20.02.202519:07 Forex Analysis & Reviews: Bitcoin: what drives new wave of interest in flagship crypto

By the end of 2024, institutional demand for Bitcoin reached a new peak. According to analyst Sam Callahan, the number of institutions holding long-term investments in Bitcoin has grown to 1,573. This figure includes banks, hedge funds, family offices, and pension funds. But the key question remains—is this enough for Bitcoin to break new all-time highs?

Callahan points out that institutional interest in Bitcoin is still in its early stages. The median BTC allocation in these portfolios is just 0.13%. Leading investors such as Horizon Kinetics and Brevan Howard are making significant Bitcoin investments, but most funds remain cautious.

Despite this, the trend is clear: with a growing number of institutional players and increasing Bitcoin allocations, mass adoption of digital gold seems inevitable. The only question is how quickly this process will lead to a price surge.

Bitcoin's integration into mainstream finance accelerates in 2025

The integration of Bitcoin into mainstream financial products is accelerating. Leading investment banks, including BlackRock and Fidelity, are expanding their offerings by incorporating BTC into structured products and ETFs. This not only creates new demand mechanisms but also enhances market stability.

SEC confirms: Bitcoin entering mainstream financial world

Another indicator of institutional adoption is the surge in Bitcoin mentions in SEC filings. According to Joao Vedson, references to BTC and Ethereum in SEC reports reached an all-time high in February 2025.

This reflects both growing regulatory attention and the emergence of new industry standards. With Bitcoin adoption among financial giants and regulatory shifts under the Trump administration, institutional integration of BTC into traditional finance may accelerate further.

A major milestone was the approval of Bitcoin ETFs in the US. This move granted institutional investors access to BTC through regulated and familiar financial instruments, removing barriers to mass adoption. As a result, Bitcoin ETF trading volumes hit record highs, while volatility declined, contributing to the asset's long-term stability.

However, despite these fundamental shifts, retail demand remains muted. Bitcoin's current consolidation signals market hesitation, driven by both macro factors and technical market structure.

Technical analysis: what does the liquidation map show?

Bitcoin's consolidation near $96,500 continues, prompting analysts to closely examine the BTC liquidation heatmap. Analyst Kevin has identified anomalous liquidity clusters at $91,000 and $111,000, suggesting the potential for sharp price moves.

The BTC/USDT liquidation heatmap on Binance indicates a high probability of a short squeeze to the upside. This phenomenon—where mass short position liquidations force BTC's price higher—could act as a key trigger for a rally toward $111,000.

According to Kevin, market sentiment has reached a critical level: bearish forecasts, mass analyst exits from social media, and prevailing negativity could all be signs of an impending bullish reversal.

A key technical level remains the $100,000 zone, which holds psychological significance. If BTC breaks above this threshold, new capital inflows—including institutional purchases—could accelerate further growth.

Fundamental growth drivers: new economic paradigm

Another crucial factor supporting Bitcoin's long-term growth is the changing global monetary landscape. Entrepreneur and politician Vivek Ramaswamy highlights that the shift toward tight monetary policy is forcing corporations to rethink capital management strategies. Bitcoin is becoming an increasingly attractive reserve asset in corporate treasuries.

This situation is reminiscent of 2020, when MicroStrategy bet on Bitcoin to protect its assets from inflation. Now, major corporations worldwide may adopt a similar strategy, especially amid uncertainty in traditional financial markets.

Companies incorporating BTC into their balance sheets have shown greater resilience to market shocks. In an environment of high interest rates and a weakening dollar, Bitcoin is emerging as a hedge—not only for retail investors but also for corporate players.

Additionally, Bitcoin mining continues to strengthen: network hashrate has hit a new record, and institutional mining companies are ramping up capacity. This signals long-term confidence in BTC's future and enhances its security.

Bitcoin outlook: where is BTC headed?

Given the current macroeconomic environment, rising institutional interest, and technical factors, two key scenarios are realistic.

• Bullish scenario. Continued institutional adoption, rising retail demand, and a breakout above $96,500 could lead to a test of $111,000, followed by new all-time highs. If the rally strengthens, Bitcoin could reach $150,000 by the end of 2025.
• Bearish scenario. Lack of sufficient demand, regulatory pressure, and rising bond yields could keep BTC range-bound, with a possible decline toward $91,000. In case of a global financial crisis, Bitcoin could temporarily correct to $80,000.

However, history shows that periods of extreme pessimism in Bitcoin markets often precede the strongest rallies. Investors should closely monitor liquidity flows, institutional activity, and macroeconomic trends to make informed decisions at the right moment.