Institutional Investors Dominate Crypto Market as Wall Street Influence Grows

The crypto market is undergoing significant changes as institutional investors continue to grow their influence. A recent report from Wintermute highlights that professional players now occupy a central place in trading, with Wall Street increasingly influencing liquidity, prices, and investment strategies.

According to the report, institutional investors accounted for 72% of over-the-counter (OTC) spot trading volume in the first half of 2026, a historic record. This level surpasses the previous high of around 61% in the second half of 2025. Retail investors, on the other hand, remain much less present.

The report also notes that institutional investors apply different strategies than retail investors, favoring precise mandates, clearly defined risk limits, and longer investment horizons. This approach contributes to making the crypto market more stable in its daily operation. Flows therefore head towards the most liquid assets, while speculative moves gradually lose their importance.

Bitcoin's realized volatility has decreased significantly, falling from around 70% in previous periods to nearly 45% in the current cycle. This change reflects an environment where decisions rely more on long-term strategies than immediate reactions to BTC price fluctuations.