KEY POINTS
Bitcoin (BTC) is trading near its record high as the number of addresses holding over 100 BTC surged to a new peak of 18,996, signaling strong accumulation by large-scale investors. This trend, driven by corporate treasuries and a perceived pro-crypto political climate, has helped keep Bitcoin’s price around $120,000, just under 3% below its all-time high of $123,180.
Whale Activity Reaches New Peak
Fresh data from Bitcoin Magazine Pro confirms the record number of so-called “whale” addresses, a key metric used to gauge institutional interest and market sentiment. The steady climb past the previous peak indicates that large holders are not only maintaining their positions but are actively increasing their exposure to the digital asset.
A Bitcoin address, which is a string of 26-35 alphanumeric characters, functions as a public key for receiving funds. While a single entity can control multiple addresses, the overall growth in addresses with significant holdings points to a rising concentration of wealth among Bitcoin’s most prominent investors.
Corporate Adoption and Policy Drive Momentum
The accumulation appears to be fueled in large part by corporations adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets as a primary reserve asset. More than 160 publicly traded companies have now adopted this strategy, treating BTC as a hedge against inflation and a store of value.
This institutional movement has gained momentum alongside a favorable regulatory environment. For instance, Michael Saylor’s firm has reportedly more than doubled its Bitcoin holdings since the election of President Donald Trump, increasing its total treasury value by 60%. This corporate buying is bolstered by other major players, with the firm Nakamoto poised to purchase over $760 million in BTC and Twenty One Capital already holding 43,514 BTC.
The Race for a Scarce Asset
The intensifying accumulation by whales and corporations highlights the growing competition for a fundamentally scarce asset. With a hard-coded supply cap of only 21 million bitcoins that can ever be created, the rush to secure a significant position is becoming more pronounced.
As large entities continue to absorb the available supply, the market dynamics between institutional demand and retail participation will be crucial. This confluence of factors suggests a maturing market where Bitcoin is increasingly viewed not just as a speculative instrument but as a strategic long-term holding for major financial players.
