Bitwise Forecasts Institutional Investors to Control 20% of Bitcoin Supply by 2026

By the end of 2026, the holdings of the original cryptocurrency among institutional players, including governments and corporations, are expected to reach 20% of the total Bitcoin supply (approximately 4.2 million BTC). This is detailed in a report by Bitwise.

Analysts predict that in 2025, around $120 billion will flow into Bitcoin from institutional investors, rising to roughly $300 billion in 2026. At current price levels, this amounts to over 4.2 million BTC.

“Publicly traded companies that utilize Bitcoin as a treasury asset have become a long-term source of demand for the original cryptocurrency, enhancing its significance compared to others. We anticipate that by the end of 2026, over 1 million BTC will have been accumulated under this new paradigm,” the company stated.

Furthermore, experts expect that the number of firms holding Bitcoin reserves will roughly double.

The report also highlights that the growth rates of assets under management (AUM) for spot Bitcoin ETFs have far outpaced those of gold equivalents.

“ETFs represent the initial step in a much more significant transformation of the financial landscape. With the emergence of the first crypto-friendly administration in the United States and new leadership at the SEC open to innovation, the market is geared towards a greater variety of crypto products. There is potential for a broad range of new offerings to arise in 2025,” Bitwise added.

Among the potential launches, analysts highlighted multi-asset ETFs comprising several digital assets, as well as actively managed cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds.

The accumulation of institutional Bitcoin holdings will also benefit from its recognition at the state level as a strategic reserve asset. The U.S. currently holds 198,000 BTC, and the adoption of relevant legislation in the near future could expand the nation’s reserve.

According to the Bitcoin Act, the United States will acquire 200,000 BTC annually. The emergence of Bitcoin reserves at the state level will also support Bitwise’s forecast.

“As corporate adoption continues to progress, institutional investments through capital management platforms are just beginning to gain traction. These converging forces not only enhance the role of Bitcoin but also create a dynamic game theory that accelerates our movement toward a hyper-Bitcoinized future,” the company concluded.

For reference, Bernstein has predicted that Bitcoin holdings among companies could rise to $330 billion by 2029.