Ethereum Whales Signal Confidence with $2.5 Billion ETH Accumulation
Ethereum whales have made a significant move by accumulating 818,000 ETH (worth approximately $2.5 billion) in a single day. This marks the largest daily inflow since 2018, according to Glassnode data. Key insights include:
- Wallet Holdings: Addresses holding 1,000–10,000 ETH now possess over 16 million ETH, up from 11.87 million ETH a year ago.
- Institutional Interest: ETH investment products attracted $583 million** in a single week (CoinShares), with year-to-date inflows reaching **$2.28 billion.
Why This Matters for Investors
The accumulation reflects strong institutional confidence in Ethereum’s long-term potential. Historical patterns suggest ETH could mirror its 2017 rally, with analysts projecting:
- Short-term target: $4,000
- Long-term potential: $10,000 post-breakout.
Binance and Bitget Transfer 50,000 ETH to Bybit After Security Breach
Following a $1.46 billion hack of Bybit’s cold wallets, exchanges stepped in to stabilize the market:
- Binance and Bitget transferred 50,000+ ETH directly to Bybit’s reserves.
- Bitget’s Contribution: Deposited 39,999 ETH (nearly half its excess reserves) to support Bybit’s liquidity.
Bybit’s Response
Bybit CEO Ben Zhou confirmed the breach involved a manipulated multisignature transaction but assured users of the exchange’s solvency. The team is seeking bridge loans to cover losses.
Lazarus Group Linked to $1.46 Billion Hack
Blockchain investigator ZachXBT attributed the attack to the North Korean Lazarus Group, known for the 2022 Axie Infinity Ronin hack ($625 million). This underscores the critical need for enhanced security protocols.
Key Takeaways for Crypto Investors
- Whale Activity = Market Confidence: Large ETH accumulations signal institutional bullishness.
- Exchange Collaboration: Binance and Bitget’s swift support highlights industry resilience.
- Security First: The hack reiterates the importance of cold wallets and multisig verification.
FAQs
Why is whale activity important?
Whale movements often indicate institutional sentiment. The $2.5 billion ETH inflow suggests strong long-term faith in Ethereum.
How did exchanges respond to the Bybit hack?
Binance and Bitget transferred ETH to stabilize Bybit, showcasing industry cooperation during crises.
What’s next for ETH’s price?
Analysts predict a breakout toward $4,000**, with a long-term target of **$10,000 if momentum sustains.
Who is the Lazarus Group?
A North Korean cybercriminal team behind major crypto hacks, including the 2022 Ronin Network exploit.
Conclusion
Ethereum’s whale activity and exchange transfers reveal a market poised for growth but reliant on security and collaboration. Investors should:
- Monitor institutional trends.
- Prioritize platforms with robust security like 👉 OKX’s cold wallet solutions.
- Stay informed on macroeconomic cues affecting ETH’s trajectory.
For real-time updates on Ethereum’s market movements, explore 👉 OKX’s analytics dashboard.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments involve risk; conduct your own research before trading. © 2025 OKX. Reproduced with permission.