In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, Ethereum (ETH) continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, particularly among its mid-tier holders. According to recent data from CryptoQuant, the number of addresses holding between 10,000 and 100,000 ETH—often dubbed “shark” wallets—has surged to a new all-time high (ATH). This milestone, visualized in a compelling chart spanning from 2016 to 2025, shows the balance in these wallets climbing steadily alongside ETH’s price trajectory, underscoring a shift in ownership dynamics that could signal sustained bullish momentum.
Key Highlights:
- Ethereum holders with 10K-100K ETH balances hit a new all-time high, per CryptoQuant data.
- Mid-tier “shark” wallets accumulated over 550K ETH amid recent price corrections.
- Institutional staking reaches 36.15M ETH, boosting scarcity and on-chain activity records.
The chart illustrates four key lines: ETH price in USD (black), balances for holders with 100-1,000 ETH (orange), 1,000-10,000 ETH (red), 10,000-100,000 ETH (blue), and over 100,000 ETH (purple). While ultra-whales (over 100k ETH) have seen fluctuations and occasional declines amid market corrections, the 10k-100k cohort has been on an upward trajectory. As of September 2025, these sharks control a significant portion of the network’s supply, with their collective balance hitting fresh peaks despite broader volatility. This isn’t just a numbers game; it reflects strategic accumulation by institutional players, funds, and high-net-worth individuals who view ETH as a cornerstone of decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 infrastructure.
This development aligns with broader trends in Ethereum’s ecosystem. Institutional inflows have doubled fund holdings to 6.5 million ETH, while staking has reached a record 36.15 million ETH, locking up supply and enhancing scarcity. On-chain activity is at all-time highs, with daily transactions and active addresses booming, driven by DeFi, stablecoins, and tokenized assets. Even during August’s price dips, these mid-tier holders added over 550,000 ETH to their stashes, showcasing diamond hands in contrast to smaller retail investors who trimmed positions. Analysts note that while whale selling (from >100k holders) might seem bearish, the rise in shark wallets indicates a healthy redistribution, preventing over-concentration and fostering network stability.
Looking ahead, this ATH could propel ETH toward ambitious targets. With resistance at $5,200 and forecasts eyeing $10,000 by 2030, the accumulation by these influential holders bodes well for price appreciation. As Ethereum solidifies its role beyond Bitcoin’s shadow—fueled by upgrades like Dencun and growing ETF adoption—these sharks are positioning for the next leg up. For investors, it’s a reminder: in crypto, the real power often lies not with the biggest fish, but with those smartly navigating the depths.
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Nikolai Carter
