Bitcoin ETF Ownership Drops as Hedge Funds Sell, Banks Add
Professional investors reduced their exposure to Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by 52,000 BTC in the first quarter of 2026, according to a CoinShares analysis of quarterly 13F filings. The selloff, which coincided with a 22% slide in Bitcoin's price, was led overwhelmingly by hedge funds and brokerages. At the same time, banks bucked the trend by increasing their Bitcoin ETF holdings, signaling a divergence in institutional strategies.
Hedge funds accounted for the largest share of the selling, slashing Bitcoin ETF holdings by 31,400 BTC (a 39% reduction). Brokerages followed suit, cutting exposure by 18,800 BTC (53%). In contrast, banks added 7,800 BTC during the same period, more than doubling their holdings. Investment advisors, the largest holders with 150,300 BTC, trimmed their positions modestly by just 5.9%.
The net result was a 17% decline in total professional Bitcoin ETF holdings, which fell to 261,000 BTC from 313,000 BTC. In dollar terms, the value of these holdings dropped 35% to $17.8 billion, reflecting both reduced positions and Bitcoin's declining price, which briefly dipped below $60,000 before recovering to $63,645 as of June 4, 2026.
Hedge Funds Unwind While Banks Step In
The contrasting moves highlight the differing roles Bitcoin ETFs play for various types of institutions. Hedge funds, known for tactical and leveraged strategies, often use ETFs as a tool for short-term trades. The Q1 selloff mirrors patterns seen in previous Bitcoin bear markets, where hedge funds rapidly reduce exposure during drawdowns. A similar wave of selling occurred in early 2024, when hedge funds offloaded $4.5 billion in Bitcoin ETFs over five weeks as volatility spiked.
Banks, on the other hand, appear to be using ETFs as a regulated alternative to direct Bitcoin exposure. This aligns with a broader trend of traditional financial institutions cautiously increasing their stakes in digital assets. Notably, BlackRock and Goldman Sachs have publicly supported Bitcoin's potential role in modern portfolios, with Goldman boosting its ETF holdings significantly in mid-2025.
Regulation and Market Outlook
Despite the turbulence, the regulatory environment for Bitcoin ETFs showed signs of improvement during Q1. U.S. regulators made progress in clarifying oversight responsibilities between the SEC and CFTC, and discussions around the treatment of digital assets in retirement accounts gained traction. These developments could provide a more stable foundation for the market, potentially encouraging long-term institutional participation.
Looking ahead, the fate of the CLARITY Act—a proposed bill to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets—could be a pivotal moment. While the act faces scrutiny from the banking sector, it is expected to reach the Senate floor for a vote as early as August 2026.
With Bitcoin trading at $63,645 and down 50% from its October 2025 peak of $126,000, market participants remain cautious. However, growing adoption by banks and potential regulatory clarity could set the stage for a more resilient institutional market in the months to come.