The year 2025 is turning out to be a landmark chapter in Bitcoin’s history. What began as a decentralized rebellion against monetary control is now being woven into the fabric of statecraft and institutional strategy.
BeInCrypto spoke with several key figures in the crypto and Web3 industry to uncover how these innovations will influence the ecosystem in the coming year.
Special thanks to Monty Metzger (LCX), Kevin Lee (Gate), Alex Andera (Algos One), Mike Ermolaev (Outset PR), and Allan Bartholomew (Aspire Capital) for sharing their insights.
The Rise of Bitcoin as a Strategic Asset for Both Nations and Corporates
According to Bloomberg data, over $6 billion flowed into US-listed Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in May alone. BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) also surpassed $70 billion in assets under management, becoming the fastest-growing ETF in US history.
These inflows reflect growing conviction among institutional investors. Bitcoin is increasingly seen as a core portfolio allocation rather than a fringe asset.
That institutional shift appears to have reached the highest levels of government. During the Trump administration, the US set up a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve by executive order. The decision to diversify national reserves and protect against global monetary risks is part of a larger rethinking of Bitcoin’s role in sovereign finance.
For some, this is a turning point in Bitcoin’s development as it changes from a volatile digital asset to a tool of monetary strategy. Monty Metzger, CEO of LCX, sees national reserves as just the beginning.
“Corporations will follow suit to protect against fiat erosion. Tokenization bridges legacy capital markets with blockchain infrastructure, opening the door to a global, regulated, multi-trillion-dollar crypto economy,” he said.
Monty’s view is shared by other industry leaders who see structural change underway. Kevin Lee, Chief Business Officer at Gate, pointed to 2025 and 2026 as pivotal years, driven by institutional integration, regulatory momentum, and scaling innovations.
“With Bitcoin ETFs now firmly part of the financial landscape, we anticipate more traditional institutions not just entering the market, but also integrating crypto assets into long-term strategies, whether through custody, settlement, or treasury diversification,” Lee added.
Rising Adoption Sparks Concerns Over Volatility and Centralization
Although some experts believe that the momentum behind institutional adoption is undeniable, not everyone sees smooth sailing ahead. Allan Bartholomew, Founder of Aspire Capital, urges caution. While he acknowledges the significance of May’s Bitcoin ETF inflows, he notes that this surge may mask several underlying risks.
First, according to Bartholomew, regulatory uncertainty remains a persistent challenge, with the SEC’s conservative stance on custody and market manipulation still casting a shadow. He also points to Bitcoin’s volatility, referencing the 28% drop in early 2025 as a reminder that institutional inflows are not always rooted in long-term conviction.
“Systemic risks, like potential liquidations from past crypto failures and Bitcoin’s unregulated spot market, could also destabilize prices. Geopolitical tensions or macroeconomic shifts add further uncertainty. Retail investor enthusiasm, often amplifying ETF demand, may also mask underlying volatility. While institutional interest grows, these risks demand cautious optimism,” he told BeInCrypto.
In addition to systemic fragility, centralization has become another issue dominating conversations among Bitcoin purists. With Wall Street’s entrance into Bitcoin, some view the possibility of large asset managers controlling a significant portion of the circulating supply as a potential threat to Bitcoin’s decentralized ethos.
Mike Ermolaev, Founder of Outset PR, cautions that the growing concentration of BTC among a handful of powerful asset managers could create central points of failure. For him, Wall Street’s lead role in the institutional wave is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it cements Bitcoin’s relevance in traditional finance. On the other hand, it risks undermining the decentralization that originally made Bitcoin revolutionary.
“The irony is that mass adoption might come at the cost of sovereignty—unless we, as users, continue to prioritize self-custody and decentralization at the protocol and social levels,” he opined.
As institutional adoption accelerates, so do the questions around what that future actually entails. Alex Andera, CMO of Algos One, expects more publicly listed companies to begin holding BTC on their balance sheets, using it as a hedge against currency devaluation.
Additionally, he believes countries will begin holding Bitcoin as part of their national reserves.
“This normalization of Bitcoin as a treasury asset signals a structural shift, from speculative asset to sovereign-grade store of value,” he said.
At the same time, infrastructure providers are racing to support this transition. Gate, for example, is positioning itself to make long-term crypto adoption viable for institutions at scale.
“Gate will continue to invest in infrastructure, product innovation, and global accessibility to meet the demands of this next era,” Lee affirmed.
Bitcoin’s role is no longer confined to speculation. As it continues to be adopted at the highest levels of public and private finance, what once seemed improbable now appears increasingly inevitable.
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