Retail-driven shift to institutional allocation: The crypto market has entered a new phase

OnChainDetective · 2026-01-21T11:38:11+00:00

Recently, there has been controversy claiming that the traditional bull market cycle of cryptocurrencies has ended, but this is a misunderstanding of the Wintermute report. The market is undergoing a transition from retail dominance to institutional participation. Although volatility has decreased, it does not mean the bull market is over, but rather that the market structure is becoming more stable and mature.

OnChainDetective

2026-01-21 11:38:11

Abstract generation in progress

【Blockchain Rhythm】There has been an interesting controversy recently. Wintermute’s report stated that the “traditional bull market cycle” in crypto has ended, but some media misinterpreted it as “the current crypto bull market has ended”—which is indeed a bit far-fetched.

In fact, these two concepts are completely different. Looking at historical data makes this clear. The development trajectories of China’s A-shares and the US stock market both confirm a phenomenon: Markets dominated by retail investors are extremely volatile, full of pump-and-dump schemes; once institutional investors enter in large numbers, the market becomes different—more structured, more stable, and more trend-driven.

Now, crypto assets are undergoing the same transformation. The era of “retail-driven, extremely volatile, meme-driven” markets is indeed over. But this doesn’t mean the bull market is over; rather, power is shifting:

From pure speculation to asset allocation, from retail sentiment to institutional positioning, from turbulent waves to institutional-level volatility. This is a sign of market growth, not a signal of decline. Calling this process “the bull market is over” essentially shows a lack of understanding of how the market is changing.

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

14 Likes

Reward
14
8
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

MEVHunterLucky

· 01-24 04:58

The era of retail investors is over; from now on, it will depend on how institutions play.

View OriginalReply0

just_another_fish

· 01-23 01:05

The era of retail investors is over; now it's the big institutions' turn to play.

View OriginalReply0

IfIWereOnChain

· 01-22 20:56

Oh wow, this wave of media really knows how to play, forcibly拆分 and reorganize concepts, retail investors listen and get completely confused. Institutional entry is like this, volatility becomes more controllable, in other words, the game rules have changed. Wait, should we retail investors buy the dip or withdraw? Actually, looking at the A-shares over the past few decades, it's clear that stability has increased, and returns are more stable. It's not as exciting but incredibly profitable. Cryptocurrency has shifted from a meme market to a portfolio market. It feels a bit boring, but this is what maturity looks like. The transfer of power sounds a bit painful, but recognizing reality is more important than imagination. If you think this way, we need to learn to dance with institutions. Relying solely on retail investors' days are truly over.

View OriginalReply0

MetaMaskVictim

· 01-21 12:08

Alright, the era of retail investors is really coming to an end, straightforward but true

View OriginalReply0

AirdropATM

· 01-21 12:08

The media's move this time is really brilliant; clickbait tactics are too ugly. This is how institutions enter the market. The era of retail investors'狂欢 is indeed over, but the money is still there. Finally, we don't have to be dragged around by meme coins anymore. I still kind of miss that excitement.

View OriginalReply0

ThreeHornBlasts

· 01-21 11:59

Ah, here we go again, a bunch of media nonsense. The era of retail investors has come to an end, institutions are taking over, and frankly, it's the end of the carnival for the little guys.

View OriginalReply0

GhostWalletSleuth

· 01-21 11:39

Really, the media's recent actions are truly outrageous, deliberately confusing concepts to feel satisfied. The era of retail investors has indeed passed, but that's actually a good thing, indicating that we have evolved. Institutional involvement = more money, more rational volatility, this is the real positive news.

View OriginalReply0

NotFinancialAdvice

· 01-21 11:38

The era of retail investors is really coming to an end. I kind of miss that pure, crazy feeling. When institutions enter the market, it probably means it's no longer as exciting.

View OriginalReply0