The Evolving Landscape of Crypto: Insights from CryptoQuant’s CEO

As the cryptocurrency market matures, the focus shifts from short-term gains to long-term investment opportunities. This transformation, according to CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju, marks a significant change in the industry, moving away from speculative trading and towards projects that provide lasting value.

Key Takeaways

The cryptocurrency market is transitioning from short-term speculation to long-term investment.
Regulatory challenges have led to the survival of only those projects with a robust long-term vision.
The current market dynamics favor institutional investors over retail traders.
Significant liquidity is now concentrated in spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

The cryptocurrency market is evolving, with attention increasingly shifting from quick profits to sustainable, long-term investments. This perspective was shared by Ki Young Ju, the CEO of CryptoQuant, in his remarks to his 424,000 followers on X.

After enduring years of regulatory challenges, the altcoin market has emerged from its previous restrictive environment. Ju emphasized that we are experiencing a vital paradigm shift within the crypto space. Now, more than ever, investors should focus on platforms that deliver genuine value over time.

Rather than being viewed merely as speculative assets, cryptocurrencies—especially altcoins—are now recognized as vehicles for value investing. Recent discussions have also debunked a theory regarding Bitcoin’s (BTC) price movements being influenced by long-term holders. In the current market uncertainty of Q4 2025, many strategic investors are opting not to sell, despite predictions of a nearing peak.

The evolution of cryptocurrencies from speculative investments towards long-term strategies is a prominent theme in 2025. Retail traders no longer dominate the market, indicating that traditional four-year cycle theories may no longer apply.

With more holders than traders and liquidity providers in the market, cryptocurrency projects now need to prioritize institutional investors in their fundraising efforts and overall business strategies.

Since launching in January 2024, spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs reached a staggering $162 billion in assets under management (AUM) at their peak last October, while Ethereum spot ETFs amassed around $29 billion. Collectively, these two classes of ETFs control nearly $200 billion in liquidity—further illustrating the shift from retail involvement to institutional influence in the crypto market.

Crypto Not in Nanny State Any Longer, Here Is What Changed: CryptoQuant CEO's Take