As BlackRock CEO Larry Fink claims that the U.S. economy is either on the verge of a recession or already in one, institutional investors remain optimistic. Amid global uncertainty, cryptocurrencies—especially Bitcoin—are becoming a core asset of interest for companies with a long-term vision.
Neptune Doubles Down on Bitcoin
This week, Canadian public company Neptune Digital Assets announced an increase in its Bitcoin treasury to 401 BTC. The average purchase price was $31,564 per coin, which is significantly below the market price in early 2025 and the acquisition prices of most other institutional holders.
For comparison, according to CoinDesk, the average BTC acquisition price in 2024 was $65,901, and ARK Invest’s “Big Ideas 2025” report cites a global average of $40,980. MicroStrategy (now Strategy), for instance, has an average purchase price of $67,458.
This makes Neptune one of the most rational and cautious players in the field: their BTC accumulation strategy is based on strict financial discipline and a focus on “value over hype.” Their moves are particularly intriguing against the backdrop of increasing economic instability.
When Everyone’s Afraid, the Big Players Buy
Neptune is far from the first—and certainly not the last—company to boost crypto holdings while analysts predict the onset of a bear market. It’s a near-classic playbook: fear creates opportunity for those who think 3–5 years ahead instead of focusing on short-term volatility.
Larry Fink’s recession warnings highlight growing concern among institutional players, but also underline the rising interest in alternative assets—gold, digital gold, and stable tokens that are independent of central banks.
Binance — Talks with the Treasury and a New Strategic Path
Meanwhile, Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, is in talks with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, seeking to ease oversight and regulatory pressure that escalated following a series of investigations in 2023–2024. Reportedly, Binance is also exploring a potential partnership with World Liberty Financial, which could represent a new step toward integration with traditional finance.
This partnership could help Binance strengthen its position in North America and regain trust lost due to recent scandals and fines. While most crypto exchanges are hesitant to engage with the U.S., Binance—as always—is going all-in with an aggressive strategy.
SEC Hints at a “Sandbox” for Crypto Projects
In parallel news, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) unexpectedly announced it is considering the creation of a regulatory “sandbox” for crypto projects. This would be an experimental space where exchanges and blockchain startups could test new models, including real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, with minimal legal barriers.
This move could kickstart a fresh wave of innovation in the U.S.—from decentralized fintech solutions to tokenized real estate and bonds. While details remain scarce, the very announcement suggests a softening stance from the SEC, previously seen as the country’s top crypto-skeptic.
Conclusion: The Strong Play the Long Game
Once again, the crypto market is moving against the tide of fear and pessimism. Amid talks of a U.S. recession and economic slowdown, institutional players continue to grow their crypto portfolios, exchanges are seeking regulatory compromise, and the SEC is suddenly offering a sandbox for bold ideas.
All signs point to one thing: the market is maturing for its next big move. And, as always in crypto—those who win are the ones who stay calm and play smart.
