Bitcoin has shattered its previous records, soaring past the $100,000 mark for the first time on Thursday, marking a historic milestone for the world’s leading cryptocurrency.

The surge comes as traders anticipate a friendlier regulatory environment under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has nominated crypto advocate Paul Atkins to chair the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The OG token’s rise to six divs, after weeks of testing the level, highlights a renewed bullish sentiment in the crypto market, bolstered by optimism over Trump’s pro-crypto agenda. Since Trump’s election victory a month ago, the cryptocurrency market has added a staggering $1.4 trillion to its valuation.

Pro-Crypto leadership signals softer regulation

Paul Atkins tapped to succeed Gary Gensler as SEC chair, represents a sharp pivot from the previous administration’s approach to digital assets. Under Gensler’s leadership, the SEC aggressively targeted cryptocurrencies following the 2022 market crash, exposing fraudulent schemes and leading to significant industry fallout. Atkins’ nomination has been widely interpreted as a sign of looser regulations and a more crypto-friendly stance in Washington. The anticipation of policy shifts has fueled significant inflows into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), particularly in November, propelling the cryptocurrency’s value to new heights.

Global factors add momentum

Bitcoin’s climb has also been supported by international developments. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently emphasized that virtual currencies like Bitcoin cannot be banned, adding weight to the narrative of digital currencies as a permanent fixture in the global financial landscape. The OG token, already up over 135% this year, gained further traction as traders bet on its resilience and future prospects.

Critics question the sustainability of Bitcoin

While the $100,000 milestone is celebrated by Bitcoin enthusiasts, critics remain skeptical about how far the rally can go. Detractors point to the cryptocurrency’s infamous volatility, warning that its dramatic rise could lead to equally sharp corrections. Despite these concerns, the market’s current sentiment leans bullish, as Bitcoin’s breakthrough into six-div territory symbolizes not just a psychological triumph but a testament to its growing influence in mainstream finance. As the crypto world awaits the formalization of Trump’s administration, Bitcoin’s meteoric rise underscores the powerful interplay between policy expectations and market performance. Whether the rally sustains or stumbles, one thing is clear: Bitcoin has once again captured the world’s attention.