WuBlockchain Weekly: Bitcoin Surges Sharply, Citi to Launch Bitcoin Custody Service and Trump Says Hyperliquid to Enter US Market Compliantly, etc - Substack

Bitcoin extended its sharp upward momentum this week, drawing attention back to the digital-asset market. The rally unfolded alongside a fresh wave of institutional engagement, pointing to a broader maturation of the asset class beyond its retail-trading roots. While price action often dominates the narrative, the underlying infrastructure developments carry longer-term significance.

In a notable move, Citi is reportedly preparing to launch a Bitcoin custody service. Custody is an essential prerequisite for institutional capital—large asset managers and regulated funds rarely participate in markets without secure, bank-grade storage and settlement rails. When a major global custodian enters the space, it signals that demand is moving from exploratory interest toward operational readiness, potentially widening the pool of investors who can safely hold Bitcoin.

Separately, President Trump stated that Hyperliquid would enter the U.S. market in a compliant manner. Hyperliquid, a decentralized perpetual-exchange protocol, operating under U.S. regulation would mark a meaningful shift. It could bridge decentralized liquidity with regulated users, expanding access while forcing offshore platforms to reassess their compliance posture. For market participants, the convergence of institutional custody, regulatory engagement, and strong price action suggests an ecosystem increasingly defined by infrastructure—not just speculation.