Bitcoin exchange reserves have decreased by over 400,000 BTC in the past year, reflecting a growing trend among investors to shift towards self-custody and long-term holding. According to data from Santiment, there has been a notable outflow from centralized exchanges, with funds being moved to private wallets or institutional custody solutions. This shift is largely driven by security concerns, the 'HODL' mentality, and expectations of future scarcity. Currently, ETFs and public companies hold a combined total of 2.5 million BTC, further absorbing liquidity from exchanges. While the reduction in exchange reserves may alleviate selling pressure, it could also lead to increased price volatility and liquidity challenges for new traders.