Bitcoin Recent Updates: Institutional Access, Payment Growth, and Renewed Market Activity

Bitcoin Holds Steady Around $115K

Bitcoin traded near $115,000 on Monday morning in Asia, continuing a modest rebound after last week’s sharp correction. The market is still recovering from a $19 billion liquidation event that erased leveraged positions and cooled speculative activity across the crypto sector.

Despite this, traders are showing renewed confidence. Bitcoin is now consolidating between $110,000 and $115,000, suggesting stability after a volatile start to October 2025. Historically, October has averaged around 20% gains since 2013, which would place Bitcoin near $130,000 if past trends repeated.

Still, this month’s muted performance has left many investors cautious. It is clear, however, that Bitcoin's role in finance and payments continues to grow.

Morgan Stanley Opens Crypto Access to All Clients

In one of the most notable institutional updates this quarter, Morgan Stanley will now allow all its financial advisers to offer cryptocurrency funds — including Bitcoin — to clients across individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and 401(k) plans.

This is a departure from the bank’s earlier policy, which limited access to high-net-worth investors with over $1.5 million in assets.

Expanding Institutional Exposure

• The move gives over 19 million Morgan Stanley clients access to digital asset exposure through managed crypto funds.
• The bank oversees $6.2 trillion in assets via its 16,000 financial advisers.
• Advisers can currently offer Bitcoin funds managed by BlackRock and Fidelity.

According to internal sources, Morgan Stanley will use automated systems to ensure clients maintain appropriate exposure levels. The change could unlock new inflows from $45.8 trillion in U.S. retirement assets.

Square Brings Bitcoin Payments to Small Businesses

Square, the payments platform owned by Block Inc., has rolled out a new feature allowing U.S. merchants to accept Bitcoin payments directly at the point of sale.

The company announced the launch on October 8, making it easier for businesses to receive Bitcoin and store it in an integrated digital wallet.

Key Features of Square’s Bitcoin Integration

• Merchants can accept Bitcoin payments and automatically convert a portion into BTC.
• No processing fees through 2026; a 1% transaction fee will apply starting January 1, 2027.
• The feature is available across the U.S., excluding New York State due to regulatory restrictions.

With more than 4 million merchants using Square’s platform, the integration could significantly expand Bitcoin’s utility as a medium of exchange.

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Block Inc., has long been a vocal Bitcoin advocate. His previous initiatives include:

• Integrating Bitcoin trading into Cash App.
• Launching an open-source Bitcoin mining system.
• Funding Bitcoin-focused development through Block’s TBD division.

This rollout further cements Bitcoin’s role in commerce, even as volatility remains a challenge for real-world payments.

Meanwhile Raises $82 Million for Bitcoin-Based Life Insurance

Meanwhile, a Bitcoin life insurance company regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, raised $82 million in a funding round led by Bain Capital Crypto and Haun Ventures.

The company offers life insurance, annuities, and savings products fully denominated in Bitcoin.

Funding Details

• The new round brings Meanwhile’s total funding in 2025 to $122 million.
• Earlier investors include Apollo, Stillmark, and Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures.
• Products are available for both individuals and institutions, with all premiums, claims, and reserves held in BTC.

CEO Zac Townsend said the funding reflects growing recognition of Bitcoin as a foundational asset for savings and intergenerational wealth transfer.

Investors backing the firm believe the Bitcoin economy will need its own financial infrastructure — similar to traditional insurance and pension systems.

Coinbase Launches Bitcoin Rewards Card for U.S. Users

Coinbase has introduced the Coinbase One Card in the United States, offering users the ability to earn Bitcoin (BTC) rewards on everyday purchases. The card is available exclusively to members of the Coinbase One subscription program, which costs $49.99 per year.

According to Coinbase, users can earn up to 4% back in Bitcoin on all spending, with the exact rewards rate tied to the amount of crypto assets they hold on the platform. The card was developed in partnership with American Express and Cardless, marking Coinbase’s latest step toward blending traditional payments with digital assets.

Rumble Integrates Bitcoin Tipping with Tether

Rumble, the video-sharing platform known for its free-speech stance, is testing Bitcoin tipping for its 51 million monthly users.

The platform has partnered with Tether to integrate the feature, allowing users to send BTC tips to creators directly. CEO Chris Pavlovski announced the integration during the Plan ₿ Forum in Lugano, Switzerland.

The tipping feature is expected to roll out fully by December 2025, following a short testing phase.

Why It Matters

• Rumble’s integration expands Bitcoin’s presence in social media payments.
• Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino confirmed that small UX improvements are underway before launch.
• The feature may appeal to creators seeking censorship-resistant monetization options.

Bitcoin’s use in tipping and microtransactions remains limited, but partnerships like this could help bridge usability gaps for everyday users.

Sygnum and Debifi Launch Multisignature Bitcoin Lending

Sygnum Bank, a Swiss-regulated digital asset bank, has partnered with Debifi, a Bitcoin-backed lending platform, to launch a multisignature Bitcoin lending product.

The service introduces a three-of-five multisignature setup, allowing borrowers to retain shared control of their collateral.

Key Technical Features

• Collateral cannot be rehypothecated, offering stronger user control.
• Loans are backed by onchain verification using distributed key management.
• Borrowers can take out fiat loans while maintaining visibility into their collateral.

“While other banks require full custody for Bitcoin-backed loans, MultiSYG’s distributed key management means clients retain verifiable control of their collateral throughout the loan term – a growing demand from Bitcoin investors,” Sygnum said in its statement.

Bitcoin-backed loans have become increasingly common in 2025.

• In April, Riot Platforms secured a $100 million credit facility from Coinbase Prime.
• In September, Cleanspark and Two Prime each received similar $100 million Bitcoin-backed loans.

These products show how Bitcoin is now being used as productive collateral rather than idle store of value.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s recent developments highlight its growing integration into both institutional finance and retail infrastructure. With Morgan Stanley expanding client access, Square enabling real-world payments, and banks launching Bitcoin-backed lending, the asset’s role continues to mature.

While market volatility remains, these developments confirm Bitcoin’s position as a core financial instrument — not just a speculative asset. Its steady adoption across banking, insurance, and payments demonstrates capability, resilience, and lasting relevance in the digital economy.

Resources:

1. Bitcoin Price Action: https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/bitcoin/

2. Morgan Stanley drops restrictions on which wealth clients can own crypto funds - report by CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/10/morgan-stanley-drops-crypto-fund-restrictions-for-wealth-clients.html

3. Announcement - Square Brings Bitcoin to Main Street With First Integrated Payments and Wallet Solution for Local Businesses: https://investors.block.xyz/investor-news/news-details/2025/Square-Brings-Bitcoin-to-Main-Street-With-First-Integrated-Payments-and-Wallet-Solution-for-Local-Businesses/default.aspx

4. Announcement - Sygnum and Debifi Combine Bitcoin Multi-Sig Technology with Regulated Bank Lending Service: https://www.sygnum.com/news/sygnum-and-debifi-combine-bitcoin-multi-sig-technology-with-regulated-bank-lending-service/