A historic Bitcoin stash resurfaces as BTC hits new all-time highs and regulatory momentum builds in the U.S.
Whale Awakens After 14-Year HODL
A legendary Bitcoin whale from the Satoshi era has moved over $4.6 billion worth of BTC after holding it untouched for 14 years. According to blockchain data, the anonymous investor transferred 40,010 BTC—half of their total 80,000 BTC holdings—on Monday, triggering speculation of a potential sell-off.
Galaxy Digital Receives the Massive Transfer
Of the 40,010 BTC moved, 28,600 BTC were sent to Galaxy Digital, a crypto investment firm. The remaining 10,200 BTC—worth around $1.2 billion—were also transferred to Galaxy on Tuesday, bringing the total two-day transfer to $4.6 billion, according to blockchain analytics firm Nansen.
On-chain analyst EmberCN noted that these movements strongly suggest the whale is preparing to liquidate a significant portion of their long-held Bitcoin.
Bitcoin Bought Below $30 Now Worth Billions
This whale originally acquired their BTC in 2011, when Bitcoin was trading under $30. With current prices surpassing $122,000, the investor has realized an astonishing return of over 2.4 million percent, as shown by TradingView data.
Bitcoin Surpasses Amazon in Market Cap
The timing of the transfer is particularly notable. Just one day earlier, Bitcoin overtook Amazon in total market capitalization, hitting a record $2.3 trillion and becoming the fifth-largest asset globally. The move coincided with Bitcoin reaching a new all-time high of $122,600.
Regulatory Momentum Boosts Crypto Market
Despite potential sell pressure from early investors, analysts say bullish momentum is far from over. The ongoing “Crypto Week” in Washington, D.C. is fueling optimism. U.S. lawmakers are discussing three pivotal crypto bills that could reshape the regulatory environment.
According to Iliya Kalchev, dispatch analyst at Nexo, the recent Bitcoin rally is being driven by strong ETF inflows, institutional interest, and rising expectations for favorable crypto regulations.
Kalchev added that former President Trump’s support of these legislative efforts has further improved market sentiment. The proposed bills aim to provide clarity on stablecoin issuance, custody services, and digital asset infrastructure—factors that could attract more institutional capital.
Whales Watch Washington
If key legislation passes during Crypto Week, it could drive Bitcoin prices even higher, possibly encouraging other long-term holders to take profits. For now, traders and analysts will be closely watching both the market reaction and whale activity to gauge what’s next for Bitcoin.
