The Bitcoin halving in 2024 was a turning point, and institutional investors — the so-called 'smart money' — began to reposition their strategies early with a focus on 2026.

For those closely following the market, it is clear that funds, whales, and professional managers are not waiting for the market to heat up to act: they are already moving now.

In this article, we will explore the main trends and tactics adopted by this group that sets the pace for the big bullish cycles. If you want to invest more efficiently, understanding how smart money positions itself is essential.

Bitcoin and ETFs as a stability base

The analysis of recent flows shows that Bitcoin remains the central pillar of institutional portfolios. After the approval of several spot ETFs in the US and other markets, the volume of institutional capital inflow has increased significantly.

To give you an idea, on July 10, 2025, we had an inflow of $1.18 billion in Bitcoin spot ETFs, with demand basically driven by institutional investors.

For big investors, BTC serves as a store of value and protection against inflation, in addition to having unmatched liquidity. Allocating between 30% and 50% of exposure in Bitcoin has been a common tactic.

Ethereum, staking, and high-utility networks

Ethereum also stands out as a strategic preference among institutional investors, especially after its migration to the proof of stake model. In addition to the potential for appreciation, staking ETH allows for generating passive income with low operational risk, attractive for managing large sums.

Platforms like Lido, Rocket Pool, and institutional custodian services have been widely used, while funds monitor the development of L2s like Arbitrum, Base, and Polygon as bets on scalability and efficiency.

Stablecoins and strategic liquidity

Another central point in institutional portfolios is maintaining liquidity through stablecoins like USDC, USDT, and DAI. The goal is to have flexibility to take advantage of opportunities, whether in specific downturns or in token launches or exclusive initiatives like Megadrops and Launchpads.

This reserve also allows for yields via DeFi (in audited protocols) and facilitates the entry and exit route for capital without the pressure of liquidations.

It is also worth noting that, specifically regarding stablecoins, they are undergoing a specific process of regulation at this moment that may positively contribute to their future use.

Technical diversification: infrastructure, AI, and RWAs

In addition to traditional names, big investors are increasingly attentive to blockchain infrastructure projects (such as Chainlink, Celestia, Avalanche), protocols linked to artificial intelligence (such as Render, FET, and Ocean Protocol), and the RWAs (Real World Assets) segment.

Tokens that represent real assets, such as carbon credits, royalties, tokenized real estate, or corporate debts, have caught the attention of managers looking to diversify beyond pure speculation.

How to adapt your personal strategy

Even if you are not an institutional investor, you can apply similar tactics to those used by these big players:

  • Build a base with liquid and resilient assets (BTC, ETH);

  • Keep part in stablecoins for liquidity and opportunities;

  • Seek passive income through staking or moderate DeFi;

  • Set aside a slice for bets in promising sectors, with good risk management.

Being one step ahead means preparing before the market goes into euphoric mode. Observing what the big players are doing is a smart way to adjust your own course.

Smart money does not wait for the market to heat up, it simply acts

In 2026, we may see new records of appreciation. But those who will reap the best rewards are those who planted before spring.

The big investors are already positioned — with balanced allocation, smart exposure to emerging sectors, and focus on liquidity and capital protection.

There is still time to organize your strategy to keep up with this movement. But as always in the crypto market, those who anticipate have a better chance of getting ahead.

And you, are you already positioning yourself to not miss the upcoming opportunities?

#Portfolio #whales #DiversifyOrDie

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