# Global ETF Demand Could Drive Bitcoin's Bull Cycle Peak Crypto analysts suggest institutional investors and ETFs may determine the peak of Bitcoin's current rally. - **Source:** [Bitcoin News](https://brifing.si/source/d8aeaf1e-9839-4dad-9d25-7a6bf3fbeef8) - **Published:** 2026-08-30 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/235877cb-97c6-41e7-b2f5-70bbcc04ae16 ## Impact of Global ETF Demand on Bitcoin Cryptoquant CEO Ki Young Ju argues that the peak of Bitcoin's current bull cycle could be driven by institutional capital and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) outside the U.S. Ju highlights international market access as a potential demand source after U.S. products broadened regulated exposure. Barriers like the absence of spot Bitcoin ETFs in South Korea and retail investors' inability to access foreign-listed ETFs persist. ## Barriers and Opportunities in South Korea South Korea lacks spot Bitcoin ETFs, and companies cannot open exchange accounts to buy BTC, reflecting investment hurdles. However, the Financial Services Commission's (FSC) roadmap proposes phased participation for over 3,500 public companies and qualified investors. Ju suggests a regional banker recommending a spot Bitcoin ETF to a retiree could signal this cycle's peak. ## U.S. ETF Success and Global Expansion U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, approved in 2024, gathered $57 billion in net inflows in their first two years. Ju predicts the next phase will involve global institutionalization with deeper stablecoin liquidity and tokenized asset infrastructure. He notes many countries still lack ETFs, limiting access, but this could change. ## Role of Tokenized Real-World Assets Tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) could support broader Bitcoin adoption as part of financial infrastructure. RWA.xyz data shows the tokenized asset market grew 2.65% in 30 days, reaching $38.63 billion. These products move claims on assets like government securities onto blockchain-based systems. ## Stablecoin Markets' Contribution Deeper stablecoin markets may provide institutions with more liquidity for trading and cross-border transfers. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) acknowledges stablecoins' potential for faster payments but warns of financial integrity risks. Expanding on-chain infrastructure doesn't eliminate regulatory concerns. ## Current State of Institutional Adoption Strategy’s Bitcoin Banking Adoption Index evaluated 25 major institutions across trading, custody, and digital asset products. Bank adoption rankings show a 32% overall rate, indicating significant room for growth. Institutional adoption extends beyond direct Bitcoin purchases. ## Bitcoin's Core Features and ETFs Bitcoin's fixed supply and decentralized settlement remain distinct from regulated funds and tokenized rails. Expanded ETF distribution may increase Bitcoin access without altering its underlying design. Ju expects investment access and infrastructure to spread beyond the U.S. market. ## Bitcoin's Future and Institutional Acceptance Ju's forecast suggests broader international ETF availability, institutional holdings, and blockchain-based infrastructure could shape Bitcoin's next adoption phase. Figures like Michael Saylor call for moving beyond founder worship and institutional hostility, potentially broadening Bitcoin's investor base. ## Sources covering this story - https://news.bitcoin.com/market-updates/bitcoin-bull-cycle-peak-could-be-driven-by-global-etf-demand/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._