Institutions around the world are steadily increasing their involvement in cryptocurrency, even as Bitcoin’s price continues to slide. Markets remain under pressure, with Bitcoin trading below the $100,000 level, yet major financial players are expanding their digital asset services and investing in blockchain technology.
Institutional adoption continues despite market weakness
In the United States, a major digital trading platform and chartered bank has opened crypto trading to institutional clients. In Asia, the derivatives division of the Singapore Exchange is entering the market as well, preparing to launch perpetual futures for crypto assets.
Policy shifts have also paved the way for more crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), giving traditional firms new avenues to offer regulated digital asset exposure. While markets face heavy selling, institutions appear focused on long-term strategy and deeper integration with the crypto ecosystem.
Corporations now hold 14% of Bitcoin’s supply
Institutional products and company treasury holdings have helped push corporate Bitcoin ownership to 14% of the cryptocurrency’s fixed 21 million supply. This figure excludes holdings by miners, national governments like El Salvador, and decentralized finance protocols.
Some analysts worry that growing corporate control could increase centralization. Willy Woo compared the trend to gold’s “nationalization path” in the 1970s. But Nicolai Søndergaard from Nansen argued that Bitcoin’s decentralization remains intact even if custody becomes more concentrated.
SoFi expands crypto services in the U.S.
Digital financial institution SoFi announced on Nov. 11 that it will begin offering crypto trading to retail customers in the United States. CEO Anthony Noto noted that SoFi is the only nationally chartered bank to provide such services, thanks to updated guidance from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
New OCC rules clarified that banks can provide crypto custody services, engage in stablecoin-related activities, and participate in distributed ledger networks, allowing SoFi to move forward.
Singapore Exchange launches crypto perpetual futures
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) announced the launch of perpetual futures trading, citing rising institutional demand and a convergence between traditional finance and the crypto sector.
Perpetual futures based on Bitcoin and Ether will be available to accredited investors beginning Nov. 24 and will fall under the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s oversight.
This marks only the second perpetual futures launch in Singapore, following EDXM International’s rollout earlier in the year.
IRS approval boosts institutional staking products
In the U.S., the Internal Revenue Service approved new rules that allow crypto ETPs to stake digital assets and distribute rewards to investors while maintaining grantor trust tax status.
This change simplifies tax reporting and gives institutions greater clarity as demand grows for staking-based investment products.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision supports innovation and helps keep the United States competitive in the digital asset industry.
Hong Kong issues more blockchain-based bonds
Hong Kong has launched its third issuance of blockchain-based bonds, valued at 10 billion Hong Kong dollars ($1.28 billion).
The bonds, denominated in multiple currencies including HKD, RMB, USD, and EUR, attracted strong demand from global institutional investors in sectors ranging from asset management to insurance.
Institutions look beyond short-term market volatility
Despite weak market performance, institutions are expanding their involvement in crypto through new financial products, infrastructure development, and regulatory engagement. Their continued investment signals confidence in the long-term potential of blockchain technology and digital assets.
