Bitcoin Exchange Reserves Hit a 15% Decline Through 2025

A significant shift in Bitcoin distribution patterns emerged this year. Exchange reserves experienced a notable contraction, dropping approximately 15% as roughly 430,000 BTC flowed out of trading platforms since April.

The numbers tell an interesting story. Exchange balances peaked near 2.98 million BTC back in April, representing the high-water mark for on-exchange liquidity. Fast forward to mid-November, and that figure had compressed to approximately 2.54 million BTC—a substantial reduction that signals meaningful shifts in how the market is positioning itself.

This outflow pattern reflects growing interest in self-custody and hodling behavior among Bitcoin holders, particularly as market dynamics continue evolving throughout the year. Whether this represents long-term accumulation strategies or changing market sentiment warrants close observation.