before.

The market has traded within a narrow range over the past day, reflecting consolidation after a volatile fortnight. Global crypto capitalisation sits close to 3.8 trillion US dollars, a minor drop from the start of the week. Bitcoin is trading around 108,000 to 109,000 US dollars, while Ethereum remains steady near 3,900.

Although headline prices have softened slightly, underlying activity remains healthy. Trading volumes are stable, liquidity across major exchanges has improved, and outflows from exchange-traded products have slowed. The overall picture is one of cautious rebuilding rather than retreat.

Outside the top two, Solana and Avalanche have held firm, while niche segments such as privacy coins and cross-chain protocols continue to see speculative bursts of interest. For longer-term participants, the message is that markets are still adjusting to new conditions rather than entering any decisive trend.

This week’s developments show a market finding balance between caution and conviction. Institutional money is edging further into crypto, and privacy-focused assets are enjoying renewed momentum. Additionally, regulation in the UK is creating a more defined path for growth. Prices remain stable for now, but beneath the surface, confidence appears to be returning.

Whether you are managing your own portfolio, looking to diversify business reserves or exploring digital assets within a pension structure, the same principles apply: focus on clarity, reliability, and a long-term perspective. Crypto continues to evolve, and staying informed remains the best strategy.

At coinpass, we provide a secure and efficient platform designed to meet the needs of professional and corporate investors. Whether you’re looking to diversify your treasury, explore new markets, or integrate digital assets into your financial strategy, our platform offers the necessary tools and expertise.

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