Bitcoin surged past $100,000 amid heightened volatility, while South Korea's political unrest triggered a significant flash crash, particularly impacting XRP prices. Despite the turmoil, strict regulations contained the fallout, preventing major market contagion. Ethereum also reached an annual high of over $4,000, driven by renewed institutional interest and potential regulatory changes at the SEC. Crypto.com topped exchange rankings for liquidity, governance, and security, marking a notable achievement in the competitive landscape.