Large Bitcoin investors have continued expanding their holdings even as the broader market faces heightened uncertainty and price swings.
Bitcoin experienced a sharp correction this week, briefly falling to around $76,000. Despite growing fears of a deeper decline, major holders and institutional investors appear to be steadily increasing their exposure to the leading cryptocurrency.
New data released by Santiment shows that the number of Bitcoin wallets holding at least 100 BTC has climbed to 20,229.
That figure represents an 11.2 percent increase compared to the 18,191 wallets recorded during the same period last year.
Long Term Confidence in Bitcoin Remains Strong
Wallets containing 100 BTC or more currently hold assets valued at roughly $7.7 million and are typically associated with institutions, whales, large investors, and wealthy long term holders.
Santiment noted that the growth in these large wallets continued throughout a year marked by significant market volatility and shifting investor sentiment.
The accumulation trend persisted even as many retail traders reacted cautiously to market conditions, with fear and frustration becoming increasingly visible across the crypto space.
Historically, rising numbers of large Bitcoin wallets have often been viewed as a signal that influential investors remain confident in Bitcoin’s long term value, scarcity, and dominant market position despite short term uncertainty and price fluctuations.
Looking more closely at current market conditions, several analysts believe a rapid V shaped recovery may not occur immediately due to rising stress across the Bitcoin market.
Data from CryptoQuant showed the SOAB ratio climbing above normal levels, a sign that older Bitcoin holders may be capitulating on a larger scale.
At the same time, short term investors are increasingly showing signs of panic selling.
Retail Fear Could Signal a Rebound
Santiment also reported growing fear and bearish sentiment among retail traders on social media platforms.
According to the analytics firm, negative comments about Bitcoin have now surpassed bullish discussions for the first time since April 21.
Smaller investors appear to be reacting strongly to Bitcoin’s recent weakness, with many expecting prices to decline further from current levels.
Despite the widespread pessimism, Santiment pointed out that crypto markets often move against prevailing market sentiment. As a result, the surge in bearish outlooks could potentially increase the likelihood of a short term recovery.
Regulatory Momentum Could Support the Next Rally
Dessislava Ianeva believes regulatory progress in the United States may become a major catalyst for Bitcoin’s next bullish phase.
The analyst highlighted the recent advancement of the CLARITY Act through the Senate Banking Committee as an important development for the crypto sector.
The legislation has strengthened expectations that the United States could move closer toward clearer digital asset regulations.
According to Ianeva, Bitcoin briefly surged above $82,000 following the committee’s approval of the bill, while prediction market odds for the legislation becoming law in 2026 also increased.
She compared the market reaction to the earlier momentum created by the GENIUS Act and suggested that a future Senate floor vote on the CLARITY Act could potentially help push Bitcoin toward a new all time high.#crypto#cryptonews https://coinsignals.net https://t.me/coinsignalpublic
