The crypto market may be heading into a softer downturn rather than a severe bear phase, according to market observers. What's shifting the narrative? Institutional money is increasingly becoming the dominant force shaping market dynamics. Unlike previous cycles driven largely by retail sentiment and speculative fervor, this emerging "crypto winter"—if it materializes—will be fundamentally different. Institutions bring capital stability, research-driven strategies, and longer investment horizons. Their growing participation suggests market maturity and a potential stabilization floor. The narrative has transformed: it's no longer about whether the market falls, but how institutional involvement reshapes the nature of downturns themselves.