Last week threw some serious punches in crypto. A major exchange shuffled its leadership deck with Yi He stepping up as Co-CEO—big moves at the top always signal something brewing. Meanwhile, the SEC hinted at rolling out an "Innovation Exemption" framework, which could flip the script for how projects navigate regulatory minefields.

On the institutional front? Bank of America's analysts are now openly suggesting crypto allocations in portfolios. That's not some fringe hedge fund—that's Wall Street putting its stamp on the asset class. Strategy doubled down too, locking in a $1.44 billion reserve. Conviction or calculated risk? Either way, the stakes just got higher.

Elsewhere, China reminded everyone it hasn't softened its stance—virtual currency activities remain firmly prohibited. No surprises there, but worth tracking how that affects cross-border flows. And Ethereum? Quietly shipped the Fusaka upgrade, tightening its infrastructure while everyone argued about price action.

A lot happened. Some noise, some signal. The pieces are moving faster now.