Bitcoin Dip Defied by Intesa Sanpaolo’s $235M ETF Expansion

• Bitcoin plunges below $78,000 amid rising yields and geopolitical tension 
• Intesa Sanpaolo ramps up crypto holdings to nearly $235 million, loading up on Bitcoin ETFs 
• Over $500 million in crypto long positions liquidated in 24 hours as leverage gets violently flushed out

A notable Bitcoin dip pushed prices below $78,000 this weekend amid global risk aversion. Higher bond yields and inflation fears fueled the selloff, while geopolitical issues added pressure. Traders saw more than $500 million wiped from leveraged positions across crypto. At the same time, Intesa Sanpaolo expanded its crypto exposure significantly. The Bitcoin dip highlights fragile sentiment yet persistent bank interest in digital assets. 

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Bitcoin Dip Defied by Intesa Sanpaolo as Italian Giant Loads Up on ETFs

Bitcoin faced a sharp Bitcoin dip this weekend as prices slipped below $78,000. Rising Treasury yields, inflation worries, and U.S.-Iran tensions drove the market selloff across risk assets. Traders watched the cryptocurrency test its weakest level in two weeks. Yet major institutions pushed against the negative sentiment. 

Intesa Sanpaolo Crypto exposure surged dramatically in Q1 2026. Italy’s largest bank lifted its crypto-related assets from roughly $100 million to nearly $235 million. The lender boosted positions in spot Bitcoin ETFs, including the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF and BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust. It also added call options tied to Bitcoin products. 

This institutional Bitcoin buying highlights growing confidence in regulated digital assets. Banks continue to view dips as entry points despite broader volatility and crypto liquidations pressure in leveraged markets. Intesa’s move underscores steady European interest even amid the recent Bitcoin dip.

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Crypto Liquidations Exceed $500 Million in 24 Hours

Crypto liquidations exceeded $500 million across derivatives platforms in the last 24 hours. The sharp Bitcoin dip below $78,000 triggered a broad market selloff that caught many leveraged traders off guard. Bitcoin alone saw nearly $189 million in long positions wiped out during the cascade. 

Ethereum contributed heavily to the total, with over $150 million liquidated as prices dropped in tandem. The wave reflected elevated leverage levels built up during recent recovery attempts.  Analysts noted the institutional Bitcoin interest remained visible even as retail positions faced forced exits. 

This bout of crypto liquidations highlighted ongoing sensitivity to macro shifts, including bond yields and geopolitical headlines. The rapid unwinding pushed Bitcoin to its lowest point in two weeks and amplified volatility across major assets. Markets now watch whether this reset clears weak hands ahead of potential stabilization.  

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