The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a significant shift in momentum, with Bitcoin (BTC) surging past the $115,000 mark and exhibiting strong bullish indicators.
This renewed rally is not fueled by speculative retail fervor but is underpinned by a confluence of powerful institutional and regulatory tailwinds.
Entering a positive trend
The price increase is a clear sign that the narrative of “crypto winter” is well and truly over, replaced by a new reality of sustained institutional interest.
By the midday of September 12, BTC price reached $115,137 and shows a bullish trend.
A demand from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs
A key driver of this price action is the continued demand from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs. These investment vehicles have seen over $300 million in net inflows over the last few days, a clear signal of robust appetite from institutional investors.
Moreover, these ETFs provide a regulated and familiar on-ramp for traditional finance players to gain exposure to Bitcoin, which is fundamentally changing the market’s dynamics. This flow of capital is a stark contrast to previous market cycles, where price movements were more reliant on individual investor sentiment and macroeconomic speculation.
New regulations and players
Beyond ETFs, the broader regulatory environment in the U.S. is becoming more constructive. The proposed Responsible Financial Innovation Act of 2025 is gaining traction in the Senate, which, if passed, would provide a clear legal framework for the crypto industry and end the long-running “turf war” between the SEC and the CFTC. This regulatory clarity is a powerful catalyst for institutional adoption, as it reduces uncertainty and provides a foundation for long-term strategic planning.
As this process unfolds, major players are positioning themselves to capitalize on the new rules. Coinbase, for instance, is seeing its stock rise as it solidifies its position as a go-to platform for ESG-compliant and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, a sector poised for massive growth, as
reported.
More BTC sharks roaming the market
The strong institutional backing is also reflected in on-chain data. Analysts report that “shark” wallets have hit an all-time high, adding over 93,000 BTC in the last month. Bitcoin Sharks and “skark wallets” term is used for individuals and wallets that hold between 500 to 1000 BTC. This accumulation by mid-tier holders, combined with surging ETF demand and record-low exchange reserves, indicates a major supply squeeze is underway.
Historically, these accumulation phases have preceded explosive bull runs, and many analysts are now targeting Bitcoin at $150,000 to $200,000 in the near term. While some short-term profit-taking may occur, the fundamental case for Bitcoin’s continued price appreciation remains strong.
This rally and the surrounding market developments suggest that Bitcoin is solidifying its position as a legitimate asset class. The move is not just a passing trend but a structural shift driven by institutional trust, regulatory clarity, and a fundamental change in the way the asset is perceived by the broader financial world.