Long-Term Holders Tighten Their Grip as Bitcoin Nears All-Time Highs

Bitcoin’s long-term holders are showing unprecedented commitment as the cryptocurrency trades near all-time highs. Their grip on the market has tightened, even as prices hover above $100,000 and volatility remains elevated.

Recent data reveals that these seasoned investors now control the largest share of Bitcoin’s supply in history. This trend marks a significant shift in market dynamics, with implications for both price stability and future rallies.

Are long-term holders changing the rules for Bitcoin bull runs?

Traditionally, long-term holders (LTHs) have reduced their positions during bull market peaks, cashing in on profits as prices soar. However, 2025 has seen a dramatic departure from this pattern. Instead of selling into strength, LTHs have maintained or even increased their holdings, signaling deeper conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term value.

According to ARK Invest and Glassnode, the proportion of BTC held by LTHs has reached between 69% and 74% of total supply, levels not seen in 15 years. This behavior has helped stabilize prices and reduce the risk of sudden sell-offs, even as Bitcoin’s price action remains in a tight range just below its May 2025 record of $112,000.

Did you know?
In July 2025, long-term Bitcoin holders reached a 15-year high, controlling up to 74% of all BTC in circulation - levels not seen since the earliest days of the cryptocurrency.

Will record accumulation by seasoned investors trigger the next breakout?

Both short-term and long-term holders are accumulating Bitcoin at the same time, a rare alignment that historically signals strong market optimism. Since late June, LTH supply has climbed by 13,000 BTC, hitting an all-time high of nearly 14.7 million coins. Short-term holders have also added over 60,000 BTC, showing that confidence spans across investor types.

This dual accumulation has created a supply crunch, with fewer coins available for trading. Analysts say this could set the stage for a dramatic price breakout if demand spikes, as the available supply is increasingly locked away by holders unwilling to sell at current levels.

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Long-term holders now control nearly three-quarters of all Bitcoin

The rise in long-term holder dominance is a defining feature of the current cycle. During previous bull runs, LTH supply typically declined as prices rose, but 2025 has bucked this trend. Now, nearly three-quarters of all Bitcoin is in the hands of investors who have held for at least 155 days.

This shift is not just a retail phenomenon. Institutional investors are also embracing long-term strategies, considering Bitcoin as a value store instead of a speculative asset. This growing maturity in the market is reducing volatility and fostering greater confidence among participants.

Both retail and institutional investors are adopting a hold strategy

The current accumulation wave is broad-based. Retail investors, high-net-worth individuals, and large institutions are all contributing to the record supply held by LTHs. Even as Bitcoin’s price has surged past $118,000 in July, these holders have shown little inclination to distribute their assets.

Analysts caution, however, that the average return for long-term holders has reached 215%, raising the possibility of a future sell-off if profits become too tempting. For now, though, the market appears to be in a phase of consolidation, with supply-side conditions tightening further.

The coming weeks could prove pivotal for Bitcoin. Committed holders have locked away a significant portion of the supply, making even moderate increases in demand potentially trigger sharp price movements. As regulatory clarity and institutional adoption continue to evolve, the actions of long-term holders will remain a key force shaping Bitcoin’s next chapter.