Crypto markets under pressure as Trump highlights regulatory progress at WEF Davos

Cryptocurrency prices weakened this week amid global political uncertainty, while digital assets took center stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where President Donald Trump and industry leaders discussed regulation, tokenization, and the future of crypto markets.

On this week’s episode of CNBC Crypto World, attention turned to the growing intersection of global politics, financial markets, and digital assets, as cryptocurrency prices came under renewed pressure against the backdrop of geopolitical developments and regulatory discussions at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

Crypto markets struggled throughout the week, with major digital assets trading lower as investor sentiment turned cautious. The decline followed renewed headlines around U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to explore the acquisition of Greenland, a proposal that, while largely speculative and politically contentious, unsettled broader financial markets. The uncertainty sparked a risk-off mood among investors, which spilled over into cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin and other leading tokens recorded subdued trading volumes as market participants weighed macroeconomic concerns against the sector’s longer-term growth prospects.

Despite near-term volatility, crypto regulation emerged as a central theme at Davos. Speaking at the annual WEF gathering, President Trump touted what he called “meaningful progress” toward creating a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States. He underscored his administration’s intention to balance innovation with investor protection, positioning the U.S. as a competitive destination for blockchain development and crypto-related businesses.

Discussions at Davos reflected a noticeable shift in how digital assets are viewed by policymakers, institutional investors, and corporate leaders. Once considered a fringe segment of finance, cryptocurrencies are now being debated alongside traditional banking, artificial intelligence, and global trade as part of the evolving financial system. Panels explored topics such as regulatory coordination across jurisdictions, the growing role of stablecoins in cross-border payments, and the potential for blockchain technology to enhance transparency and efficiency in capital markets.

Adding to the conversation, Bitget CEO Gracy Chen weighed in on reports that the New York Stock Exchange is considering plans to enable round-the-clock trading of tokenized stocks and exchange-traded funds. Chen described the proposal as a potential “game changer” for global investors, noting that 24/7 trading could narrow the gap between traditional financial markets and the always-on nature of crypto exchanges.

However, she cautioned that such a move would require strong regulatory oversight, resilient market infrastructure, and robust investor protections to guard against excessive volatility and manipulation. Chen also highlighted the broader implications of tokenization, suggesting it could unlock greater liquidity and improve access to markets, particularly for investors outside major financial centers.

As the week’s developments indicate, crypto markets remain sensitive to a complex mix of political decisions, regulatory signals, and technological innovation. While short-term price movements continue to be volatile, the increasing prominence of cryptocurrencies at global forums like Davos points to their growing role in shaping the future of the global financial system.