In a striking revelation that could reshape how we view Bitcoin’s supply dynamics, River Financial has unearthed a fascinating trend: businesses are soaking up Bitcoin at a rate nearly four times greater than it is being mined. This revelation, dated August 25, 2025, highlights a burgeoning shift in Bitcoin ownership patterns, sparking intrigue and discussion across the cryptocurrency landscape.
Institutional Appetite Grows
River’s latest analysis—illustrated with a Sankey-style infographic—paints a vivid picture of the Bitcoin flow. The U.S.-based Bitcoin financial services firm, known for its brokerage and mining operations, estimates that approximately 1,755 BTC per day are flowing into wallets controlled by businesses. This figure dwarfs the daily production of new Bitcoin, which stands at about 450 BTC following the 2024 halving event. This follows a pattern of institutional adoption, which we detailed in Bitcoin Headed to $190K on Institutional Wave, Research Firm Says.
The halving, a pivotal occurrence in the Bitcoin world, reduced the block subsidy to 3.125 BTC per block, resulting in a daily issuance of roughly 450 BTC. In contrast, businesses, including Bitcoin treasury companies and conventional firms holding BTC on their balance sheets, are absorbing nearly four times this amount—a situation that River suggests could lead to a tightening of available supply.
More Than Just Businesses
The story, however, doesn’t end with businesses. River’s infographic reveals that funds and ETFs are also major players, accounting for about 1,430 BTC in daily net inflows. Smaller streams continue to trickle into “other” entities (411 BTC/day) and even governments (39 BTC/day), each contributing to the overall absorption exceeding new issuance. This trend aligns with findings that US ETFs now a major source of Bitcoin spot trading volume: CryptoQuant.
Interestingly, a subtle yet persistent flow of about 14 BTC per day is categorized as “lost Bitcoin,” representing coins deemed permanently inaccessible due to key loss or other factors. This minor detail highlights the complexities and nuances of Bitcoin’s supply dynamics, where not all mined coins remain in circulation.
Individuals and the Outflow Dynamics
The infographic also reveals individuals as the largest net outflow category, with approximately -3,196 BTC/day. However, River clarifies that this doesn’t necessarily signify a retail sell-off. Instead, it reflects Bitcoin moving from individual-held addresses into those tagged as institutional, hinting at a broader trend of consolidation among larger players.
Speaking to the implications of these findings, a River spokesperson noted, “When inflows to businesses and funds outpace new issuance from miners, it creates a scenario where available supply tightens. But it’s crucial to interpret these figures with caution.” River’s methodology, which combines wallet tagging, public disclosures, and external databases, provides estimates rather than a precise blockchain census.
Interpretations and Implications
The landscape becomes even more complex when considering that net inflows don’t always equate to direct spot buying. A business wallet showing +1,755 BTC per day might represent over-the-counter transactions, custodial transfers, or treasury reshuffling, rather than straightforward purchases on exchanges.
River’s snapshot, while not a price forecast, offers a glimpse into shifting ownership patterns that could influence Bitcoin’s future dynamics. If businesses and funds maintain their current absorption rates, institutions may exert greater influence, potentially shaping Bitcoin’s supply narrative in unforeseen ways.
As the cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to evolve, questions linger: Can this trend sustain itself? What might trigger a shift in these patterns? And how will these dynamics play out in the broader context of digital asset markets?
The answers remain uncertain, but one thing is clear—Bitcoin’s journey is far from a straightforward path. Instead, it’s a complex web of flows, transactions, and institutional maneuvers that keep the crypto world buzzing with anticipation.
Source
This article is based on: Businesses Are Absorbing Bitcoin at 4x the Rate It Is Mined, According to River’s Research
Further Reading
Deepen your understanding with these related articles:
- UAE Government Holds 6,333 Bitcoin Through Mining
- Dutch crypto firm Amdax targets 1% Bitcoin supply with $23M treasury launch
- Bitcoin, Ether ETF Flows Hint at Incoming Altcoin Bull Run: Crypto Daybook Americas
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
