Institutional Investors Dominate Crypto Market at Record 72% Levels

Institutional investors are increasingly dominating the crypto market structure, according to a report by Wintermute Research. The analysts highlighted that institutional investors account for a record 72% of spot over-the-counter (OTC) trading flow during the first half of 2026, compared to 61% in the second half of 2025.

The report noted that institutional activity is becoming concentrated in a relatively small group of cryptocurrencies. As crypto works through a bear market, with retail largely absent and preoccupied with equities, the structure underneath is easier to see, Wintermute wrote.

Over the past month, Bitcoin gained 11% but failed to reclaim the key $70,000 level. In contrast, Ethereum outperformed with a 22% rally, signaling stronger momentum.