Bitcoin Whales Woke Up in 2025 and Moved Billions in BTC—Here's Why
In 2024, major Bitcoin holders, or "whales," began selling significant amounts of Bitcoin after the price surpassed $100,000 for the first time. This triggered a notable transfer of coins from long-term holders—some with over a decade of patience—to new investors, a trend described as the "great redistribution." Large amounts were moved in three main waves: late 2024 to early 2025, July 2025, and November 2025. ETF demand initially balanced supply, but after hitting a peak over $126,000 in October, Bitcoin’s price fell over 30% to about $86,000 by December 15. Some whales moved their coins to participate in the rise of corporate digital asset treasuries, inspired by companies stockpiling Bitcoin as a strategic asset. One notable transaction involved an entity selling 80,000 BTC for nearly $9 billion without disrupting the market, as institutional buyers quickly absorbed the supply. Analysts note that new liquidity channels, like ETFs and corporate treasuries, are complicating traditional cycle patterns, making future market trends less predictable.
