Major development: Wells Fargo, one of the largest U.S. financial institutions, is now accepting Bitcoin as collateral for loan applications. This marks a significant shift in how mainstream banking views cryptocurrency as a legitimate financial asset. The move signals growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin's store-of-value properties and its role in diversified collateral portfolios. This trend reflects broader adoption patterns where traditional finance is increasingly integrating digital assets into standard operations. Such institutional moves typically accelerate market maturity and attract additional capital flows from conservative investors who previously avoided crypto exposure. The development underscores Bitcoin's transition from speculative asset to recognized financial instrument within the traditional banking system.