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Bitcoin whale shifts strategy with massive leveraged crypto bets

Written by BloombergPublished dez. 31 2025Last Updated dez. 31 2025

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A major bitcoin whale valued at roughly $11 billion has reshaped its portfolio amid volatile market conditions.

The whale previously gained attention for correctly anticipating the $19 billion crypto market crash in October.

Blockchain data shows the investor recently sold approximately $330 million worth of Ether.

Following the sale, the whale opened leveraged long positions totalling about $748 million.

The positions target price appreciation in Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana.

The largest position is a leveraged Ether long valued at around $598 million.

That Ether position was opened at an entry price of $3,147.

Blockchain analytics indicate the position faces liquidation if Ether falls below $2,143.

Data from Lookonchain highlighted the trades in a post shared on Tuesday.

Despite the aggressive positioning, the whale is currently facing roughly $49 million in unrealised losses.

Analysts say the trades suggest expectations of a short-term market rebound.

The same whale first emerged publicly in August with significant capital movements.

In late summer, the investor rotated roughly $5 billion worth of Bitcoin into Ether.

That shift briefly placed the whale ahead of Sharplink in Ether treasury rankings.

On Aug. 21, the whale sold $2.59 billion in Bitcoin.

The proceeds were used to acquire $2.2 billion in spot Ether.

An additional $577 million Ether perpetual long position was opened at the time.

The activity triggered increased accumulation from other large wallet addresses.

Within one day, nine major whales acquired a combined $456 million in Ether.

Broader whale activity has continued to show growing interest in Ether.

Nansen data shows Ether accumulation rose 1.6 times over the past week.

Nineteen wallets collectively acquired $7.43 million in spot Ether.

Despite this, so-called smart money traders remain cautious.

Nansen data shows smart money traders are net short Ether by $121 million.

Smart money positions include $6.5 million in new long exposure added recently.

These traders are also net short Bitcoin by roughly $192 million.

Solana positions among smart money traders remain net short by about $74 million.

Analysts say the divergence highlights uncertainty between large directional bets and systematic strategies.

Market watchers continue to monitor whale behaviour for signals of sentiment shifts.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $88,498.38.