In early May, the price of Bitcoin surpassed the historic threshold of $100,000, driven primarily by the rapid increase in institutional investments. Hedge funds, asset managers, and even public companies around the world are strengthening their presence in the BTC market by using regulated investment instruments—primarily exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
ETFs — A Catalyst for Bitcoin’s Growth
On May 7, according to Farside Investors, spot Bitcoin ETFs received $142.3 million in inflows. This was one of the most significant daily inflows in recent times, reflecting growing interest from institutional investors. The leader was ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB), which attracted $54 million, followed by the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund with $39 million and the BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) with $37 million.
A notable move came from BlackRock: according to Arkham Intelligence, the investment giant acquired 86 BTC worth $8.4 million in a single transaction. This demonstrates not only trust in the asset but also a desire to strengthen long-term positions.
Analyst Alex Obchakevich, founder of Obchakevich Research, commented on the situation:
– “We are seeing steady interest from major institutional players. ETF inflows indicate that hedge funds and asset managers continue accumulating Bitcoin, opting for regulated and transparent investment methods.”
And this is just the tip of the iceberg: at the beginning of May, ETFs saw an additional $117 million in inflows, of which $69 million came from BlackRock, further cementing the firm’s reputation as a key institutional player in the world of digital assets.
The U.S. and Bitcoin: From Regulation to Strategic Reserves
Amid growing institutional activity in the crypto industry, a bold political statement was made. U.S. Congressman Nick Begich proposed that the United States should form a strategic reserve of Bitcoin, similar to its gold and oil reserves. According to him, the reserve could reach 1 million BTC, making America one of the world’s largest holders of digital gold.
This idea sparked wide discussion, especially among crypto enthusiasts and the blockchain community, highlighting a global shift in the perception of Bitcoin as a strategic asset, rather than just a speculative instrument.
Global Adoption: The Middle East Joins In
Interest in Bitcoin is not limited to the United States. In the Middle East, restaurant chain Al Abraaj from Bahrain became the first public company in the region to officially implement a Bitcoin strategy in its corporate model.
The company announced plans to invest a portion of its profits into BTC and use it as a long-term reserve, similar to MicroStrategy in the U.S. This move could serve as a catalyst for mass crypto adoption in the Arab world, especially among small and medium-sized businesses actively seeking alternative ways to preserve capital.
May 2025 clearly demonstrated that Bitcoin is no longer just an asset for retail investors and enthusiasts. Major players, financial corporations, public companies, and even government officials are beginning to view it as a strategic asset capable of providing financial stability and a hedge against macroeconomic risks.
The rise in ETF inflows, political discussions around national BTC reserves, and international corporate adoption are laying a strong foundation for further growth and institutionalization of Bitcoin.
The coming months may reveal just how deeply and widely cryptocurrencies have penetrated the global financial system — and what doors this recognition may open for the entire crypto market.
