The cryptocurrency market has kicked off the week with notable gains, as Bitcoin (BTC) and several altcoins experience substantial price increases. With the market capitalization climbing nearly 3%, it now sits at a robust $2.83 trillion. Bitcoin, in particular, has shown remarkable strength, rising from $84,338 to just under $87,000, marking a gain of over 3% in the past 24 hours. Ethereum (ETH) has also seen a positive start, reclaiming the $2,000 mark after a 2% increase, now trading at $2,050. Altcoins such as Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Cardano (ADA) have joined in the rally, with Solana surging almost 7%.

This bullish momentum comes on the heels of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) first-ever crypto roundtable, which sparked passionate debate over the regulatory future of digital assets. At the roundtable, SEC officials, including acting Chair Mark Uyeda, and prominent legal experts discussed whether cryptocurrencies should be classified as securities. The discussions were intense, with experts warning of the risks associated with regulatory changes. One former SEC official, John Reed Stark, shared disturbing personal experiences of receiving death threats due to his stance on crypto regulation, underscoring the high tensions surrounding the sector.

While the roundtable generated significant attention, not all news for the crypto space was positive. Crypto-related stocks have seen a dramatic decline, mirroring the volatility in the broader market. Coinbase’s stock price has plummeted from $350 in November to $190, wiping out billions from its market cap. Similarly, Michael Saylor’s business, which holds nearly 500,000 BTC, has seen a significant dip in value, as its market capitalization dropped from $106 billion to $79 billion. Robinhood also faced a sharp decline, with its stock falling from $66 to $45 per share.

In a separate development, U.S. authorities are working to return $7 million to victims of a crypto investment scam. Fraudsters led victims to fake crypto platforms, where their investments were siphoned off to foreign accounts. The U.S. Secret Service has since seized some of the funds and is in the process of returning them to the defrauded investors.

As Bitcoin continues to trade above $85,000, the broader market sentiment remains positive, with analysts predicting further upward momentum. Traders are hopeful for a breakout, with the possibility of BTC reaching $100,000 if it can break past its current resistance levels. The crypto market's rally, coupled with ongoing regulatory discussions, signals that the digital asset space is in a period of rapid change, with both opportunities and risks on the horizon.