Bitcoin Adoption Soars Despite Price Drop, Institutions Lead the Way

River Financial's latest report highlights a remarkable trend in Bitcoin adoption, despite the cryptocurrency experiencing a steep price decline. According to the data, institutions and corporations accumulated a record-breaking 829,000 BTC in 2025, with businesses alone adding approximately $54 billion to their balance sheets.

The report emphasizes that this adoption growth is not limited to individual investors but also includes institutional buyers such as businesses, governments, funds, and exchange-traded funds. In fact, River noted that institutions remained net buyers throughout the year's volatility, indicating a long-term commitment to Bitcoin.

One of the most striking aspects of the report is the growth in merchant adoption, which rose 74% worldwide during 2025. This increase was driven by small private firms in the United States, where usage tripled compared to previous years.

The inclusion of nation-states and sovereign wealth funds as Bitcoin holders also marks a significant shift in market structure. Five countries initiated Bitcoin holdings in 2025, with Luxembourg and Saudi Arabia among them. Sovereign wealth funds now treat Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset alongside gold and foreign currencies.