A major institutional voice is raising concerns about the Fed's independence. According to the CEO of BNY Mellon—a powerhouse managing $2.2 trillion in assets—political pressure could be steering the Federal Reserve toward maintaining higher interest rates than warranted by economic fundamentals. This dynamic matters for crypto and traditional markets alike. When central bank policies shift due to external pressures rather than pure economic data, it creates unpredictability. Higher rates typically suppress risk appetite, affecting everything from tech stocks to altcoins. The tension between political expectations and monetary policy autonomy remains a key factor shaping 2025's market landscape.