The launch of spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) by industry giants BlackRock and Fidelity has been a significant moment in the cryptocurrency market. These ETFs, ranking among the top five ETF launches in history, have attracted massive net inflows of $5.278 billion within a short span of six weeks. However, despite this influx of investment, the price response of Bitcoin has been notably subdued. Prior to the launch of these ETFs, Bitcoin surged to a peak of $49,040, only to settle at $51,000, representing a modest appreciation of 4.3%.
A recent analysis by CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju has brought to light a potentially crucial factor affecting Bitcoin’s price action in recent weeks. According to Ju, over 700,000 BTC have been transferred to Over-The-Counter (OTC) desks, typically used by miners, following the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs. This transfer, equivalent to approximately $35.6 billion, has stirred discussions about its impact on the market dynamics of Bitcoin. OTC desks enable direct transactions between parties, allowing for the handling of large volumes of Bitcoin without immediately influencing the market price.
Ju suggests that the entities behind the newly launched Bitcoin ETFs may be strategically acquiring Bitcoin via OTC desks instead of public exchanges. By opting for OTC transactions, these large buyers can accumulate significant amounts of Bitcoin without causing a sudden increase in supply or demand that could lead to price volatility on open exchanges. This approach serves a dual purpose of fulfilling the demand from ETF investors and mitigating the immediate price impact of large-scale purchases.
While the use of OTC transactions by ETF issuers and other large-scale buyers has kept Bitcoin’s price relatively stable, there is a potential downside to this strategy. If the OTC supply continues to diminish rapidly, a supply shock could occur once reserves are depleted. In such a scenario, entities like BlackRock may be forced to purchase Bitcoin on the open market to support their ETFs, causing a swift reaction in the price of BTC.
Looking ahead, the upcoming BTC halving in April could further constrain the supply available to miners and OTC desks. If demand for Bitcoin remains strong while the available supply diminishes, the market could face significant disruptions. As entities are compelled to acquire Bitcoin from open exchanges due to limited OTC reserves, the price of BTC may experience heightened volatility.
While the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs has brought substantial institutional interest and investment into the cryptocurrency market, the use of OTC transactions to acquire Bitcoin has tempered the immediate price impact. However, as the availability of Bitcoin on OTC desks dwindles, the market may be poised for a supply shock that could lead to rapid price movements. Investors and market participants should pay close attention to these developments as they unfold.
Leave a Reply