Are Institutional Whales Buying Bitcoin Again? Looking at the Recent Data

In recent weeks, are institutional whales buying Bitcoin again? Based on the latest data, both on-chain movements and institutional activity hint at a solid "yes".

The comeback of big money into Bitcoin seems to be well underway, especially when we consider inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs, Michael Saylor’s latest moves, and fresh exposure statistics across major institutions. 

Let's break down what’s really happening and what it means for the broader market.

Institutional Whales: ETF Inflows Data

Source: Lookonchain

Looking at the chart above, there’s clear evidence of steady inflows into several spot Bitcoin ETFs, particularly from iShares (Blackrock) Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which saw a 7-day net inflow of 2,205 BTC, and a single-day addition of 955 BTC as of April 17, 2025.

Other ETFs like Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) and Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO) also showed positive weekly gains. 

In total, Bitcoin ETFs accumulated 1,147 BTC in a single day, with $97.03M in net inflow, despite some funds recording outflows. Over the last week, there’s been a slight negative inflow of -491 BTC, but the larger picture tells us institutional players are still buying.

Meanwhile, Ethereum ETFs are facing notable outflows. With 43,043 ETH withdrawn in the past 7 days, it appears capital is rotating from Ethereum to Bitcoin, perhaps as institutions double down on the more dominant crypto asset.

Read More: Are Bitcoin Holders Buying Again? Looking at the Current Price Movement

Institutional Whales: Michael Syalor's Strategy

When it comes to institutional whales of Bitcoin exposure, it’s hard to ignore Michael Saylor and Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy). 

On April 14, 2025, Strategy made headlines with a fresh acquisition of 3,459 BTC, worth over $285 million, bringing its total BTC holdings to 531,644 BTC, valued at over $44.9 billion.

Saylor later revealed that over 13,000 institutions now hold shares in Strategy, in addition to 814,000 retail accounts. But that’s not all, an estimated 55 million people have indirect exposure to Strategy's Bitcoin holdings via pension funds, insurance, ETFs, and mutual funds.

What’s the big deal here? Saylor’s firm has effectively become a bridge between traditional financial systems and the Bitcoin economy. 

By issuing corporate debt and equity to fund its BTC purchases, Strategy redirects capital from Wall Street into crypto, bit by bit turning passive investment capital into BTC exposure.

Read More: Is Today a Good Time to Buy Bitcoin? Looking at Bitcoin Dominance

Bitcoin ETFs are Playing a Key Role

ETF analyst Eric Balchunas recently stated that inflows into Bitcoin ETFs, along with capital from companies like Strategy, have been crucial in stabilizing the BTC price, especially against the usual volatility brought by short-term traders.

In fact, year-to-date, Bitcoin ETFs have seen inflows of around $2.4 billion, reinforcing Bitcoin’s price floor and adding strength to bullish narratives. This influx reflects not just retail enthusiasm, but institutional conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term value.

Read More: Bitcoin (BTC) Forecast Price for 2025: Is BTC Price Still Under Pressure until the end of year?

Why are Institutional Whales Buying Bitcoin Now?

Here are a few reasons driving institutional whales are buying Bitcoin now.

1. Market Confidence Returning: With macro uncertainty easing, institutions see Bitcoin as a long-term hedge once again.

2. ETF Accessibility: Spot Bitcoin ETFs have made BTC exposure easier than ever for traditional finance players.

3. Saylor Effect: Michael Saylor’s consistent Bitcoin strategy keeps attracting attention and new capital.

4. Nasdaq 100 Inclusion: Strategy’s addition to the Nasdaq 100 in December 2024 has funneled more passive index-tracking capital into Bitcoin indirectly.

5. Diversification From Ethereum: As ETH ETFs bleed outflows, some funds may be reallocating into BTC for better upside potential.

Read More: Comparing Dogecoin to Bitcoin: Which One is a Better Investment?

Conclusion: Institutional Whales are Back

All signs indicate that institutional whale is buying Bitcoin again, not with the fanfare we saw in 2021, but in a steady, strategic accumulation. The mix of ETF inflows, Saylor’s acquisitions, and widespread indirect exposure tells a story of conviction and long-term positioning.

It’s worth noting that these moves come despite price stagnation or moderate pullbacks, another classic sign of smart money entering the market before the next wave of retail euphoria.

So, while the headlines may still be focused on short-term volatility, the real action is happening behind the scenes, and institutions seem to be leading the charge.

Read More: An Insight on Market Condition: Will the Recent Crypto Crash Create New Opportunities?

FAQ

What does institutional whale mean in crypto?

It refers to large financial entities or corporations (like hedge funds or public companies) that invest heavily in cryptocurrencies, usually in amounts big enough to move markets.

Why is Michael Saylor important to Bitcoin?

Saylor is one of the earliest and most vocal institutional advocates for Bitcoin. His company, Strategy, holds over 530K BTC and is seen as a bellwether for institutional confidence in Bitcoin.

What role do ETFs play in Bitcoin adoption?

ETFs allow investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly holding it. They make it easier for traditional players, like pension funds and retail brokers, to enter the crypto market legally and securely.

Is Ethereum losing ground to Bitcoin among institutions?

For now, it seems so. Recent ETF data shows Ethereum products experiencing outflows, while Bitcoin ETFs remain relatively strong. This shift could be short-term or part of a broader capital rotation.