In the first half of 2026, institutional investors accounted for 72% of Wintermute’s spot over-the-counter (OTC) trading volume, according to CoinTelegraph. This marks a significant concentration of capital within the crypto market, highlighting the growing influence of institutional players.
The capital flow was notably focused on fewer tokens, reflecting a more selective approach to altcoin rallies. This suggests that institutional investors are prioritizing quality and potential in altcoins rather than broad market exposure.
For Japanese market participants, this trend underscores the importance of monitoring institutional behaviors as they increasingly shape liquidity and price movements in crypto assets, potentially impacting FX and equities linked to digital economy sectors.