Bitcoin OTC Balances Falling, Suggests Whale Accumulation As BTC Eyes Move above $109K

The stockpiles of Bitcoin (BTC) on OTC desks continue to decrease following more outflows noted in recent weeks. New data from CryptoQuant analyst, Adler Jr, revealed that the rate at which the Bitcoin OTC balance is decreasing.

Since September 2021, the balance has declined from 486k BTC to 115k BTC, a 4.2-fold decrease. The data further pointed out that at the current withdrawal rate of about 276 BTC per day, the remaining 115k BTC would be depleted by July 2026.  

It’s worth noting the pace at which the OTC balance is declining: since September 2021, it has dropped from 486K to 115K BTC a 4.2-fold decrease.

At the current withdrawal rate of about 276 BTC per day, the remaining 115K BTC would be depleted by July 2026. pic.twitter.com/YVzwL5gskl

— Axel Adler Jr (@AxelAdlerJr) May 27, 2025

Bitcoin demand exceeds supply

The declining BTC balances on OTC desks mean Bitcoin is moving into holders’ private wallets. The decrease comes when increased tokens are held by ETFs, which currently experience slight daily outflows.

This implies that high-net-worth participants currently acquiring Bitcoin are likely purchasing from OTC platforms. Institutional clients often prefer to buy BTC through OTC vendors instead of public exchanges. This normally happens this way because, in the OTC trading environment, institutional investors can determine prices and transfer huge amounts of tokens they want.

OTC reserves running down means that institutions may soon turn to public exchanges to accumulate tokens. One of the catalysts for the declining OTC balance is the shortage of fresh inflows. It appears that OTC platforms receive relatively fewer inflows while purchasing rates are rapidly high, triggering the overall low net balance.

Whales continue to purchase more Bitcoin amid the current price upward momentum. This may have impacts on market liquidity and future price moves. Their participation in accumulation suggests that market prices may continue to see a further uptrend.

Crypto market boosted by EU tariff delays

Today, BTC’s value is standing at $109,676, down 0.2% from yesterday, but up 4.4% over the past seven days. This impressive stability was triggered by the US announcement of a postponement of the scheduled 50% tariff on EU products.

Furthermore, demand from institutional buyers has continued to increase as it currently registered the highest weekly inflows since late last month, strengthening investor enthusiasm.

Yesterday, Monday, May 26, Trump disclosed on his Truth Social page that he has approved to delay the implementation date for the 50% trade tax plan on European Union products from June 1 to July 9. 

This postponement in the EU tariff has relatively strengthened investor sentiment and sparked a slight increase in risk appetite. Both the cryptocurrency market and stocks from the European and Asian markets recorded positive reactions, with Bitcoin holding tight at around $109k, just 1.94% below its latest new ATH of $111,814.