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- Retail Bitcoin inflows to Binance have dropped over 80% since early 2023.
- Spot ETFs and institutional products have diverted retail capital away from exchanges.
- Institutions now dominate liquidity, reshaping Bitcoin market dynamics.
Bitcoin’s retail market has experienced a stark transformation. According to CryptoQuant data, inflows from wallet addresses holding less than 0.1 BTC — often called “shrimps” — into Binance have collapsed by over 80% since early 2023. Daily deposits dropped from 450 BTC to just 92 BTC, marking what analysts term a “brutal collapse in participation.” This decline is striking, especially as Bitcoin remains steady above $60,000. Smaller holders, once a core driver of liquidity and short-term market movements, are sending far less BTC to exchanges.
Retail Investors, the biggest absentees of this Cycle.
— Darkfost (@Darkfost_Coc) November 2, 2025
When we talk about retail investors, we are essentially referring to users who hold small amounts of BTC. This category, often called shrimps, represents investors holding less than 0.1 BTC.
📊 This chart illustrates the… pic.twitter.com/9yFn1Cni0l
ETFs and Market Shifts Redefine Retail Behavior
Industry experts link this drop to the growing popularity of institutional investment vehicles. The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 coincided with a sharp reduction in retail inflows. Pre-ETF, small addresses contributed 450 BTC daily to Binance; post-ETF, the number fell fivefold to 92 BTC per day. Many retail investors now prefer indirect exposure via ETFs and institutional products rather than holding Bitcoin directly, highlighting a clear behavioral shift in market strategy.
Also Read: Bitcoin Nears 60% Dominance Ahead of 2025 Halving
Institutional Dominance Shapes the Current Cycle
The 90-day moving average of retail inflows reflects a consistent downward trend since early 2023, indicating a cycle increasingly defined by institutional activity. Previously, grassroots retail investors fueled explosive bull runs. Now, the data shows that large holders and institutions are the primary forces influencing market liquidity and price dynamics. From 552 BTC per day in post-bear recovery phases to the current 92 BTC, retail presence has thinned considerably.
A New Era for Bitcoin Markets
The steep decline in small-wallet activity underscores a broader evolution of the Bitcoin market. While retail investors may return during future rallies, their diminished role suggests that institutions now wield far greater influence. The maturation of Bitcoin’s ecosystem points to a market where strategic, institutional-level participation drives liquidity, leaving retail investors in a supporting, rather than leading, position.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
