Bitcoin whale awakening after nearly 13 years hints at institutional rebalancing

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A dormant Bitcoin holder moved and sold coins after almost 13 years, sparking market attention. The Bitcoin whale awakening after nearly 13 years began with addresses that collected BTC in 2012. The wallet shifted 137.03 BTC recently and once sold huge blocks including a July 2025 BTC sale. Traders and analysts say this Bitcoin whale awakening after nearly 13 years could signal opportunistic behavior tied to wider institutional flows.

Bitcoin whale awakening

Who moved the coins?

A holder meeting the whale threshold of 1,000 BTC, with long-term positions dating to 2012, reactivated after years of dormancy. The Bitcoin whale awakening after nearly 13 years shows long-term holders reentering the market. Industry voices like Doug Colkitt and Jeff Dorman flagged the address movements. On-chain tracking shows both transfers and partial liquidations.

Dormant Bitcoin movement

The dormant Bitcoin movement included an initial balance that accumulated to 444.81 BTC and later transfers of 137.03 BTC now worth about $16 million. Past activity traced to this owner included sales exceeding 80,000 BTC in earlier years. The recent July 2025 BTC sale stands out for timing and size. Observers note the dormant Bitcoin movement often precedes short-term volatility.

Institutional adoption of Bitcoin as treasury asset

Companies shifting treasuries and institutional adoption of Bitcoin as treasury asset change demand dynamics. Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) Bitcoin holdings appear in the same headlines that followed this whale’s activity. The Bitcoin whale awakening after nearly 13 years happens as firms reassess allocations and custody strategies. For some institutions, reallocating digital assets or selling small tranches aligns with broader treasury management.

Bitcoin price around $115,000 in 2025

With Bitcoin price around $115,000 in 2025, the reactivation had market effects but did not derail the rally. The Bitcoin whale awakening after nearly 13 years may add temporary supply. Still, analysts say long-term trends and ETF flows matter more than single whale moves. Watch for more long-term holders reentering the market as macro and regulatory signals evolve.

Frequently asked questions about Bitcoin whale awakening after nearly 13 years (FAQ)

Who is the whale behind the movement?

A: On-chain data points to a long-dormant address, not a publicly named individual. Analysts track the wallet but have not confirmed identity.

Did the whale’s moves move the market?

A: The sale and transfers added short-term pressure, but broader institutional flows and ETF activity were larger drivers with Bitcoin price around $115,000 in 2025.

Is this part of a trend?

A: Yes. The dormant Bitcoin movement and long-term holders reentering the market reflect growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin as treasury asset and strategic rebalancing.

Sources to this article

defidonkey.com, 2025. Bitcoin price near $114K amid 2.9% US inflation as ETF inflows hold. Available at: https://defidonkey.com/en/bitcoin-news/bitcoin-price-near-114k-amid-2-9-us-inflation-etf-inflows/ (Accessed: September 2025).

defidonkey.com, 2025. Bitcoin etf inflows push price above $114,000. Available at: https://defidonkey.com/en/bitcoin-news/bitcoin-etf-inflows-above-114k/ (Accessed: September 2025).

defidonkey.com, 2025. Strategy Bitcoin accounting lawsuits dismissed: what investors need to know. Available at: https://defidonkey.com/en/crypto-business/strategy-bitcoin-accounting-lawsuits-dismissed/ (Accessed: September 2025).

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