The crypto ETF landscape is entering a historic phase, with major inflows, an expanding number of regulatory filings, and rising institutional interest. As attention turns to the upcoming week, the stage is set for Bitcoin to continue leading the way—while a wave of altcoin and multi-asset ETF applications hint at a broader transformation in digital asset investing as well.

Bitcoin ETFs Break Records as Institutional Demand Surges

Bitcoin spot ETFs have seen unprecedented inflows in recent weeks. According to recent data, U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs recorded over $3 billion in net inflows last week alone—the highest since their launch. On April 28, these ETFs saw $591 million in daily inflows, marking the seventh consecutive day of positive flows.

There is a visible uptick in inflows, notably IBIT being the ETF of choice among investors.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) remains the clear leader, pulling in nearly $1 billion in a single day and pushing its total cumulative inflows above $42 billion. This surge in interest has helped propel Bitcoin’s price to $95,000, reflecting growing investor confidence in the asset class amid continued macroeconomic uncertainty.

Here we can see that over the last week, Bitcoin ETF´s have experienced steady streams of inflows. Data via Farside as of 30.4.25

This momentum underscores a key narrative: Bitcoin is no longer viewed as a speculative asset—it is being positioned by some of the world’s largest financial institutions as a core portfolio component.

Over 70 Crypto ETF Filings Await SEC Approval

While Bitcoin continues to attract dominant inflows, the regulatory pipeline is expanding rapidly. Over 70 cryptocurrency-related ETF applications are currently under review by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), covering a wide range of tokens from Ethereum to Solana, and even niche and meme-based assets like Dogecoin.

Here is an extensive list of ETFs that are awaiting approval from the SEC by Bloomberg

This influx of filings, many of which involve diversified or multi-asset strategies, suggests that issuers anticipate a more favorable regulatory environment and rising investor appetite beyond Bitcoin. Firms like Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, and VanEck are among those leading the charge, signaling that traditional finance is increasingly integrating crypto infrastructure.

However, Bitcoin remains the centerpiece in this evolution. The vast majority of current ETF volume and institutional capital continues to center around BTC, reinforcing its position as the gateway asset for digital exposure.

A Bright Outlook: Bitcoin’s Institutional Era Has Arrived

Standard Chartered recently forecasted that Bitcoin could reach $120,000 by Q2 and possibly $200,000 by year-end. Their analysis points to growing ETF adoption, decreasing supply post-halving, and capital flight from traditional safe-haven assets as key drivers. You can see the forecast here

The current price of Bitcoin stands at $93k after having seen a rebound in recent days. Data is relevant as of 30.4.25 via The Block

As ETFs make access to Bitcoin easier and more secure for traditional investors, the network effect becomes more powerful. Hedge funds, wealth advisors, and retirement plans are increasingly gaining indirect exposure through regulated vehicles.

BTC is the 7th largest asset by market cap. Data via CompaniesMarketCap as of 30.4.25

With a growing number of high-volume trading days and strong net inflows—even during market pullbacks—Bitcoin is beginning to look less like a volatile experiment and more like an emerging institutional mainstay.

We chart out major world events and how they have impacted price drawdowns over the last five years. Notice how Bitcoin is less volatile in each instance than the Nasdaq Index in comparison.

How do we know that a large proportion of the activity seen in recent weeks is driven by institutions rather than retail investors?

In the chart below we are able to see that search volume for Bitcoin has not picked up as in previous periods where upside had been seen.

Google Search volume has remained lower than in previous cycles, supporting the narrative that inflows have been largely driven by institutional investors rather than from the retail side.

What to Watch This Week

The upcoming week could bring critical decisions from the SEC regarding some of the pending ETF applications. While Bitcoin ETFs have already changed the market structure, the potential approval of altcoin or multi-asset funds could very well mark the beginning of a new chapter for crypto investing.

Bloomberg Analyst James Seyffart reacts to the news of the SEC delaying spot XRP and DOGE ETFs. The new dates for a decision have been pushed to the 15th and 17th of June.

For now, Bitcoin continues to anchor the market—and all signs suggest this is just the beginning!

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