Bitcoin wallet addresses holding at least $100 have hit unprecedented levels. Onchain data suggests that these wallets have surged by 25% over the past year, nearing a remarkable 30 million. This trend reflects growing market participation, renewed optimism, and significant institutional influence, setting a promising tone for Bitcoin’s future trajectory.
Bitcoin Wallet Addresses at Historic Highs
According to Binance, the number of Bitcoin wallet addresses with balances of $100 or more has risen from 24 million in January 2024 to nearly 30 million by early 2025. This growth highlights increasing interest from both retail and institutional participants. A blog post from Binance noted, “This trend reflects an influx of new participants into the market, signaling renewed interest and optimism for the cryptocurrency.”
Historically, spikes in Bitcoin wallet addresses with $100 or more have coincided with bullish periods, such as those seen in 2017, 2021, and mid-2024. Notably, the surge in mid-2024 followed Bitcoin’s milestone achievement of surpassing the $100,000 mark.
Institutional Adoption Fuelling Growth
A pivotal factor driving the growth in Bitcoin wallet addresses is the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) played a central role in this institutional adoption. By the end of 2024, ETF holdings had doubled to 1.25 million BTC, with IBIT alone managing over $50 billion in assets.
Commenting on this trend, crypto analyst Jane Simmons noted, “ETFs have transformed how institutions interact with Bitcoin, making it more accessible and mainstream. The result is a trickle-down effect, encouraging retail investors to join the market.”
Network Security at Unprecedented Levels
The Bitcoin network’s security has also reached new heights. In January 2025, the network’s hashrate surpassed 800 exahashes per second (EH/s), a 33% increase from the previous year’s 600 EH/s. Binance highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “Bitcoin’s hashrate has recently reached an all-time high, surpassing the combined computing power of tech giants such as Amazon AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.”
This record-breaking hashrate underscores the network’s resilience and the confidence of miners in Bitcoin’s future. Higher hashrates enhance security and signal robust activity among Bitcoin miners, a key indicator of the cryptocurrency’s overall health.
Bitcoin Wallet Addresses: Profitability and Accumulator Activity
Market sentiment remains positive, with 86% of Bitcoin currently in circulation being “in profit,” according to data from CryptoQuant. Notably, accumulator addresses—wallets consistently buying Bitcoin without selling—are now amassing 495,000 BTC monthly, a record pace.
Ki Young Ju, CEO of CryptoQuant, shared insights on Bitcoin holder behaviour, stating, “Bitcoin retail investors with [less than] 1 BTC are selling, while the others with [greater than or equal to] 1 BTC are buying.”
He also noted that the current cycle is in its “early distribution phase,” marked by increased activity from new retail investors and steady institutional interest. However, Ju highlighted a unique shift in this cycle: a transfer of Bitcoin from long-term retail holders and whales to new retail participants and institutions.
Retail vs. Institutional Trends
This dynamic is creating a new market narrative where traditional holders are transitioning their Bitcoin to institutional entities holding “paper Bitcoin” through ETFs and corporate stocks. Ju predicts that the final phase of this distribution cycle, predominantly involving retail investors, is unlikely to occur until mid-2025 or later.
The steady rise in Bitcoin wallet addresses holding $100 or more demonstrates the enduring appeal of the cryptocurrency to both retail and institutional investors. As institutional adoption accelerates and the network achieves greater security milestones, Bitcoin’s ecosystem continues to grow stronger.
The next few months will be pivotal for the cryptocurrency market, as new retail participants and institutional players reshape the landscape. With nearly 30 million Bitcoin wallet addresses holding at least $100, the stage is set for an exciting year ahead.
Key Points:
Bitcoin wallet addresses are a crucial metric reflecting market participation and sentiment. The surge to nearly 30 million wallets holding $100 or more highlights the growing confidence in Bitcoin as a digital asset. Whether you’re a retail investor or an institution, the data points to a future of increasing adoption and optimism. The Bit Gazette has more crypto and blockchain updates.
