FameEX Hot Topics | Bitcoin Wallets Holding $100 or More Near All-Time High Levels

On-chain data shows that the number of Bitcoin wallets holding at least $100 is nearing record levels. The total wallets with balances of $100 or more grew from 24 million in January 2024 to nearly 30 million in 2025, representing a 25% year-on-year increase. This surge reflects Bitcoin’s expanding adoption among a diverse group of users, further cementing its role in global finance.

Historically, substantial growth in wallet counts holding $100 or more has occurred during Bitcoin bull markets, such as in late 2017 and 2021. A similar trend emerged in 2024 when Bitcoin surpassed the $100,000 threshold, largely fueled by institutional interest. The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, led by BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), played a significant role in driving this adoption. By the end of 2024, Bitcoin ETF holdings doubled to 1.25 million BTC, with IBIT managing over $50 billion in assets alone.

Bitcoin’s network security has also reached unparalleled levels, with the hashrate exceeding 800 exahashes per second (EH/s) in January 2025—a 33% increase from 600 EH/s the year prior. Reports noted that Bitcoin’s hashrate now surpasses the combined computing power of major tech companies like Amazon AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, which collectively account for less than 1% of Bitcoin’s total network capacity. This heightened hashrate not only strengthens the network’s security but also reflects robust miner confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term potential.

Market sentiment remains highly optimistic, with 86% of circulating Bitcoin currently “in profit,” according to CryptoQuant. Accumulator addresses—wallets consistently purchasing Bitcoin without selling—are buying at a record pace of 495,000 BTC per month. CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju observed a behavioral split among Bitcoin holders: retail investors with less than 1 BTC are selling, while those holding at least 1 BTC are accumulating, reinforcing bullish momentum.

Ju also highlighted a notable shift in this market cycle compared to previous ones. Traditionally, whales would sell Bitcoin to retail investors during bull markets. However, in this cycle, seasoned retail investors and whales are transferring Bitcoin to new retail participants and institutions holding “paper Bitcoin” through ETFs and corporate stocks. Ju predicts the final distribution phase, led by retail investors, may not occur until mid-2025 or later, suggesting the current bull market has room for continued growth, driven by robust institutional and retail demand.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for reference only and does not represent any investment advice or the official views of FameEX.