Mr. Bitcoin Goes to Washington

Bitcoin is going to have to grow up fast. The digital currency's skyrocketing value and habit of winding up in criminals' hands are attracting the attention of Congress and DC regulators. And that's forcing supporters of the four-year-old Bitcoin to suddenly start acting like an old-school financial firm in Washington. They're ramping up lobbying efforts to shape regulations that are likely to come, prepping for Senate testimony, and even forming their own trade association. Perhaps it's just a coincidence that the Federal Election Commission has quickly decided to allow campaign donations to be made by Bitcoin.