Cardano’s major holders have increased their ADA balances to the highest levels in more than three years, signaling a shift in supply distribution even as retail investors reduce their exposure to the asset during a period of weak price action.
Large ADA wallets accumulate more coins
Santiment Intelligence, an on-chain analytics firm, stated that wallets holding between 100,000 and 100 million ADA now control over 25.6 billion coins. This concentration marks the highest level recorded since February 2023.
Wallets of this size range, often referred to as “whale” and “shark” wallets, are closely monitored as indicators of likely market trends. Their collective moves may influence liquidity and overall sentiment within the Cardano ecosystem.
Cardano’s 100,000 to 100,000,000 ADA wallets now hold more than 25.6 billion coins, exceeding all levels since February 2023. Retail wallets, in contrast, have reduced their balances over the past four months.
Although the rise in large wallet holdings reflects accumulation among key stakeholders, it does not immediately guarantee a recovery in ADA prices. Market analysts suggest that such supply shifts are only one factor among many affecting short-term price movements.
Retail wallets reduce positions
While larger holders accumulate ADA, smaller wallets show the opposite trend. Data from Santiment Intelligence reveal that wallet addresses containing fewer than 100 ADA have seen their total holdings decline by around 0.7% over the past four months.
This reduction suggests that retail participants may have become more cautious or impatient amid Cardano’s recent price weakness in 2026. ADA has been trading near its multi-year lows, increasing the divergence between larger stakeholders and smaller investors.
The shift in supply between these two groups has become a significant signal for market observers. While large wallets accumulate, the declining balances of retail addresses may signal diminishing confidence or reduced engagement.
| Wallet size | Total ADA held (current) | Change (4 months) |
|---|---|---|
| 100,000–100,000,000 ADA | 25.6 billion ADA | Increase |
| Below 100 ADA | N/A | Decrease (0.7%) |
Market response to this divergence, however, depends on broader factors such as demand, trading volume, and the overall condition of the cryptocurrency sector.
Cardano continues with ecosystem development
Despite mixed market sentiment, Cardano’s ecosystem remains active. Current initiatives include ongoing work on the Leios testnet, enhancements to the Hydra scaling solution, and progress with Mithril, a tool designed for blockchain state synchronization.
Additional activity centers around further ecosystem funding and the integration of Pyth oracles, which are designed to bring off-chain data onto the Cardano blockchain.
The Cardano Foundation, an independent organization tasked with advancing Cardano’s adoption and governance, confirmed plans to deliver a dedicated Cardano booth at the upcoming Token2049 conference. This decision follows a governance proposal approved by DReps, or delegated representatives who participate in Cardano’s on-chain decision-making.
Alongside its presence at Token2049, the foundation is organizing the CardanoxDraperxBitcoin side event in Singapore, backed by Draper and the Cardano Foundation. Further details are expected as the event approaches.
Mini dictionary: DReps (Delegated Representatives) are individuals elected by Cardano token holders to represent their interests in the network’s decentralized governance system, voting on proposals and influencing protocol decisions.
The Cardano Foundation stated that its teams have agreed to deliver the Cardano booth at Token2049, adding that the move follows a governance action as described in the project’s metadata. The organization is also planning a community side event in Singapore.
