Bitwise CEO Deems Mainstream Bitcoin Era Official as Corporate Adoption Surges

Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley signals the beginning of a mainstream Bitcoin era as institutions increasingly adopt Bitcoin, with public companies holding 688,000 BTC, a 16.11% rise in Q1 2025. Positive regulatory changes and significant investments by firms indicate a shift from speculation to a maturity phase in the cryptocurrency market.

The corporate adoption of Bitcoin has surged significantly, indicating a transition towards a more institutionally-driven market. Bitwise Asset Management’s report for Q1 2025 reveals noteworthy institutional interest, as CEO Hunter Horsley noted the initiation of a mainstream era for Bitcoin. By the end of 2025, many traditional financial institutions will likely offer crypto products, reshaping the investment landscape.

In Q1 2025, public companies reported holding 688,000 Bitcoin, reflecting a 16.11% increase over the previous quarter. This quantity represents approximately 3.28% of Bitcoin’s total supply, valued at around $57 billion based on a price of $82,445 per Bitcoin. The number of companies engaging with Bitcoin rose to 79, including 12 new entities, and Q1 marked the largest acquisition quarter ever, with 95,431 BTC purchased. Microstrategy remains the leading holder, followed by MARA Holdings, Riot Platforms, Cleanspark, and Tesla.

This rise in corporate Bitcoin holdings aligns with positive regulatory changes. The U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board has permitted Bitcoin to be reported at fair value, promoting transparency and potentially reducing investment risks. Firms such as Gamestop and Semler Scientific are investing in Bitcoin, while Metaplanet plans to acquire 10,000 BTC by year-end. Although concerns about market volatility and regulatory uncertainty persist, the increasing institutional interest signifies a maturing crypto market.

Furthermore, Bitwise’s CIO, Matt Hougan, emphasised a shift away from speculation, stating that the era of ‘alt season’ is over. He suggests that the evolving market is now characterised by fundamental analysis, leading to greater differentiation in the performance of individual cryptocurrencies.