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Bitcoin: a vault for the few, not a store of value

Bitcoin's Challenges | Is it a Hoax for the Few?

By

Aisha Patel

Oct 8, 2025, 12:13 AM

Edited By

Anika Kruger

Updated

Oct 8, 2025, 07:28 AM

2 minutes estimated to read

Illustration showing large whales representing major Bitcoin holders while small fish symbolize ordinary people, highlighting the power dynamics in cryptocurrency ownership.

A recent wave of skepticism surrounds Bitcoin as critics highlight its concentration in the hands of a few players. With 14 whales amassing a notable portion of Bitcoin, the question of its viability as a store of value gains traction.

The Current Situation

Forum comments reveal a mixed bag of thoughts, but a few trends emerge:

  • Some commenters noted that financial institutions also comprise part of the whale group, multiplying their influence in the crypto trading space.

  • Another pointed out that in comparison to gold, Bitcoin shares a similar issue with its ownership concentration. "Have you seen the concentration in gold and gold ETFs?" one user remarked.

  • Others underline that the average hold per person is markedly lower than that of the whales, exacerbating the wealth gap.

Despite this critical perspective, the whales keep acquiring more Bitcoin. "These 14 whales aren’t done yet," one source suggests, adding that even nations and digital asset treasuries are jumping into the fray. This signals a push for more capital flow into the market but raises ethical questions about access to cryptocurrencies.

MicroStrategy's Risky Maneuvers

MicroStrategy continues to be a significant player in the game with its massive Bitcoin hoard of 640,031 BTC. Critics call out its debt-based funding strategy, with many saying, "This isn’t sovereign stewardship; it’s leveraged speculation." The average purchase cost stands at about $66,384 per coin. Any market downturn could spell disaster for them, highlighting inherent risks.

Bitcoin's Role vs. Fiat

Trump’s media company gives another dimension to the discussion. Holding $2 billion in Bitcoin and crypto assets, they control 80% of the TRUMP meme coin supply. This aligns more with branding than decentralization, drawing ire from critics who argue, "This isn’t a replacement for fiat; it’s leveraged control by a select few."

While Bitcoin is pitched as an alternative to traditional currency, critics emphasize it offers limited utility compared to fiat. Traditional savings and investments provide yield, recovery options, and daily usabilityβ€”features Bitcoin lacks. Thus, many declare, "Bitcoin is not a store of value for the masses."

Important Insights

  • πŸ”Ή Distribution Issues: 14 whales dominate Bitcoin, limiting its availability

  • πŸ”Ή Debts and Risks: MicroStrategy’s debt-financed acquisitions raise concerns about market volatility

  • πŸ”Ή Branding over Decentralization: Trump Media’s crypto holdings show centralized tendencies instead of genuine decentralization

As more people weigh these issues, reconsidering investment strategies may be prudent. Monitoring deeper truths within the crypto narratives is essential as the debate over Bitcoin’s legitimacy deepens.