Bitcoin has surged past $110,000 for the first time in history, marking a pivotal milestone in the evolution of digital assets. This achievement comes 122 days after its previous all-time high on January 20, reigniting global interest in cryptocurrency markets and reshaping perceptions of decentralized finance.
As of 9:47 AM local time, Bitcoin was trading at $109,686 — a 2.59% increase from the previous day. The psychological barrier of $110,000 was first breached at 8:25 AM on Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume. This surge wasn’t just symbolic; it reflected deeper macroeconomic shifts and regulatory momentum that are increasingly favoring digital asset adoption.
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Regulatory Catalysts Fueling the Rally
A key driver behind Bitcoin’s latest rally was the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Genius Act, a landmark stablecoin regulation bill. Passed in the early hours of the morning (Korean time), this legislation introduces strict requirements for stablecoin issuers, including:
- 1:1 reserve backing
- Anti-money laundering (AML) compliance
- Consumer protection measures
- Dual oversight by federal and state regulatory bodies
While some feared increased regulation might dampen market sentiment, investors interpreted the Genius Act as a sign of maturation in the crypto ecosystem. Clear rules reduce uncertainty, attract institutional capital, and enhance long-term credibility.
This regulatory clarity arrived at a critical moment. Just weeks earlier, on April 7, Bitcoin hit $74,508 — already a record high. In just 45 days, the price soared by 48%, underscoring the power of combined macroeconomic and policy tailwinds.
Bitcoin Now Fifth Largest Asset by Market Cap
The surge has elevated Bitcoin’s total market capitalization to $2.19 trillion, surpassing Amazon and positioning it as the fifth most valuable asset globally. This places Bitcoin behind only Apple, Microsoft, Saudi Aramco, and Alphabet in terms of market value — a staggering achievement for a decentralized network created just over a decade ago.
Such dominance reflects growing confidence in Bitcoin as both a store of value and a hedge against traditional financial instability.
Macroeconomic Pressures Boost Crypto Demand
Bitcoin’s rise coincides with weakening faith in fiat currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar. Several factors have contributed to the dollar’s decline:
- Rising concerns over fiscal deficits linked to former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs and tax cuts
- Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating on May 16
- Weak demand in the U.S. 20-year Treasury bond auction on January 21 (local time)
As a result, benchmark yields spiked — the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.597%, and the 30-year reached 5.091%, up 10 basis points each. These developments eroded trust in traditional safe-haven assets and pushed investors toward alternatives like Bitcoin.
“In times of monetary uncertainty, Bitcoin increasingly functions as digital gold,” said one market analyst. “We’re seeing real capital rotation from bonds and cash into hard-to-replace digital assets.”
Satoshi Nakamoto’s Estimated Fortune Reaches $121 Billion
With Bitcoin crossing $110,000, the estimated net worth of pseudonymous creator **Satoshi Nakamoto** has climbed to **$121 billion. Based on widely accepted estimates, Satoshi mined approximately 1.1 million BTC** during Bitcoin’s early years and has never moved them.
At current prices, this stash is now worth:
$110,000 × 1,100,000 BTC = $121 billion
That figure would rank Satoshi as the 12th richest person in the world, ahead of Walmart heir Jim Walton and just $1 billion shy of Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell. If Bitcoin climbs above $110,909, Satoshi will officially surpass Dell in wealth — all without selling a single coin.
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Top Cryptos Performance: Divergence Amid Market Surge
Despite broad bullish momentum, not all digital assets benefited equally. According to TradingView data from May 7 to May 22:
- Tether (USDT): -2.18%
- USDC: -2.39%
These two dominant stablecoins posted negative returns, likely due to capital outflows into risk-on assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
In contrast:
- Ethereum (ETH): +41%
- Dogecoin (DOGE): +37%
- Bitcoin (BTC): +13%
Ethereum’s strong performance suggests growing optimism around Layer-2 scaling solutions and potential ETH exchange-traded fund (ETF) approvals. Dogecoin’s rally remains closely tied to social sentiment and speculative trading activity.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When did Bitcoin first exceed $110,000?
A: Bitcoin crossed $110,000 for the first time on May 22, 2025, approximately 122 days after its previous peak on January 20.
Q: How much is Satoshi Nakamoto worth now?
A: With Bitcoin trading above $110,000, Satoshi’s estimated fortune stands at $121 billion — based on an assumed holding of 1.1 million BTC.
Q: Why is Bitcoin rising while the dollar is falling?
A: Investors are turning to Bitcoin as a hedge against fiscal instability, rising national debt, and declining confidence in traditional financial systems — especially following Moody’s credit downgrade and weak Treasury auctions.
Q: Did all cryptocurrencies rise during this period?
A: No. While Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin posted strong gains, stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USDC saw slight declines due to capital rotation into higher-growth assets.
Q: What is the Genius Act?
A: The Genius Act is a U.S. Senate-passed bill regulating stablecoins with requirements for full reserves, anti-money laundering compliance, consumer safeguards, and dual federal-state oversight.
Q: Is Bitcoin now more valuable than Amazon?
A: Yes. With a market cap of $2.19 trillion, Bitcoin has surpassed Amazon to become the fifth-largest asset in the world by valuation.
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Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Bitcoin?
The breach of $110,000 signals more than just a price milestone — it reflects a structural shift in how markets perceive value. As institutional adoption accelerates and regulatory frameworks solidify, Bitcoin is transitioning from speculative asset to mainstream financial instrument.
Key catalysts to watch include:
- Potential approval of spot Ethereum ETFs
- Increased adoption of Bitcoin as corporate treasury reserves
- Global central banks exploring digital currencies (CBDCs) alongside private crypto growth
Meanwhile, the unspent 1.1 million BTC attributed to Satoshi continues to serve as both a mystery and a monument — a silent testament to the origins of a movement that has redefined money itself.
For investors and observers alike, one message is clear: we are no longer witnessing the future of finance — we are living it.