Bitcoin Faces Policy-Heavy Week With SEC Chair, Fed Decision in Focus

Bitcoin traded near $79,000 (up ~1.9%) as Bitcoin 2026 opened in Las Vegas, putting the asset within striking distance of the $80,000 round number. The week is policy-heavy: SEC Chair Paul Atkins is scheduled to speak at the conference and the Federal Reserve meets Apr. 28–29, with Chair Powell’s press conference to follow. Traders view Atkins’ tone on regulation and the Fed’s guidance on rates, liquidity and dollar strength as the key near-term drivers that could either extend the rebound above $80,000 or cool risk appetite. The article frames the events as potential market catalysts affecting institutional adoption, custody and market structure, leaving Bitcoin’s immediate direction sensitive to both regulatory clarity and macro policy signals.