Institutions Now Hold Nearly a Third of Bitcoin – Here’s What That Means for the Market

Over the past decade, Bitcoin has quietly shifted from a grassroots digital asset to a powerful tool in institutional portfolios.

A recent joint analysis by Gemini and Glassnode reveals a striking figure: around one-third of all circulating Bitcoin is now held by large entities such as governments, public companies, and financial funds.

This concentration amounts to roughly 6.1 million BTC—worth more than $660 billion—tied up in centralized treasuries. It’s a sharp contrast to Bitcoin’s early days and marks a 924% rise in institutional holdings over ten years. These organizations are no longer watching from the sidelines; they’re actively positioning Bitcoin as a hedge and long-term asset.

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Interestingly, sovereign wallets—the ones controlled by governments—rarely move their holdings. But when they do, even small shifts have the power to shake markets. The study also suggests that institutional involvement has brought a degree of maturity to the asset, dampening wild swings and lending a more stable character to Bitcoin’s price behavior.

Recent newcomers, including GameStop and long-time advocate MicroStrategy, reflect this growing trend. As traditional finance tightens its grip on the digital asset space, Bitcoin is increasingly being treated less like a speculative token and more like digital gold.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.