According to Ikigai’s Kling, May marked a significant crypto surge as Bitcoin gained traction with institutions, governments, and regulators alike.

Bitcoin and Crypto Soar in May Amid Institutional Buy-In, Regulatory Advances, and State-Level Endorsements, Says Ikigai’s Travis Kling

May 2025 was a standout month for Bitcoin and the crypto sector, marked by record-breaking institutional investments, important regulatory progress, and expanding adoption across both corporate and governmental arenas, according to Travis Kling, CEO of Ikigai Asset Management.

Bitcoin climbed to an all-time peak of $112,000, buoyed by substantial purchases from major companies like MicroStrategy, which acquired $2.7 billion worth of BTC through multiple transactions. Bitcoin spot ETFs attracted $5.2 billion in new capital, underscoring growing demand from mainstream investors.

Several firms, including Trump Media & Technology Group and Twenty One Capital, committed billions toward expanding Bitcoin reserves. Nakamoto Holdings, led by David Bailey, also raised $710 million via a reverse merger to pursue aggressive BTC accumulation strategies.

The trend toward diversification was evident as SharpLink Gaming and VivoPower announced private funding rounds to support treasury allocations in Ethereum and XRP, signaling broader asset interest beyond Bitcoin.

On the regulatory front, May saw New Hampshire and Arizona become the first states to enact legislation supporting Bitcoin reserves. The GENIUS Stablecoin Bill advanced through the Senate, the SEC clarified that staking does not classify as a security, and the OCC affirmed that U.S. banks can legally buy, sell, and custody Bitcoin — all fostering clearer frameworks for institutional engagement.

Market moves included Coinbase’s $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, reinforcing its position in crypto derivatives despite recent security concerns. Kraken’s plans to launch tokenized stocks on Solana and SUI Network’s $200 million funding for the Cetus protocol further spotlight innovation in decentralized finance.

Globally, firms like Japan’s Metaplanet and France’s The Blockchain Group raised hundreds of millions to bolster their Bitcoin holdings. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq rose 9%, nearing all-time highs, reflecting strong investor confidence.

Finally, Stripe’s integration of stablecoin accounts capped off a month defined by rapid institutionalization, technological advancement, and evolving regulatory clarity within the crypto space.