wales

The world of Bitcoin continues to witness a fascinating evolution. According to fresh on-chain data, the number of Bitcoin addresses holding more than 100 BTC has surged to 19,130 in 2025, marking an all-time high and signaling growing whale accumulation in the crypto market.

This trend sheds light not only on wealth concentration within the Bitcoin ecosystem but also on the changing dynamics of institutional and retail participation. Let’s break down what the chart reveals and what it might mean for the future of Bitcoin.

From Early Adoption to Mass Accumulation
In 2010, the Bitcoin ecosystem was in its infancy, with only 1,375 addresses holding more than 100 BTC. At that time, Bitcoin’s price was negligible, and ownership was concentrated among early adopters, miners, and cryptography enthusiasts.
By 2011, the number of such addresses had skyrocketed to 6,995, reflecting the growing awareness and adoption of Bitcoin as a new form of money. The following years saw consistent growth, with 11,066 addresses in 2012 and 13,082 in 2013.
This rapid increase aligned with Bitcoin’s first major bull run, which brought it into mainstream headlines and attracted new participants eager to secure a stake in the emerging digital asset.

Peak Whale Era: 2015–2017
The years 2015 to 2017 marked the strongest phase of whale accumulation. In 2015, there were 16,887 addresses holding over 100 BTC, which grew to 18,251 in 2016 and reached a peak of 18,544 in 2017.
This period coincided with Bitcoin’s rally from a few hundred dollars to nearly $20,000 by the end of 2017. Institutional curiosity, rising retail interest, and the ICO boom fueled demand, while large players continued to consolidate holdings.
Interestingly, the chart shows that the number of these large addresses plateaued after 2017. The distribution of coins became more complex, reflecting the entry of more participants into the market.
Whale Consolidation and Decline: 2018–2022
After peaking in 2017, the number of 100+ BTC addresses experienced a decline. By 2018, the count dropped slightly to 17,525, and over the next few years, it hovered in the 16,000–16,600 range.
This was the time of the crypto winter, marked by price crashes, regulatory crackdowns, and high volatility. Many retail investors exited, while whales either consolidated or redistributed holdings across multiple wallets for security and strategic reasons.
By 2022, the number of large Bitcoin addresses had slipped to 16,147, the lowest level since 2014. This suggested a temporary decentralization in ownership as institutional players spread out their exposure.
Resurgence in Whale Holdings: 2023–2025:-
The most striking trend in the chart is the renewed surge in whale addresses from 2023 onward. After dipping in 2022, the count rose to 17,761 in 2023, rebounded further in 2024 to 17,761, and has now reached a record 19,130 in 2025.
This signals a strong return of confidence among whales and large institutions. Several factors contribute to this resurgence:
1. Institutional Adoption – Major financial firms, ETFs, and corporations have been accumulating Bitcoin as a treasury asset.
2. Macro-Economic Conditions– Inflationary pressures and uncertainty in traditional markets pushed investors toward Bitcoin as a hedge.
3. Bitcoin Halving 2024 – The latest halving event tightened supply, making Bitcoin scarcer and more attractive for long-term holders.
4. Layer-2 and Adoption Growth – With Bitcoin’s growing role in global finance and new infrastructure such as Lightning Network expansion, whales see long-term upside.
What This Means for the Market:-
The rise in 100+ BTC addresses highlights a concentration of wealth within the Bitcoin ecosystem. On one hand, this suggests that deep-pocketed investors have strong conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term future. On the other, it raises concerns about centralization, as a relatively small number of entities control a significant portion of the supply.
For retail investors, the increase in whale holdings could signal upcoming market strength, as large investors typically accumulate before major price rallies. At the same time, sharp sell-offs by these whales could increase volatility.
Conclusion:-
The chart clearly demonstrates that 2025 marks a pivotal year in Bitcoin’s history, with whale addresses at their highest level ever. From a mere 1,375 in 2010 to over 19,000 today, the growth underscores Bitcoin’s journey from a niche digital experiment to a globally recognized store of value.
As institutional adoption deepens and Bitcoin scarcity intensifies, the influence of whales on market dynamics will only grow stronger. Whether this leads to long-term stability or continued volatility remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the whales are back, and they are here to stay.
#wales #bitcoin #market #crypto $BTC

James Howells, ein IT-Ingenieur aus Newport, #wales , hat offiziell einen jahrzehntelangen Rechtsstreit um die Bergung einer Festplatte mit 8.000 Bitcoins (BTC) im Wert von mehr als 750 Millionen US-Dollar verloren, die seit 2013 auf der Mülldeponie in Newport vergraben liegt .
Ursache des Scheiterns
Gerichtsurteil: Richter Keyser KC wies die Klage von Howells mit der Begründung ab, die Klage habe keine „vernünftige Grundlage“ für einen Erfolg, und betonte die Umweltrisiken des Aushebens der Deponie.