Key Takeaways
- Large CME Bitcoin futures holders hit a record 217 in May.
- This marks a 36% rise since January, indicating stronger institutional adoption.
- GameStop and Trump Media recently added Bitcoin to their treasuries.
The number of large open interest holders in CME Bitcoin futures reached a record 217 by the end of May, up from around 160 at the start of 2025—a 36% increase.
The data suggests a growing shift in institutional strategy, with more firms treating Bitcoin as a core portfolio asset rather than a short-term trade.
Institutional trading focus
The Block tracks institutional traders holding at least 25 micro Bitcoin contracts, or over 2.5 BTC, which excludes most retail activity and focuses on sophisticated market participants.
Rising institutional interest
Institutional interest in Bitcoin has been climbing steadily since early 2024, but recent acceleration appears tied to growing global uncertainty.
The return of President Donald Trump and his aggressive trade policies have reportedly fueled investor demand for alternative assets seen as uncorrelated with geopolitical or monetary risk.
Major Bitcoin acquisitions
GameStop and Trump Media added momentum to this trend with major Bitcoin acquisitions in late May.
GameStop revealed it had acquired 4,710 BTC for its treasury on May 28, while Trump Media announced a $2.32 billion private raise on May 27, with the funds earmarked for future Bitcoin purchases.
Strategic institutional allocation
These moves align with continued spot Bitcoin ETF inflows and rising market confidence.
The data points to a maturing approach among institutions, which now appear to view Bitcoin holdings as a strategic allocation.
