Institutional investors and wealth managers expect continued growth in fund flows into Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs over the next year, but want global regulators to address ongoing ambiguity in crypto rules.
According to research by London-based Nickel Digital Asset Management, a European digital assets hedge fund founded by alumni of Bankers Trust, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan, 87 per cent of institutional investors expect ETF inflows to rise, with 12 per cent predicting a dramatic increase.
The survey, covering firms managing $1.1 trillion across the US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, Brazil and the UAE, found that none anticipate a decline.
Investors say this strong momentum will increase pressure on regulators to clarify rules. Around 40 per cent strongly agree this will lead to comprehensive frameworks and clearer definitions, while another 59 per cent slightly agree.
The SEC’s approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs is seen as a landmark moment for digital assets, offering institutions lower fees, better liquidity, and a regulated framework, all without the need to directly manage crypto custody. Industry data shows crypto ETFs attracted $48 billion last year and over $188 billion since launch.
The study also found that 92 per cent of respondents believe new ETFs for digital assets like Solana and XRP will have a positive impact on the price and liquidity of Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Nickel Digital CEO and founding partner Anatoly Crachilov says: “The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs by the SEC marked a pivotal moment for the digital asset ecosystem, catalysing a new wave of institutional engagement. These vehicles provide efficient access, regulatory clarity, and operational simplicity—all of which have contributed to strong capital inflows.”
“This is not just a passing trend—it signals a structural shift in how digital assets are being accessed and integrated into traditional portfolios.”
