TL;DR
- Whale deposits since 2026 began were about 15,800 BTC versus 37,133 BTC in December, around 42.5% slower.
- BTC bounced above $97,000, slipped to $95,449.56, and forecasts still call for $100,000 without a rush to sell.
- Mean deposits stayed above 20 BTC; whales were 20.85% of inflows at 2,200 BTC daily, with open interest near $30B and 77% of supply in profit.
Whale deposits into Binance have slowed in January after heavier December activity. Since the start of 2026, about 15,800 BTC has been sent to the exchange versus 37,133 BTC in December, a pace roughly 42.5% slower. That delta matters for liquidity planning today. The cooldown arrived as BTC rebounded above $97,000, then retreated to $95,449.56, with some predictions still calling for a move back toward $100,000 soon this month. The cleanest read is that whales are pausing to reassess, not racing to sell.
Whale Deposits, Mean Inflows, and Market Signals Behind the Pullback
Binance flow data suggests whales still set the tone, even when they move less. Whale inflows have dominated retail deposits, lifting average transfer size, yet that same cohort can step back abruptly. The report frames the shift as a wait-and-see strategy, not capitulation, and says indicators are not yet bullish, though they may hint at a market bottom. Because large wallets influence sizing, the market can feel quieter without losing depth. In practical terms, fewer whale deposits can ease near-term pressure while keeping liquidity functional for participants.
Even with the January slowdown, average deposit size remains elevated. Mean inflows are described as near all-time highs, with the mean deposit above 20 BTC. Whales make up about 20.85% of total inflows, but they drive sizing, with daily whale transfers around 2,200 BTC, a level described as moderate and absorbed. The recent price upturn did not trigger immediate selling, and sentiment is said to be back to neutral, with retail still bearish. The result is a market that looks active on paper, yet restrained in execution.
Derivatives positioning adds a layer to the story. BTC open interest is described as back down to $30B and not recovering reliably, leaving traders stuck in range-bound liquidations of shorts and longs. At the current price range, more than 77% of BTC supply is held in profit, up from 62% in November, yet the improved price has not forced a wave of deposits. If whales keep holding, the near-term setup stays constructive. The critical watch item is whether deposits re-accelerate as $100,000 comes back into view.
