Bitcoin’s February Drop and Institutional Trading Surge

Bitcoin (BTC) tumbled 18% in February, marking its steepest monthly decline since early 2022. Despite this downturn, market activity remained vibrant, resulting in a trading boom for institutional platform Finery Markets, which processed a record $1.8 billion in client transactions last month—a 135% increase from February 2024.

Institutional Crypto Trading Surges as Finery Markets Reports Record $1.8B Volume

Finery Markets specializes in non-custodial cryptocurrency electronic communication networks (ECN) and SaaS trading solutions for institutions. The platform reported all-time high trading volumes in early 2025, signaling growing institutional engagement with digital asset markets.

The record $1.8 billion performance follows a robust January, where client trades totaled $1.6 billion, positioning the firm for a strong first quarter. This quarter coincides with BTC’s 12% value loss so far, following January’s highs.

Konstantin Shulga, CEO and Co-Founder of Finery Markets, remarked, “The performance signals that we’re right on track to prove our main belief: that the institutionalization of crypto is inevitable…”. The data also indicates a 152% year-over-year surge in stablecoin transactions in February, highlighting their role as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.

The 2024 outcomes are fostering positive outlooks, with OTC trading volumes rising over 100% in recent months. Recently, Finery Markets announced a partnership with Sage Capital Management to enhance liquidity using a new trading method with FIX protocol quote streams.

Why Is Bitcoin Going Down?

While record-high volumes are reported, Bitcoin has faced significant declines, dropping from $109,000 in January to around $77,000 this week amid economic uncertainty and crypto-specific pressures. Analysts cite trade tensions, particularly tariffs introduced by President Trump, as key drivers leading investors to retreat from riskier assets like cryptocurrencies. The broader crypto market has lost nearly half a trillion dollars since early February.

Disappointment over Trump’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve plan, announced in March to use existing seized Bitcoin, further soured sentiment. US-listed Bitcoin ETFs have experienced outflows exceeding $3 billion in February, reflecting reduced investor confidence. A significant $1.5 billion hack at the Bybit exchange has also heightened market volatility.

Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, has seen over a 50% decline since January, now at $1,900—the lowest level in 14 months.

Will Bitcoin Fall to $70,000? Experts Say: YES

Despite Bitcoin currently holding above $80,000, which acts as psychological support, it remains below the 200-day EMA, indicating bearish sentiment. Additionally, the impending crossing of the 50-day EMA below the 200-day EMA signals a long-term sell condition known as a death cross.

With this backdrop, analysts predict a potential drop in Bitcoin’s price to $70,000, approaching its November lows. Arthur Hayes, former CEO of BitMex, reiterates this view, suggesting BTC’s support level is around $75,000, with a bottom expected at $70,000 before a new rally.

“Be f***ing patient. BTC likely bottoms around $70k. 36% correction from $110k ATH, very normal for a bull market,” Hayes advised bluntly.