Home
/
Market analysis
/
Crypto trends
/

Why holding bitcoin yourself matters more than you think

Quick Crypto Insight | Holding Bitcoin Boosts Market Stability

By

Fatima El-Amin

Feb 17, 2026, 03:22 PM

Edited By

Amina Rahman

2 minutes reading time

A person placing a Bitcoin into a personal safe, symbolizing self-custody and control over assets

A significant shift is happening in the crypto market as holders are beginning to realize the impact of self-custody on market dynamics. With every dollar taken off exchanges, sellers feel the squeeze. Reports indicate that around 80% of the recent price dip was caused by leveraged positions rather than genuine selling activity.

The Reality of Short Selling Pressure

Removing Bitcoin from exchanges doesn't just enhance personal security; it directly changes how the market operates. "Less BTC on exchanges equals more control for holders,โ€ shared one participant in a recent forum. The implications of this are especially meaningful as more people engage in self-custody.

Concerns Among Market Participants

Some in the crypto community are questioning the long-term effects of lower exchange liquidity.

  • "But what if we want lower entries for either manual purchases or DCA?โ€ asked a concerned participant, highlighting the struggle between wanting to buy low and ensuring market health.

  • Despite this, many agree that short-term dips can be advantageous for buyers, but structural changes due to reduced liquidity could have lasting impacts on derivatives.

Market Sentiment: A Diverse Landscape

The sentiment reflected in various discussions reveals mixed feelings about these market changes. While some express worry, others see the potential for enhanced stability and control among holders.

"Lower entries are great for DCA,โ€ noted another participant, emphasizing the need to balance immediate buying opportunities with long-term strategies.

Key Points of Interest

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ 80% of the recent dip stemmed from leveraged trading rather than actual BTC selling.

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Increased self-custody means less BTC on exchanges, impacting market behaviors.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ **โ€œShort-term dips can benefit buyersโ€”long-term supply dynamics benefit holders.

Shifts on the Horizon

Thereโ€™s a strong chance the crypto market will experience a phase of increased stability as self-custody becomes more commonplace. Experts estimate around 60% of holders may prioritize personal wallets over exchanges, leading to a gradual decline in exchange liquidity. This could trigger a fundamental shift, making market maneuvers more difficult for short sellers, while giving long-term holders greater control. If this trend continues, itโ€™s possible buyers might see significant price fluctuations, but the overall market could stabilize as more people embrace self-custody for their assets.

A Historical Lens

This situation mirrors the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) a few years back when users began favoring decentralized platforms over centralized exchanges. Just like then, todayโ€™s holders are leaning towards more secure and reliable ways to control their assets. Imagine a time when just as traditional banks faced scrutiny, people began shifting to credit unions for community-driven solutions. Similarly, today's shift is not merely a trend; it highlights a fundamental reevaluation of trust in centralized systems, signaling a change that could redefine asset management for the future.