A timeline of Bitcoinâs march to the mainstream By Reuters Share London - Bitcoin hit a record high just shy of $65,000 last week, the latest landmark on the emerging asset's march to wider acceptance. Its gains have been fuelled by growing acceptance among major U.S. companies and financial firms. Here are some steps from big companies, large investors, banks and payment processors that have pushed bitcoin closer to the mainstream in recent months: INVESTMENT Dec. 2020: * British fund manager Ruffer Investment Management says it made a bet on bitcoin worth in December around 550 million pounds ($765 million). Jan. 2021: * Investment bank JPMorgan Chase & Co says bitcoin could hit $146,000 if it becomes an established safe-haven.