Key Takeaways

• Bitcoin climbs back above $90,000, driven by increasing participation from institutional investors.
• PNC Bank begins bitcoin trading via a new partnership with Coinbase, expanding access for mainstream customers.
• Regulatory compliance pressures rise, with authorities setting stricter expectations for crypto exchanges.
• ETF outflows lead to a notable divergence in the performance of major bitcoin funds.
• What to watch: Market participants await upcoming regulatory consultations that could influence crypto exchange frameworks.

Introduction

Bitcoin’s rebound above $90,000, supported by accelerating institutional adoption, is the top story in today’s crypto market press review for 12 December 2025. PNC Bank’s launch of bitcoin trading through a partnership with Coinbase reflects the increasing convergence of mainstream finance and digital assets. Meanwhile, regulatory and fund performance dynamics continue to evolve.

Top Story. Bitcoin Rebounds Above $90,000

Key Developments

Bitcoin surged past the $90,000 mark on 12 December 2025, continuing its upward trend after several weeks of consolidation. The cryptocurrency reached a high of $92,480 before settling around $91,200, resulting in a 7.3% gain over the previous 24 hours. This advance brings Bitcoin close to its all-time high established in November.

Institutional buying has been a clear driver of the rally, with on-chain data indicating significant accumulation by large wallets and corporate treasuries. Investment firm MicroStrategy stated on 11 December 2025 that it had purchased an additional $500 million in Bitcoin, increasing its total holdings to approximately 210,000 BTC.

Significance for the Market

The rebound is occurring alongside growing mainstream adoption and favorable macroeconomic conditions. Wall Street analysts point to inflation concerns and portfolio diversification as key factors supporting Bitcoin’s recent movement. Following the latest momentum, several major financial institutions have revised year-end price targets for Bitcoin upward.

The rally has also buoyed the broader cryptocurrency market. Total market capitalization increased by 5.8% to $3.2 trillion, while trading volumes on major exchanges doubled compared to the weekly average. This suggests renewed investor interest across the sector.

Also Today. Banking and Mainstream Finance

PNC Bank Partners with Coinbase

PNC Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Coinbase to offer cryptocurrency services to its customers beginning January 2026. Through this collaboration, PNC’s retail clients will be able to buy, sell, and hold digital assets directly through their existing banking platforms.

This represents the first major partnership between a top-ten United States bank and a cryptocurrency exchange. PNC executives stated that growing client demand for digital asset exposure was central to the decision, noting that internal surveys showed over 30% of customers expressed interest in cryptocurrency investments.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong described the partnership as a significant step for cryptocurrency adoption within traditional banking. The integration will initially support Bitcoin, Ethereum, and selected stablecoins, with plans to broaden offerings based on customer feedback and regulatory developments.

ETF Outflows Slow After Volatile Week

Bitcoin ETF outflows have slowed noticeably following last week’s market turbulence. Net outflows fell to $78 million on Tuesday, compared to $450 million last Friday. Analysts suggest that this stabilization reflects increased comfort among institutional investors with current price levels.

BlackRock’s IBIT fund recorded its first net inflow in six trading days, drawing approximately $42 million. Industry observers note that reduced outflows coincide with optimism stemming from corporate treasury announcements and easing inflation concerns.

Fund managers have reported rising interest from pension funds and family offices aiming to establish strategic Bitcoin positions. Jane Reynolds, Director of Digital Assets at Fidelity Investments, stated that institutional investors are now approaching allocation in a more measured manner after previously remaining cautious.

Also Today. Regulatory Landscape

Compliance Intensification for DeFi Protocols

Regulatory oversight of decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols has intensified, as several jurisdictions announce coordinated efforts to bring DeFi into line with existing financial frameworks. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published updated guidance on 11 December 2025, specifically addressing decentralized exchanges and lending platforms.

The guidance states that DeFi protocols with identifiable operators or beneficiaries should introduce know-your-customer procedures and transaction monitoring. In response, prominent protocols such as Aave and Compound have begun implementing optional verification systems for users.

Industry association representatives have emphasized the importance of practical compliance measures while underscoring the need to preserve DeFi innovation. Monica Chen, Executive Director of the DeFi Alliance, stated that balancing regulatory compliance with the core benefits of decentralization remains a key challenge.

Crypto regulation 2025 is an important topic, as this regulatory scrutiny and new compliance standards impact how decentralized exchanges and protocols operate globally.

What to Watch. Key Dates and Events

• The Treasury Department’s public consultation on stablecoin regulation closes on 20 December 2025, with final recommendations expected in the first quarter of 2026.
• The SEC will hold an open meeting on 18 December 2025 to discuss proposed amendments to custody rules for digital assets.
• The European Central Bank’s working group on central bank digital currencies will release its progress report on 15 December 2025, with potential implications for the regulatory approach to private cryptocurrencies.

Technical analysis may become increasingly essential for traders as events like regulatory consultations and changing institutional inflows increase market volatility around digital asset prices.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s recovery above $90,000 underscores renewed institutional confidence. Major bank partnerships and evolving compliance standards continue to influence the crypto market press review. Growing mainstream involvement and ongoing regulatory developments are reshaping opportunities and risks for investors. What to watch: upcoming events from the SEC, Treasury Department, and European Central Bank may set the tone for industry practices and future adoption.

For further insight on understanding trader behaviour and adapting to market shifts, review core concepts from our trading psychology pillar page.