Institutions Scoop Up More Bitcoin as Retail Investors Pull Out

Despite Bitcoin's 14% decline in value during Q2 of 2026, institutional investors were buying up more of it. In fact, their holdings in US spot Bitcoin ETFs increased by 7.5%, rising from 498,389 BTC to 535,723 BTC.

This divergence tells a story: while total Bitcoin ETF holdings fell 6.6% over the quarter, dropping to 1,211,322 BTC, institutions were scooping up more shares. This led to institutional ownership of Bitcoin ETFs hitting a record 44.2%, up from 38.4% at the end of Q1.

The big names on Wall Street are driving this trend, with Morgan Stanley increasing its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) holdings by 23% and JPMorgan expanding its IBIT position by roughly 25%. Hedge funds Millennium and Jane Street also reported increased activity in Bitcoin ETF positions during the quarter.