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Whales shift from bitcoin to ethereum: what's driving this?

Whales Shift from Bitcoin to Ethereum | Major Investment Shakeup

By

Alice Thompson

Aug 21, 2025, 12:49 PM

Edited By

Anika Kruger

Updated

Aug 22, 2025, 12:07 PM

2 minutes estimated to read

A graphic showing whales symbolizing big investors trading Bitcoin for Ethereum coins, highlighting the market shift.

A notable shift is occurring in the crypto market as whales move funds from Bitcoin (BTC) to Ethereum (ETH). Recent transactions reveal a prominent whale sold 670 BTCβ€”valued at around $76 millionβ€”to make a strategic bet on Ethereum’s growth.

Big Moves Cause Ripples

This whale, holding about 14,000 BTC worth over $1.6 billion for seven years, recently opted to dive into Ethereum instead of cashing out. Sources confirm they opened four long positions totaling around 68,000 ETH, leveraging 10x around the $4,300 mark. Institutions like Bitmine Immersion have similarly increased ETH holdings, adding 52,000 ETH to bring their total to $6.6 billion.

During recent market dips, large wallets purchased about 9,000 ETH, totaling $38 million. Comments on forums reflect a strong sentiment: "It’s definitely the better bet," emphasizing the perceived superiority of Ethereum over Bitcoin for wealth growth.

The Driving Forces Behind the Shift

Several reasons are driving investors toward Ethereum:

  1. Market Timing: This transition followed Bitcoin reaching a new all-time high (ATH) of $124,000, with Ethereum nearing its previous peak of $4,878.

  2. Leverage Potential: Institutional players find more leverage in Ethereum, opening large positions compared to Bitcoin.

  3. Institutional Tools Improvement: Ethereum offers enhanced tools for institutional management, boosting its appeal for active investment strategies.

  4. Market Evolution: Analysts view the sale of Bitcoin by early adopters as a positive indicator, reflecting market maturation.

Furthermore, one comment noted, "Whales are rotating BTC profits into ETH because they see higher growth potential and better leverage opportunities right now."

Risks and Rewards

It's crucial to note that not all whale maneuvers have immediate payoffs. Following their recent trades, Ethereum's price fell to $4,080, putting many positions close to liquidation around $3,700. Still, whales appear willing to bear these risks, indicating their faith in ETH's growth potential over Bitcoin's traditional store of value role. As highlighted in a forum post, "It’s easier to double your capital with ETH than with BTC."

What Lies Ahead?

This shift denotes a significant capital rotation from BTC as a store of value to ETH as a growth asset.

"Whales see better returns with Ethereumβ€”they’re diversifying into the asset with better risk/reward, and it might just pay off," stated one analyst.

With declining Bitcoin dominance and a surge of new investors, Ethereum's future looks promising. Experts estimate a 70% chance for ETH to reach new highs, potentially surpassing its earlier peak by mid-2026. As whales continue to flock to Ethereum's flexible prospects, the capital rotation trend seems poised to grow.

Key Insights

  • β–³ A whale sold 670 BTC for $76 million to invest in ETH.

  • β–½ Institutional players are adding ETH to diversify portfolios.

  • β€» "This isn’t just a trend but a strategic pivot to optimize returns," noted a crypto analyst.

As 2025 progresses, tracking this evolving landscape could uncover new opportunities in the crypto realm.