Strategy’s 43,000 BTC Shuffle Sparks Panic. Saylor Shoots Down Rumours
A wave of speculation engulfed the crypto market on Friday after large Bitcoin transfers linked to Strategy, the corporate Bitcoin heavyweight previously known as MicroStrategy, triggered widespread concerns about a potential liquidation.
Wallet Movements Spark Sell-Off Fears
The transfers, amounting to more than 43,000 BTC, coincided with a sharp downturn in Bitcoin’s price, briefly pushing the asset below the $100,000 level and fueling rumours that the company was offloading part of its record-breaking holdings.
Social media chatter quickly escalated, with claims ranging from “Saylor cracks under pressure” to assertions that the firm was preparing for its “first sell in two years.” The timing amplified anxiety among investors, given that Bitcoin has shed over $1 trillion in market value in recent days amid broader market volatility.
Saylor Responds: “We Are Not Selling”
CEO Michael Saylor moved swiftly to quash the rumours. Speaking directly to CNBC, he reiterated the company’s long-standing Bitcoin-first strategy, stating:
We are not selling. We are accelerating purchases…We are buying Bitcoin, we’ll report our next buys on Monday morning.
He further emphasized that recent wallet activity would reflect continued accumulation rather than any divestment. Soon after the interview, he reinforced this message on X:
There is no truth to this rumor.
Arkham Data Confirms No Liquidation
Blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence also disputed the speculation. Its analysis showed that the large-scale Bitcoin movements likely resulted from routine shifts between custodians rather than market exits. According to Arkham, Strategy “regularly undergoes wallet/custodian rotations,” and anyone following the firm’s wallet activity over the past two weeks would have observed similar patterns.
The transferred amount of 43,000 BTC, valued at approximately $4.26 billion, was spread across more than 100 addresses, but none of the transactions reflected a reduction in overall holdings. Arkham data shows Strategy still holds 438,000 BTC worth roughly $42.2 billion.
This follows earlier episodes of market panic, including unfounded claims this month regarding a “$5 billion dump to Binance,” which were later revealed to be standard wallet consolidation. Similar rumours have also circulated around BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF.
Strategy’s Long-Term BTC Bet
Despite market headwinds, Strategy has been steadily adding to its Bitcoin reserves. The company purchased 487 BTC for $49.9 million last week and accumulated 397 BTC worth $45.6 million the week before. The firm finances these acquisitions through convertible notes, preferred shares, and equity offerings rather than tapping internal cash reserves. Annual financing obligations stand near $689 million and are routinely covered through fresh capital injections.
Analysts note that Bitcoin would have to decline by an estimated 85% and fall below $15,000, before Strategy faces any meaningful liquidation risks.
Market Reaction and Outlook
Shares of Strategy (MSTR) slipped 6% to $195 following the wallet activity but continue to trade at a modest 1.2x premium to the value of the company’s Bitcoin holdings, signaling that investors are largely discounting the noise.
As Bitcoin stabilises near $98,000, both Saylor and Strategy appear focused not on selling but on expanding their position in the world’s largest digital asset. With custodial transitions now confirmed as the cause of the large transfers, the company continues reinforcing its stance: accumulation remains the cornerstone of its corporate strategy.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.