The recent launch of spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) by industry giants such as BlackRock and Fidelity has drawn significant attention in the financial world. Despite the excitement surrounding these ETFs, the reaction from the market, particularly in terms of Bitcoin’s price movement, has been relatively subdued. This unexpected trend has left many analysts and investors puzzled about the underlying reasons behind this lackluster performance.
One possible explanation for the muted response to the Bitcoin ETF launches is the transfer of a substantial amount of BTC to Over-The-Counter (OTC) desks in the weeks following the approvals. According to CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju, over 700,000 BTC were moved to OTC desks primarily used by miners, totaling roughly $35.6 billion at current prices. This influx of BTC into OTC markets has raised questions about its impact on the overall dynamics of the Bitcoin market.
OTC trading provides a platform for direct transactions between two parties without the need for public exchanges. This method allows for the handling of large volumes of Bitcoin without immediate market impact. Unlike trading on traditional exchanges, OTC transactions do not affect the market price in real-time, making them an attractive option for large buyers looking to avoid price fluctuations.
Ki Young Ju suggests that the issuers behind the newly launched Bitcoin ETFs are strategically acquiring BTC through OTC desks to meet the demand from ETF investors while mitigating the immediate price impact of large-scale purchases. By purchasing BTC through OTC channels, ETF issuers can accumulate significant amounts of Bitcoin without causing a sharp increase in market prices that would likely result from spot market purchases.
While the current use of OTC transactions by ETF issuers has kept Bitcoin’s price relatively stable, there could be future implications if the supply of BTC through OTC desks becomes limited. With the upcoming BTC halving in April and the finite nature of OTC supply, a supply shock could occur once reserves are depleted. Entities like BlackRock may then be forced to buy Bitcoin on open exchanges to support their ETFs, thereby triggering a rapid price response in the market.
The utilization of OTC transactions by ETF issuers and large buyers has played a crucial role in shaping Bitcoin’s price dynamics following the recent ETF launches. While the market response has been subdued so far, the finite nature of OTC supply and potential future scenarios, such as the BTC halving, suggest that significant price movements could occur in the near future. It is essential for investors to monitor these developments closely and consider the potential impact on their investment decisions.