Bitcoin News Today: Institutional Blockchain Push and Whale Deposits Signal Tokenized Asset Renaissance

A whale deposited 52.5 million BANK tokens to Bitget within the last hour, valued at approximately $3.36 million, signaling renewed interest in tokenized assets amid a broader shift in institutional and retail capital flows. This activity aligns with Bitget's recent expansion into tokenized equity markets, as the exchange announced the launch of LLY, MA, and UNH stock index perpetual futures, marking a milestone of $3 billion in cumulative trading volume. The move underscores growing demand for onchain exposure to traditional equities, with Bitget offering leverage of up to 10x and 24/5 trading access according to market analysis.

Institutional players are also accelerating blockchain adoption. According to joint announcements, JPMorgan and DBS unveiled a tokenization framework for cross-bank deposits, aiming to enable 24/7 interoperable onchain transactions. The initiative, part of a broader push for tokenized real-world assets (RWA), reflects efforts to streamline institutional payments and reduce fragmentation in cross-border transfers as reported. Meanwhile, 21shares launched the first U.S. crypto index ETFs under the '40 Act, the FTSE Crypto 10 Index ETF (TTOP) and its Bitcoin-excluded counterpart (TXBC), offering diversified exposure to leading cryptocurrencies. These products cater to both institutional and retail investors seeking regulated access to a rapidly evolving market.

Market dynamics remain mixed. While Bitcoin ETFs experienced a $1.7 billion outflow, whale activity has softened the price impact. Great Whales (holders of >10,000 BTC) accumulated over 36,000 BTC in recent weeks, stabilizing Bitcoin above $100,000 despite volatility. The U.S. government's end of a 43-day shutdown further bolstered risk appetite, with Bitcoin rebounding to $102,708 as investors anticipated regulatory clarity and Fed easing according to market analysis. However, on-chain data reveals a cautious trend: long-term holders are gradually selling profits, reflecting a mature market cycle rather than panic-driven liquidation. Analysts attribute this to investor fatigue and year-end tax adjustments, though institutional buying in crypto stocks and ETFs suggests underlying resilience.

Pre-market U.S. crypto stocks also showed strength, with SharpLink Gaming surging 3.28% and Coinbase rising 0.92%. Such movements highlight the sector's integration into traditional markets, as firms like Bitget and 21shares bridge crypto and equity ecosystems.