Bitcoin price: What 2022 has in store for the crypto

Bitcoin prices have slipped below the $43,000 mark, marking a 0.5% drop in the crypto market. Since the start of the New Year, Bitcoin has fallen nearly 7%, causing concern among investors. To shed light on the current state of the crypto market, CNBC Africa spoke with Mihai Ivascu, the Founder of Modex. Ivascu shared his insights on the recent price fluctuations and the future outlook for cryptocurrencies. He noted that the correction in the market is a natural phase and not a sign of a major downfall. According to him, the crypto market often experiences periods of stability, with Bitcoin hovering around the $42,000 to $45,000 range. This plateau indicates a crucial phase before the next growth cycle. Institutional investors are increasingly showing interest in Bitcoin, building confidence in the asset. Ivascu predicts a wave of institutional adoption in 2022, which could benefit established cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Solana. He attributed the recent price correction to profit-taking by professional traders at the end of the year, signaling a shift towards strategic investments in the crypto market. Additionally, the correlation between the tech industry's cool-off and the crypto market's correction has influenced price movements. The recent geopolitical events in Kazakhstan, a key player in Bitcoin mining, have also impacted prices. Despite these factors, Ivascu remains optimistic about Bitcoin's growth potential, foreseeing a strong momentum in March and April. He highlighted the importance of regulations in fostering investor confidence and urged for a structured framework to prevent fraud and ensure market integrity. With only 3% of mobile phone users currently exposed to cryptocurrencies, Ivascu compared the industry's growth stage to the internet boom in 1997, emphasizing the vast untapped potential for crypto adoption. Looking ahead, he believes 2022 will witness a surge in new users entering the crypto space, potentially surpassing the 100 million user milestone. As inflation rates rise globally, investors are seeking alternative asset classes like cryptocurrencies to hedge against economic uncertainties. The symbiotic relationship between inflation and crypto prices is expected to drive increased interest from institutional investors seeking diversified investment opportunities. Despite the volatile nature of the crypto market, Ivascu remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of major cryptocurrencies, anticipating a positive trajectory in the coming months.