Bitcoin Institutional Adoption Surges: Brazil Buys $4M BTC While China Offloads $1.4B

Bitcoin dipped slightly to $83,380, down 0.29% on Wednesday, as global market forces clash. Brazilian fintech Méliuz emerged as a new corporate bull, acquiring 45.7 BTC worth $4.1 million. The move highlights the rising interest in Bitcoin institutional adoption. China also liquidates seized crypto holdings. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse predicts BTC hitting $200,000. These events highlight the shifting power dynamics in the global crypto ecosystem.

How Global Events Are Shaping Bitcoin’s Direction?

Brazilian startup Méliuz surprised markets by revealing it acquired 45.7 BTC for $4.1 million in March. The firm now plans to expand its Bitcoin holdings using operating profits and strategic partnerships. A shareholder vote on May 6 will determine if Bitcoin becomes part of its long-term reserve asset plan.

JUST IN: 🇧🇷 Brazilian listed company Méliuz buys 45.7 #Bitcoin for $4.1 million

Bitcoin is good for corporations 🙌 pic.twitter.com/rCGiGYXdlR

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) March 6, 2025

On X, Bitcoin Magazine shared details of this move. The post emphasizes Bitcoin’s increasing attractiveness to corporations. It also highlights that Bitcoin is becoming a key asset for businesses globally.

The announcement triggered a rally in Méliuz stock (CASH3). The stock surged 14% in a single day and is up 27% in the last five sessions. The surge reflects a broader interest in Latin America for Bitcoin institutional adoption. This move confirms the BTC adoption in companies throughout the region.

The New BTC Dynamic: Governments Sell, Corporations Buy

Chinese local governments are reportedly offloading approximately 15,000 BTC worth $1.4 billion by offshore exchanges. On X, Roxom TV posted about this initiative. This move underscores China’s evolving stance on Bitcoin. 

JUST IN: 🇨🇳Local governments in China are using private firms to sell crypto for cash to fund public budgets.

China reportedly holds 194,000 BTC (~$16B) 👀 pic.twitter.com/rPu74akb0t

— Roxom TV (@RoxomTV) April 16, 2025

A large-scale sell-off puts short-term pressure on the BTC price. This move dipped below its ascending pattern, breaking beneath the 50-period EMA. China is believed to hold a total of 194,000 BTC. As the Asian powerhouse subtly reshapes its holdings, traders and analysts brace for continued volatility in BTC price action.

Adding momentum to the bullish narrative, Ripple’s Brad Garlinghouse announced potential settlement terms with the SEC. He proposed to pay a $50 million fine in XRP tokens. Garlinghouse also boldly projected that BTC could reach $200K. If regulatory clarity improves, it would further fuel optimism in the crypto ecosystem.

What’s Next for BTC in a Volatile Market?

Technically, Bitcoin currently trades near $83,460. The key support levels are at $82,488 and $81,354. The RSI stands at 38.5, suggesting bearish momentum. A confirmed break below $83,300 could lead to further downside. However, the long-term outlook remains constructive due to Bitcoin institutional adoption and growing recognition of crypto’s macroeconomic relevance.

Chart 1 – BTC/USD 2-hour chart, published on TradingView, April 16, 2025.

As Brazil embraces Bitcoin while China sells, the global financial narrative around crypto is evolving rapidly. Institutions added over 95,000 BTC in Q1 2025, lifting total public holdings to 688,000 BTC worldwide.

In the evolving crypto ecosystem, these developments signal a deeper integration of digital assets into traditional finance. BTC adoption in companies is a strong signal of crypto’s maturity, whether through strategic treasury decisions or tokenized legal settlements.

Final Thoughts: Betting Big on Bitcoin’s Tomorrow

While short-term uncertainty surrounds BTC price action, the broader picture remains clear. Bitcoin institutional adoption is growing, fueled by strategic corporate moves like Méliuz’s. Additionally, forecasts from industry figures like Garlinghouse further drive confidence in Bitcoin’s future. As regulatory clarity improves in the corporate world, BTC adoption in companies will continue shaping its mainstream path.