Bitcoin rose 23% during the week, its largest weekly gain since March 2023, as institutions and policymakers advanced digital-asset adoption. Coinbase expanded Bitcoin-backed mortgages that allow borrowers to obtain home financing without selling BTC or facing margin calls, while major banks progressed plans for a joint stablecoin (a cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value). The SEC (U.S. securities regulator) proposed updated crypto custody rules, the UK instructed the Bank of England to advance stablecoin and digital-money innovation, Japan prepared instant blockchain settlement for stocks and government bonds, and Thailand advanced rules for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Charles Schwab, which oversees $13 trillion, is set to add trading for Solana, Avalanche and Chainlink. Institutional demand also continued with Strive’s purchase of 1,100 Bitcoin for $85 million. Although the week included major macroeconomic, artificial-intelligence and trade developments, crypto markets were dominated by Bitcoin’s rally and the expanding use of blockchain-based financial products.