Bitcoin ETFs are reshaping the crypto space as self-custody declines after spot ETFs approval in January 2024. New Bitcoin addresses creation slows down, active addresses drop to 650,000. More investors opt for institutional custody over private wallets, marking a behavioral shift in Bitcoin ownership. Source: Glassnode.

Bitcoin ETFs offer regulated, institution-grade access to the cryptocurrency, attracting $50 billion in net inflows within 18 months. BlackRock’s IBIT leads with $83 billion in assets under management, holding over 700,000 BTC. IBIT becomes fastest ETF to reach $80 billion in 374 days, ahead of Vanguard’s previous record. Source: Bloomberg.

Bitcoin treasury companies, like public firms and pension funds, are gaining traction with 125 public companies holding BTC by Q2 2025. Over 250 organizations now hold BTC on their balance sheets, eliminating the need for self-custody and direct exposure to exchanges. Treasury companies offer institutional-grade custody and regulatory oversight.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Why Bitcoin self-custody is declining in the ETF era