Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Bitcoin Breaks ATH as Global Momentum Builds
Crypto | July 11, 2025
Image: BTCUSD Tradingview
Bitcoin High Fuelled by Record ETF Inflows, Tight Supply, and Rising Institutional Demand
Bitcoin just printed a massive green candle, BTC reaching a new all-time-high (ATH) of USD $118,000, boosted by institutional inflows, constrained supply, and regulatory momentum in global markets. At the same time, Canada is working to finalize long awaited rules to bring clarity to crypto exposure for funds and federally regulated financial institutions. Collectively, it's a rare convergence of events that are pushing up price. It's a timely opportunity for Canadian fintechs, fund managers, and policymakers to assess their positioning and prepare for what's next.
What Is Driving Bitcoin’s Breakout?
Global capital flows into Bitcoin are accelerating, as international financial markets interact with the asset.
1. ETF Inflows Unlock Institutional Demand
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted over $51 billion USD in net inflows since January 2025. These products are managed by firms like BlackRock and Fidelity, are offering institutional investors direct and regulated access to Bitcoin at scale. On July 9 alone, daily flows exceeded USD $1.18 billion.
2. Supply Constraints Are Driving Scarcity
Bitcoin balances held on exchanges have fallen to their lowest levels since 2017, according to Glassnode data. It means long term hodlers are accumulating and there are fewer sellers which tightens liquidity and pushes prices upwards during surges.
3. Short Liquidations Are Accelerating Gains
Roughly $1 billion USD in short positions were liquidated in early July, forcing traders to buy back positions at higher prices, creating momentum that further boosts demand and additional institutional entry.
4. US Policy Developments Are Building Confidence
The GENIUS Act cleared the Senate with a bipartisan 68–30 vote on June 17, 2025, establishing the first federal framework for stablecoins (see SEC Issues Covered Stablecoin Statement, Risks Remain), including issuer registration, reserve and audit rules, and oversight. Next up is a House vote during “Crypto Week” starting July 14. In March, the White House issued an executive order creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve stocked with seized BTC and a broader digital assets stockpile, which aims to treat Bitcoin as a national reserve asset.
5. Institutions Are Treating Bitcoin as Core Infrastructure
Major asset managers like Fidelity and BlackRock are incorporating Bitcoin as a foundational allocation. In May, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw a net inflow of $9.209 billion USD in just one week led by BlackRock’s IBIT and Fidelity’s FBTC. While global forces are transforming financial markets, what matters for Canadian fintechs and financial institutions is how Canada is responding.
Canada Working to Define Rules
OSFI Guidelines for Banks and Insurers
In February 2025, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) published its final guideline on crypto-asset exposures. Taking effect later this year, the new framework applies to all federally regulated banks and insurers. According to Norton Rose Fulbright, it establishes:
See: SEC Clears Crypto Staking. What It Means for Canada
- A requirement to fully deduct most crypto exposures from Tier 1 capital
- A 2% cap on Group 2 asset exposure (which includes Bitcoin) with enhanced supervision at 1%
- Formal expectations for reporting, governance, and risk measurement of crypto holdings
These rules are an important step in integrating crypto within Canada’s prudential regulatory system, and they provide institutions with clearer guardrails to support innovation while managing systemic risk.
CSA Investment Fund Amendments
On April 17, 2025, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) finalized amendments to NI 81-102, the national rule governing mutual funds and investment products. These changes come into force on July 16, 2025.
As detailed by McMillan and McCarthy Tétrault, the new rules say that:
- Only alternative mutual funds and non-redeemable funds may directly hold Bitcoin or other eligible crypto assets
- Other fund types may gain exposure via crypto derivatives up to 10% of NAV
See: Russia’s State Bank Launches Bitcoin-Linked Bond
- Custodians must use cold wallets, carry insurance, and undergo third-party operational audits
- Pricing must use regulated, reliable, and independent valuation sources
What This Means for Canadian Fintechs and Fund Managers
The OSFI and CSA frameworks are opening clearer paths for new crypto products and more diversified portfolios. Fund managers can now launch Bitcoin-focused vehicles with defined rules around eligibility, custody, and risk.
Banks and insurers must begin planning for capital and governance policies that align with OSFI’s exposure thresholds.
Fintech platforms have more certainty when adding Bitcoin related features, with legal and compliance expectations now taking shape.
These changes also raise the bar for investor protection, requiring firms to strengthen disclosures, improve internal oversight, and adopt secure custody practices.
Closing Thought
Another Bitcoin ATH is worth celebrating but the deeper trend is about normalization. Not too long ago, crypto assets were speculative but they are now moving to regulated infrastructure.
See: Tariff Revenue Hits Record as Canada nears U.S. Trade Deadline
Canada is positioning itself to participate in a more stable and credible digital crypto future, and there's growing alignment between global investment flows and domestic regulatory action, providing fintechs and capital providers with greater clarity and confidence than ever before.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
Leave a Reply