Institutions Bullish on Bitcoin, 67% Eye Price Rise Through 2026 Amid Accumulation

• Nearly 67% of institutions expect Bitcoin prices to rise through 2026, according to the Coinbase survey.

• Bitcoin exchange outflows remain robust, indicating continued accumulation by large holders.

• Santiment data shows whales with 10,000-100,000 BTC increased balances in Q3 2025, holding over 15% of supply.

Discover institutional Bitcoin bullishness and whale accumulation trends for 2025. Stay informed on BTC’s future growth—explore key insights now.

What is the current institutional sentiment towards Bitcoin?

Institutional Bitcoin bullishness is evident as major investors express optimism about its long-term value. A recent Coinbase survey, “Navigating Uncertainty,” indicates that nearly 67% of institutions expect Bitcoin prices to climb through 2026. This conviction persists despite short-term volatility, driven by factors like regulatory clarity and ETF inflows.

How are Bitcoin whales influencing market accumulation?

Bitcoin whales, defined as holders with significant balances, are actively accumulating during dips. Santiment data from Q3 2025 reveals that addresses holding 10,000 to 100,000 BTC increased their positions by approximately 2.5%, representing over 15% of the total supply. This trend underscores a strategy of building reserves for anticipated growth. Glassnode metrics further confirm that coins held for over a year have risen to 75% of circulating supply, reflecting long-term holder confidence. Experts from Coinbase note, “This accumulation phase positions Bitcoin for a stronger bull run ahead.” Short sentences highlight the data: Whale activity stabilizes prices. Outflows from exchanges exceed 50,000 BTC monthly. Institutional participation amplifies this momentum.

The survey from Coinbase highlights a divide in perceptions of the current market cycle. While 45% of respondents believe Bitcoin is in the later stages of its bull run, the remaining majority sees potential for further expansion. This split opinion does not deter overall positivity, as evidenced by recent purchases from prominent figures like Tom Lee of BitMine Immersion Technologies and Michael Saylor of MicroStrategy, who added to their Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings amid price corrections.

Bitcoin exchange outflows have remained strong throughout October 2025, with daily net outflows averaging 1,200 BTC, according to on-chain analytics. This pattern suggests that large investors are withdrawing assets to secure custody, preparing for a liquidity-tight environment that could propel prices higher. The Coinbase report emphasizes that liquidity remains solid, bolstering long-term conviction among institutions.

Source: Coinbase

Traditional finance perspectives on Bitcoin’s cycle differ from crypto-native views, with some institutions viewing current levels as a maturation phase rather than peak speculation. Sustained buying from entities like BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, which saw inflows of $500 million in the past month, reinforces this institutional Bitcoin bullishness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of institutions expect Bitcoin prices to rise through 2026?

Nearly 67% of institutions surveyed by Coinbase anticipate Bitcoin prices to increase through 2026, citing improved regulatory frameworks and growing adoption as key drivers for this optimism.

Are Bitcoin whales still accumulating in 2025?

Yes, Bitcoin whales are actively accumulating, with Santiment reporting a 2.5% increase in large holder balances during Q3 2025, signaling preparation for the next market upswing and reduced selling pressure.

Key Takeaways

• Institutional Bullishness Persists: Nearly 67% of institutions forecast Bitcoin price growth through 2026, per the Coinbase “Navigating Uncertainty” survey.
• Whale Accumulation Strengthens: Q3 2025 data from Santiment shows large holders boosting positions by 2.5%, holding steady amid volatility.
• Long-Term Holding Trends: Glassnode reports 75% of Bitcoin supply untouched for over a year, indicating deep conviction and potential for future gains.

Source: Santiment

Conviction over speculation

Source: Coinbase

Glassnode data corroborates this trend, with illiquid supply metrics reaching all-time highs in 2025. This indicates that holders are prioritizing conviction over short-term trades, a hallmark of maturing markets. Institutional Bitcoin bullishness is further supported by ETF approvals and corporate treasury adoptions, which have injected billions into the ecosystem since early 2024.

Looking ahead, the combination of whale accumulation and institutional forecasts suggests Bitcoin is poised for continued relevance in global finance. Analysts from Coinbase predict that by 2026, institutional allocation to Bitcoin could double from current levels of 2-3% of portfolios.

Conclusion

Institutional Bitcoin bullishness and ongoing whale accumulation highlight a resilient market entering a phase of strategic growth. With data from Coinbase showing 67% optimism through 2026 and Santiment confirming holder increases, Bitcoin’s trajectory remains upward. As adoption expands, investors should monitor on-chain metrics for entry opportunities—stay ahead with COINOTAG’s latest analysis. Published October 20, 2025, by COINOTAG.