Pardons, privacy coins, and legal clarity marked major turning points for the crypto industry
The crypto market closed 2025 after a volatile but transformative year. While prices fluctuated and Bitcoin ended lower despite reaching a new all-time high, several high-profile reversals reshaped sentiment and policy, setting the stage for 2026.
One of the most striking developments was the presidential pardon of Ross Ulbricht, ending more than 11 years of imprisonment linked to the Silk Road marketplace. Later in the year, Changpeng Zhao also received a pardon after completing a prison sentence related to compliance failures. These moves reflected a clear softening of the US government’s stance toward crypto entrepreneurs, reducing fear of aggressive enforcement and encouraging broader participation.
Privacy-focused cryptocurrencies surged as demand for on-chain anonymity increased. Monero climbed above $400 for the first time in four years, closing 2025 up roughly 120%. Zcash surged more than 800%, reclaiming levels not seen in seven years. Privacy emerged as one of the strongest-performing crypto themes of the year.
Ripple closed a years-long dispute after both sides dropped final appeals, ending uncertainty around XRP’s legal status. While a civil settlement remained, the core claim was dismissed. This outcome removed a major regulatory overhang for the broader crypto market.
Together, these comebacks highlight a crypto industry entering 2026 with stronger regulatory clarity, renewed narratives, and evolving market confidence.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.