# This Week in Crypto: markets react to policy shifts and institutional moves

> Explore this week's crypto market changes amid U.S. policy shifts and rising institutional interest in digital assets.

News · 2 min read

Published 7 February 2025 Updated 15 February 2026

This week in crypto, market turbulence followed U.S. policy decisions that triggered mass liquidations, while institutional interest in digital assets remained strong. Investors weighed the impact of new tariffs, ETF filings, and potential regulatory shifts on the broader crypto landscape.

The crypto market saw sharp declines after U.S. President Donald Trump introduced new tariffs, sparking mass liquidations across [Bitcoin](/buy/btc/) and altcoins. Bitcoin dropped below $100,000, while altcoins suffered double-digit declines, with [memecoins](/categories/meme-coins/) hit hardest in the sell-off. Analysts pointed to increasing market sensitivity to macroeconomic policies, warning that further trade measures could prolong volatility.

Amid the turmoil, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) filed for the Truth․Fi Bitcoin Plus ETF, further aligning the administration with the crypto sector. At the same time, institutional activity remained strong. World Liberty Financial expanded its crypto holdings, moving its [Ethereum](/buy/eth/) reserves to Coinbase Custody, a sign of continued demand for regulated storage solutions.

Institutional appetite for crypto investment products remained strong despite the broader market downturn. Franklin Templeton filed for a Crypto Index ETF, offering exposure to both Bitcoin and Ethereum. Meanwhile, Cboe BZX Exchange submitted applications to list spot [XRP](/buy/xrp/) ETFs on behalf of Bitwise, WisdomTree, Canary Capital, and 21Shares. If approved, these would be the first U.S.-based XRP-focused ETFs, further expanding institutional access to altcoins.

In addition, the SEC acknowledged an amendment for Grayscale’s spot [Solana](/buy/sol/) (SOL) ETF, marking a step forward in the approval process for diversified crypto ETFs. These filings highlight the growing trend of major financial firms integrating digital assets into traditional investment portfolios, reinforcing confidence in the sector despite short-term volatility.

The Winklevoss twins are reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO) for their cryptocurrency exchange, Gemini. This move comes after previously exploring a public listing in 2021. A public listing could bolster Gemini’s market position and capital base, setting the stage for expansion amid rising institutional adoption of crypto.

With ETF approvals progressing and regulatory clarity evolving, institutional interest in digital assets continues to build momentum. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how these developments shape the broader integration of crypto into mainstream finance.

**More news stories circulating the block:**

- Grayscale unveils [Dogecoin](/buy/doge/) fund for institutions

- [Bitcoin](/buy/btc/) dominance nears highest level in 4 years

- MicroStrategy rebrands to ‘Strategy’ with BTC logo

- 21Shares submits spot [Polkadot](/buy/dot/) ETF application

- Kraken to delist USDT, other stablecoins in Europe

- Cboe set to launch 24-hour stock trading

- El Salvador adds 12 BTC to national holdings

- [Ondo](/buy/ondo/) Finance tokenises stocks and bonds

- Berachain announces $632M airdrop and mainnet

- Utah’s Bitcoin Reserve bill advances to Senate

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*Source: [This Week in Crypto: markets react to policy shifts and institutional moves](/news/this-week-in-crypto-markets-react-to-policy-shifts-and-institutional-moves/) · Last updated: 2026-02-15*