Bitcoin slumps to $10,000 after losing half its value

Bitcoin, the largest and most prominent cryptocurrency, fell more than 11% to hit $10,000 on the Luxembourg-based Bitstamp exchange, amid worries about a regulatory clampdown.

Bitcoin slid to $10,000 on Wednesday for the first time since December 1, leaving the cryptocurrency down by close to half from its peak hit last month.

The cryptocurrency touched a peak of almost $20,000 in December - and indeed crossed over that threshold on some exchanges - but has since been roiled by several large sell-offs. (File)

Bitcoin, the largest and most prominent cryptocurrency, fell more than 11% to hit $10,000 on the Luxembourg-based Bitstamp exchange, amid worries about a regulatory clampdown.

The cryptocurrency touched a peak of almost $20,000 in December - and indeed crossed over that threshold on some exchanges - but has since been roiled by several large sell-offs.