Bitcoin News Today: 14-Year-Dormant Bitcoin Whale Moves $1.67B via Galaxy Digital to Major Exchanges

A long-dormant Bitcoin whale, which had held its position unchanged for 14 years, has transferred approximately $1.67 billion in Bitcoin to major exchanges through Galaxy Digital, a prominent digital asset services firm. The movement, detected via blockchain analytics platforms, involves a significant portion of the whale’s portfolio being funneled to centralized exchanges such as Binance and Coinbase. This marks the first activity from the wallet since at least 2011, a period during which the account remained entirely dormant [1]. The decision to route the transfer through Galaxy Digital underscores the growing reliance on institutional-grade infrastructure for high-value crypto transactions, particularly among large holders seeking secure execution channels.

Analysts highlight that such large-scale movements often precede shifts in market dynamics, though immediate selling pressure has not yet been observed. The whale’s use of centralized exchanges suggests potential liquidity needs or strategic positioning amid broader market optimism. Recent developments, including the approval of spot Ethereum ETFs and rising institutional adoption, have bolstered investor sentiment. Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital, has previously noted that dormant whale activity can act as a contrarian indicator, with prolonged inactivity often preceding significant price action [1]. While the whale’s exact intentions remain unclear, the calculated nature of the $1.67 billion transfer—executed through a trusted institutional intermediary—points to a deliberate, long-term strategy rather than speculative behavior.

The timing of the transaction aligns with Bitcoin’s recent performance, which has seen the asset trade near $3,700 after hitting a 2025 high of $3,848 in July. Institutional players, including corporations expanding their Ethereum treasuries and banks exploring tokenized fund offerings, have further amplified bullish momentum. However, the whale’s actions do not inherently signal a bullish stance; large holders frequently rebalance portfolios or hedge positions based on evolving macroeconomic conditions [1]. The absence of immediate sell-offs from the whale’s addresses suggests a cautious approach, though subsequent activity will likely draw heightened scrutiny from traders and analysts monitoring for volatility triggers.

The event also highlights the critical role of blockchain analytics in tracking whale behavior, offering insights into potential market impacts. Historically, significant whale movements have coincided with periods of volatility as traders anticipate follow-through actions. The use of Galaxy Digital as a facilitator indicates a preference for institutional-grade execution, reflecting broader trends of institutional players leveraging specialized infrastructure to manage large-scale transactions [1]. As the crypto market digests this development, continued observation of the whale’s activity will be key to understanding its long-term strategy and its potential influence on Bitcoin’s trajectory.

Source: [1] [Decrypt: "Sleepy Bitcoin Whale Wakes After 14 Years to Move Nearly Half a Billion in BTC"] [https://decrypt.co/...]