Bithumb Identifies Millions of Dormant Accounts Holding $202M

South Korean crypto exchange Bithumb has identified over $200 million in dormant crypto assets across 2.6 million accounts. The assets remain inactive due to no logins or trading activity for more than a year. Some accounts have been dormant for over a decade according to research.

The largest dormant holding identified was valued at approximately $2.84 million. The longest dormancy period recorded was 4,380 days, or nearly 12 years according to data. These accounts represent early crypto adopters who never returned to their accounts after market cycles faded according to analysis.

Bithumb plans to notify eligible customers and assist with account recovery. The move is part of broader customer protection efforts to help users reclaim forgotten assets according to platform statements.

Why Did This Happen?

Dormant accounts reflect early crypto adoption patterns. Many users opened accounts during bull markets but disengaged as interest waned. Over time, price appreciation turned some of these forgotten holdings into significant sums according to market data.

Some accounts have seen returns exceeding 61,000% since their initial investment. This outperforms Bitcoin's 11,300% gain over a similar period according to analysis. The phenomenon highlights how early exposure, combined with inactivity, can lead to extreme outcomes according to industry reports.

How Markets Responded

Bithumb has run similar recovery campaigns in the past. During its 11th anniversary campaign in 2024, around 36,000 users reclaimed dormant assets worth about $50 million. The current effort is larger, reflecting the platform's growth and market maturity.

The discovery raises broader questions about exchange custody and user awareness. As the crypto industry matures, long-term custody and account recovery are becoming more important topics. Dormant balances also represent potential liquidity that could return to the market in future cycles according to industry experts.

What Analysts Are Watching Next

Dormant assets could influence liquidity in certain markets. If reclaimed and sold, even a small portion could affect prices, especially for tokens with lower trading volumes according to market analysis.

Regulatory scrutiny and market maturity are key factors. As platforms like Bithumb evolve, so does the need for clear policies and user communication regarding inactive accounts.

The data highlight how much hidden value exists on centralized exchanges. Early retail participation in crypto has left behind real capital that is now waiting to be rediscovered according to industry research.