Major U.S. Banks to Join Bitcoin Network, Former PayPal President Confirms

Key Insights:

• Major U.S. banks and global fintech firms join Bitcoin network.
• Long-term holders steadily accumulate Bitcoin despite price dips.
• Industry leaders forecast significant Bitcoin price growth ahead.

Bitcoin’s price recently hovered around $106,700, showing a slight decline of nearly 1% over 24 hours and a 4% drop in the past week. However, the cryptocurrency’s broader ecosystem reveals significant developments, including the entry of large financial institutions into the Bitcoin network.

Former PayPal President David Marcus highlighted this shift, pointing to a growing mainstream embrace of Bitcoin and its infrastructure.

Large Financial Institutions Entering the Bitcoin Network

David Marcus emphasized that Bitcoin is evolving beyond its early days when only a few dozen enthusiasts were involved. Now, several major players are joining the network. Notably, Latin American digital banks like Nubank, with 100 million customers, have integrated Bitcoin’s network. European fintech firm Revolut has also joined. Marcus indicated that several large U.S. banks will soon announce their participation as well.

He described the network as operational in 70 countries, enabling real-time, 24/7 currency transfers across borders using Bitcoin as the underlying layer. This network allows any currency to be sent and received instantly, including fiat currencies and stablecoins anchored to Bitcoin. Marcus underlined that this infrastructure is not just about Bitcoin as a unit of account but about building a real-time settlement system leveraging Bitcoin’s blockchain.

The arrival of major banks signals a shift toward Bitcoin’s mainstream adoption as a digital asset and payment infrastructure. Marcus noted the system’s growing decentralization, with multiple companies participating and reducing concentration risks. This development reflects broader institutional engagement in digital assets.

Regulatory Context and Asset Class Considerations

David Marcus spoke about the government regulations impacting digital assets in relation to politicians and their families. He noted that families of politicians tend to hold digital assets because they are much like stocks, bonds, and cash. Marcus pointed out that the regulations he studied commonly use trusts or similar measures to avoid conflicts of interest.

He made it clear that digital assets are now being seen as a separate asset class bought and sold by many—including officials. The difference between stablecoins and payment networks was also explained. Marcus explained that stablecoins act like digital dollars but are not themselves part of payment networks.

Long-Term Holders Continue Accumulating Bitcoin

While prices are unpredictable at this time, data shows that LTHs are confidently building up their Bitcoin portfolios. Between March 9 and May 27, 2025, LTHs owned around 1.39 million more BTC, taking their total to nearly 15.74 million from 14.35 million.

Per the data, those who held crypto through 2013, 2017, and 2021 usually chose to let go of some tokens to gain from price increases. Currently, the trend goes against what normally happened at that time, as long-term holders are buying while Bitcoin is near its highest price. Short-term delays in supply in May 2024 and March 2025 did not stop the increase in prices.

According to Bitcoin Magazine Pro analysts, Bitcoin may become less accessible to new buyers because big investors are massively accumulating it. This shrinking supply could influence market dynamics, especially if demand from latecomers grows.

Bitcoin’s Future Price Projections from Industry Leaders

On the same day, Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream and a well-known Bitcoin pioneer, made a notable price prediction. Back projected that Bitcoin could reach $1 million per coin within the next five years. This forecast implies an 826% increase from Bitcoin’s current price of around $108,000.

Back’s prediction was shared during a discussion prompted by Alex Thorn, the research lead at Digital Galaxy. Back’s response reflects optimism based on Bitcoin’s established network effects and increasing institutional interest.

Meanwhile, Standard Chartered and other entities anticipate Bitcoin prices could hit $200,000 before the end of 2025. These forecasts align with recent price action, as Bitcoin reached an all-time high of nearly $112,000 on May 22, 2025.

Disclaimer

In this article, the views and opinions stated by the author or any people named are for informational purposes only. And they don’t establish the investment, financial, or any other advice. Trading or investing in cryptocurrency assets comes with a risk of financial loss.