Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds pulled in more than $1 billion in net inflows on Friday, according to Reuters, signaling fresh demand from institutional investors. The move came as large asset managers continued to add exposure to the cryptocurrency through regulated investment products.

The inflow surge adds to a broader trend of growing institutional participation in bitcoin markets. Analysts have pointed to spot ETFs as a key channel for funds that want exposure to the asset without directly holding it, helping accelerate trading activity and liquidity.

Friday’s buying wave also comes ahead of bitcoin’s next halving cycle, a milestone closely watched by traders and long-term investors. While market sentiment has been supported by the ETF demand, bitcoin remains volatile and sensitive to shifts in risk appetite, regulation, and macroeconomic conditions.

The latest data underscore how quickly bitcoin has moved further into mainstream finance, with ETF flows now serving as one of the clearest indicators of investor conviction in the asset.