Bitcoin Whales Keep Buying: 100+ BTC Addresses Break Record

Bitcoin’s price has rebounded over 7% since the start of 2026, trading near $94,000 as on-chain data shows a surge in whale accumulation. Large Bitcoin holders have been gradually increasing their holdings in recent days, while smaller retail investors have taken profits. This trend has historically been seen as a bullish indicator for the cryptocurrency market.

Institutional demand for Bitcoin has also increased, with U.S. banks and corporate treasuries adding BTC to their portfolios. American Bitcoin, a treasury firm backed by President Donald Trump, raised its holdings to 5,427 BTC, valued at over $505 million. Strategy Inc added 1,287 BTC, bringing its total holdings to 673,783 coins.

On-chain analytics firm Capriole Investments reported that Bitcoin has seen eight consecutive days of net institutional buying in early 2026. This represents the most significant and prolonged institutional inflow into Bitcoin in over a year. The scale of recent purchases indicates a supply squeeze, as demand from institutions outpaces new Bitcoin mined.

Why Did This Happen?

Bitcoin’s price rebound coincided with increased inflows into spot ETFs, particularly BlackRock’s IBIT, which saw a $287.4 million net inflow on January 2, 2026. This was the largest single-day influx for the ETF in nearly three months. The move signaled institutional confidence in Bitcoin as a macro hedge and strategic asset.

At the same time, U.S. banks have been quietly accumulating Bitcoin during periods of retail panic. Binance CEO CZ noted that institutions, including banks like Wells Fargo, added to their BTC holdings in late 2025, despite Bitcoin’s price falling below $90,000 at times. This highlights a shift from short-term speculation to long-term strategic allocation.

The market has responded to renewed institutional buying with a price rebound toward $94,000. Bitcoin has moved beyond a key supply level and is now trading near $94,316. Some analysts have drawn parallels to Bitcoin’s 2023 market reversal, with a bullish pattern emerging as global money supply increases.

On-chain data from Santiment and Arkham Intelligence also shows that three wallets recently accumulated 3,000 BTC worth approximately $280 million. This activity has been interpreted as a sign of strong bullish confidence among major holders.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely monitoring Bitcoin’s ability to maintain its position above key support levels, particularly the 50-day moving average at $89,200. If the price remains above this level, a potential rebound toward $94,000–$96,000 could occur. Conversely, a break below this threshold could lead to a retest of the $80,000 support range.

Technical indicators also suggest that Bitcoin has entered a consolidation phase after three months of price declines. A successful retest of the $94,200 level could confirm a new upward trend, potentially pushing Bitcoin toward $100,000. However, analysts caution that this requires sustained institutional demand and a reduction in short-term profit-taking.

Institutional buying activity has been a key driver of Bitcoin’s price movement in early 2026. The fact that institutions are purchasing more BTC than miners are adding to the supply highlights a shift in market dynamics. Historical data suggests that similar trends have led to significant price appreciation in the past, with average gains of nearly 109% in the years following institutional accumulation.

Market analysts also note that Bitcoin’s role as a non-correlated asset class is becoming more apparent. As global macroeconomic uncertainty persists, Bitcoin’s perceived value as a store of value and hedge against inflation continues to attract institutional interest.

Crypto analysts and market participants are now watching for signs of continued accumulation from large holders and ETF inflows. The next 72 hours will likely determine whether Bitcoin can consolidate above key resistance levels and begin a new phase of price appreciation.

BlackRock’s Head of Equity ETFs has emphasized that Bitcoin and Ethereum are still in the early stages of mainstream financial adoption. This perspective reinforces the long-term growth potential for the asset class, particularly as regulatory clarity and institutional infrastructure continue to develop.

The current price action and on-chain trends suggest that Bitcoin is at an inflection point. Institutional confidence, coupled with technical and macroeconomic factors, could drive the price toward new all-time highs in the coming months. However, volatility remains a risk, particularly in the short term, as market participants react to macroeconomic news and geopolitical developments according to market analysis.