Bitcoin’s price is down over 10% from its all-time high and its critics are taking victory laps this week as bitcoin has plummeted all the way back to… $97,000.

It is still practically almost $100,000 for a single bitcoin. It is crazy to me to think that the “dip” is back to just under that important milestone, and really shows how far this asset has come over the last 15, going on 16 years.

Year-to-date, bitcoin is up over 128%. And by historical trends, it is entering into its third year of rising in price before having a large correction. So this tells me that bitcoin isn’t done pumping yet, it’s just taking a breather before its next leg up.

#Bitcoin should continue pumping through next year, based on historical trends 👀

How high will BTC rise in 2025? 🚀 pic.twitter.com/VFX6jNgvvP

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) December 13, 2024

HODLing bitcoin can be scary at times for new Bitcoiners. This asset is volatile both ways – which is great when it’s pumping but it makes people rethink their lives when it’s dumping. If you are new and bought the local top of $108,000 and are panicking, take it from me, someone who has been in Bitcoin for almost eight years now – you’re going to be fine.

This is a healthy pull back and the only thing you should be worried about is stacking more bitcoin today than you had yesterday.

It is more important to learn the fundamentals of Bitcoin and understand this new asset class than to worry about what the price of bitcoin does on a day to day basis. Bitcoin is a wild beast and will have downturns just as hard as it swings up. This volatility, even the downturns, are a good thing for many reasons – it creates opportunities. Especially for new bitcoiners to take advantage of stacking bitcoin at cheaper prices than when they originally got in.

Whenever you’re in doubt, it’s always important to zoom out and see the trajectory that bitcoin is on. Bitcoin has two possible scenarios it will experience:

1.) Bitcoin will fail and go to $0.

2.) Bitcoin will succeed and reach a price range in the millions and beyond.

I think Bitcoin has proven itself that it will not fail, so option number 1 here is not on the table. Meaning option number 2 is what is more likely to happen.

And if option number 2 is going to happen, then well, you should stack more bitcoin on every downturn.

When in doubt, zoom out.

HODL ✊ pic.twitter.com/mr61ppIn3Y

— Nikolaus Hoffman (@NikolausHoff) December 20, 2024

This article is a Take. Opinions expressed are entirely the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.

Hexarq, the cryptocurrency subsidiary of Groupe BPCE, has obtained regulatory approval from France’s Financial Markets Authority (AMF) to offer crypto services to its clients in 2025, the Big Whale reported on Dec. 20.

The approval, known as PSAN registration, allows Hexarq to provide custody, buying, and selling services for digital assets under French law, paving the way for the French banking giant to offer Bitcoin (BTC) to its 35 million customers.

Cautious entry into crypto

The move marks a significant milestone for BPCE, one of Europe’s top 10 banking groups. It highlights BPCE’s cautious but strategic approach to digital finance as it expands into the crypto sector through its Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Épargne networks.

By leveraging Hexarq, the group aims to provide secure, regulated options for customers increasingly drawn to crypto platforms. This could not only help retain existing clients but also attract new ones seeking alternatives to unregulated exchanges.

Hexarq’s PSAN status marks it as one of the few regulated entities in France authorized to offer comprehensive crypto services. It is the second bank to achieve this milestone after Société Générale’s SG Forge, reflecting the growing acceptance of crypto within traditional banking.

Launched in 2021, Hexarq has operated under the radar but is now set to play a central role in BPCE’s strategy. Beyond basic transactions, Hexarq aims to offer an ecosystem of crypto services tailored to retail and high-net-worth clients.

The app-based platform is expected to roll out next year.

Parallel blockchain push

While Hexarq focuses on retail crypto services, BPCE’s investment banking division, Natixis, is carving its own niche in blockchain innovation.

In November, Natixis collaborated with Caisse des Dépôts to issue a €100 million bond on the blockchain. This aligns with Natixis’ broader strategy to explore tokenization and digital market infrastructure, keeping it distinct from Hexarq’s consumer-oriented offerings.

Natixis’ ongoing blockchain projects include developing solutions for tokenized securities, which could streamline institutional investors’ operations and expand access to illiquid asset classes. These initiatives reflect BPCE’s dual-pronged strategy: retail crypto adoption through Hexarq and institutional market transformation through blockchain.

Despite the momentum, BPCE has emphasized that a 2025 launch of crypto services is not guaranteed. A spokesperson noted that while the PSAN registration allows the bank to pursue opportunities, the rollout will depend on ongoing risk assessments.

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