YouHodler executives share their thoughts on how industry and geopolitical factors have influenced crypto prices of late.
Middle East tensions
“As tensions rose across the Middle East, investors rapidly pulled back, reducing risk by selling off digital assets. According to on-chain tracking data, more than $1 billion in leveraged crypto positions were liquidated. Bullish traders were hit hardest, having been unprepared for such a rapid geopolitical event.
“We also saw growing concern around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping lane. According to data from the prediction platform Polymarket, the probability of Iran closing its nuclear program jumped to 54% following the airstrikes. While this doesn’t directly affect cryptosystems, the broader economic risks have made investors more cautious.
“(Last) weekend’s events demonstrate that, while crypto is decentralized in structure, it remains deeply influenced by global politics and investor psychology. For those in the market, adapting to a world of sudden shocks may be just as important as spotting the next big opportunity.
“In the near term, we can expect continued volatility. If tensions escalate or Iran retaliates, crypto prices may fall further as investors move their money toward safer assets. Although crypto is decentralized, it remains vulnerable to global instability. In times like these, we often see traders turning to stablecoins as a way to preserve capital.
“Looking further ahead, the picture is more complicated. Heightened geopolitical risk can drive more interest in assets like Bitcoin, which some consider a hedge against uncertainty. At the same time, sharp price swings and liquidation risks may keep institutions from expanding their exposure.
– Andrejs Balans, risk manager
“Following a recent easing of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, financial markets have entered a notably constructive phase, one that could pave the way for renewed momentum across risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. The combination of stabilizing global conditions and strong performance in equity markets is creating a favorable backdrop that may soon trigger another significant rally in the crypto space.
“Equity markets are sending strong bullish signals. The Nasdaq Composite has just reached a new all-time high, underscoring the strength of U.S. tech stocks and investor confidence in continued growth. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 is trading less than 1% below its historical peak, suggesting that broader market sentiment remains highly resilient. In Asia, Japanese technology stocks have entered a robust rally, reflecting both domestic optimism and a renewed global appetite for innovation-driven sectors.
“At the same time, gold, a traditional safe-haven asset, has entered a phase of consolidation and mild correction. This movement can be interpreted as a clear sign of a global ‘risk-on’ sentiment among investors. As concerns over inflation and geopolitical shocks temporarily subside, capital appears to be rotating away from defensive assets and back into growth-oriented plays.
“In this shifting environment, Bitcoin stands out as a likely beneficiary. Currently trading within a broad sideways range between $90,000 and $110,000, Bitcoin remains only a few percentage points below its all-time high. If the positive momentum in equities continues and global risk appetite strengthens further, Bitcoin could break out of its current range and potentially initiate a new leg higher, potentially targeting the $130,000 level in the medium term.”
– Ruslan Lienkha, chief of markets
USD headed up?
“The US Dollar Index (DXY) is trading near its local price lows. Currently, there is more and more news about the so-called ‘death of the dollar.’ Such loud headlines and a negative investment sentiment among the investment crowd can be observed near key reversal formations.
“In our opinion, we are currently seeing the lows of the four-year cycle of the US currency. According to statistics, this implies the beginning of an early upward reversal of the dollar against all other world currencies over the next 1.5 – 2 years (half of a four-year cycle).
“A decline in prices on global stock and cryptocurrency markets often accompanies the growth of the US dollar. This may also affect the cryptocurrency market.
“In the medium term, this may lead to a downward revaluation of the cryptocurrency market. For example, one of the leaders of the crypto market, the XRP coin, is trading in a steady downward channel. With the prospect of the price reaching a level below $ 1. At the same time, the XRP price is currently trading around $2. That is, the decline potential is about 50%, which in turn may coincide with the global growth of the US currency.”
– Sergei Gorev, head of risk
Bitcoin ETFs
“The momentum behind Bitcoin ETFs has been impossible to ignore. Large asset managers are now regularly buying into these funds, and billions of dollars have already flowed in.
“This tells us that institutions are no longer standing on the sidelines. They’re treating Bitcoin like a long-term asset, similar to gold or government bonds. Thanks to ETFs, they can do it through familiar, regulated channels. It’s not flashy, but it is one of the strongest signs yet that crypto has earned a seat at the financial table.
“Ethereum, meanwhile, is quietly becoming the infrastructure layer of the digital economy. Beyond just price speculation, it now offers yield through staking, which institutional investors are increasingly exploring. Regulated platforms are appearing to meet this demand, and that’s no small thing. Earning yield on digital assets in a secure, compliant way is precisely the kind of offering that could bring traditional finance even deeper into crypto.
“What ties all of this together is the surge in crypto investment funds. Total assets under management are at all-time highs, and we’re seeing more sophisticated strategies built around Bitcoin, Ethereum, and even diversified crypto baskets. That’s a clear signal that this market is no longer just about chasing short-term gains. It is about long-term positioning, risk management, and belief in the future of digital assets.
“We’re not in the early days anymore, and we’re not just in it for the memes. With clear rules, growing trust, and institutional adoption, crypto is becoming part of the financial mainstream.
– Balans
The industry’s inflection point
“Crypto is no longer asking for a seat at the table. We’re building the next table. And it’s not about displacing traditional finance; it’s about redesigning the system to work for more people. The tone at this year’s Crypto Valley Conference reflected that shift. We’re no longer evangelizing; we’re operationalizing. That’s a sign of real maturity.”
– Ilya Volkov, CEO
Tokenization’s future
“We’re finally reaching a point where tokenization is moving beyond theoretical potential. But let’s be clear: tokenizing real-world assets isn’t the revolution, it’s the foundation. The real transformation comes when we embed these assets into living, breathing financial systems that solve everyday problems.
“It’s not about putting real estate or invoices on the chain just for the sake of innovation. It’s about enabling those assets to become liquid, collateralized, and usable instantly by everyday users worldwide. That’s where this industry needs to go.”
– Volkov
The shift from speculation to utility
“Crypto is maturing, and with it, the narrative must shift. Speculation dominated the last cycle, but the next chapter will be written by platforms that deliver tangible utility.
“People don’t just want to hold assets; they want to use them. Whether that’s accessing instant credit, building digital credit histories, or saving in a way that reflects real economic needs, this is where platforms like YouHodler are focused. We’re building a financial experience, not a holding tank for coins.”
– Volkov
The convergence of TradFi and DeFi
“There’s a growing recognition that traditional finance and decentralized finance aren’t at odds; they’re on a collision course toward convergence. And frankly, the winners in this space will be the ones who figure out how to integrate both worlds without diluting the strengths of either. The future of finance isn’t binary. It’s blended.
– Volkov
Regulation as a baseline, not a moat
“One of the clearest messages from the conference is that regulatory clarity is finally arriving, but with that comes a reality check. Being regulated is no longer a strategic advantage. It’s the floor, not the ceiling.
“What will separate leaders from the rest is how we go beyond compliance to build systems that are trustworthy by design. Trust isn’t just built through licenses; it’s built through transparency, education, and consistent delivery.”
– Volkov
Crypto’s broader mission: Financial empowerment
“As an industry, we have a responsibility to build for more than investors. Crypto’s greatest legacy could be its ability to bring financial dignity to underserved populations. That means building tools that are simple, accessible, and meaningful, such as micro-lending, automated savings, or utilizing digital assets as a basis for creditworthiness.
“If we want to make this technology matter to the next billion users, we need to stop thinking about margins and start thinking about impact.”
– Volkov