What is fueling the record accumulation of Cardano by whales in 2026

As retail investors rush to sell their tokens in panic, institutional investors are taking the opposite approach: massive accumulation of Cardano. The price of ADA has fallen 19%, but this does not deter large wallets. Why? Several powerful catalysts seem to be converging to justify this bold strategy.

The catalysts triggering the mobilization of savvy investors

Since January 2026, large wallets have absorbed 454.7 million ADA tokens, worth approximately $161.4 million according to Santiment. This accumulation increases their share of the circulating supply from 66.3% to 67.53%, or 24.33 billion ADA.

But what is driving this accumulation while the market is collapsing? Several factors are emerging. First, ETF applications. Cyber Hornet and ARK Invest have each submitted proposals to create funds including Cardano among top cryptocurrencies. These potential approvals represent a major catalyst for institutional adoption. Next, FluidTokens is preparing a Bitcoin-Cardano bridge aimed at injecting BTC liquidity into the network, opening new economic opportunities.

Alongside fundamentals, political sentiment is playing its role. A speech by Donald Trump tonight could catalyze market movements through his positions on crypto regulation. Savvy investors are betting on favorable regulatory clarification.

On-chain data: a divergence that usually precedes rebounds

The accumulation by large wallets sharply contrasts with the behavior of retail investors. The latter have sold 22,000 tokens over the past three weeks, reducing their share from 0.122% to 0.121%. This classic dynamic, where whales buy while small investors panic, has historically preceded the most significant market recoveries.

The total number of ADA wallets has increased from 3.17 to 3.228 million, confirming sustained fundamental interest despite the price decline. On-chain analysis shows the largest address holds 1.93 billion ADA but has been inactive for 27 days. Created on August 18, 2020, when the altcoin traded between $0.0184 and $0.0869, it has not moved since reaching the all-time high of $3.10 in September 2021. This inactivity contrasts with the frantic activity of other whales, who have added $360–$380 million worth of Cardano since mid-January, despite spot volume plummeting 95%.

Technical analysis confirms signals of a trend reversal

On the technical side, ADA has rebounded 6% from the $0.33 support level, climbing to $0.30 with an 8.85% gain over 24 hours. On the hourly chart, the price is consolidating within a descending channel, compressing volatility before a potential breakout toward $0.38, $0.40, or $0.50.

Historical demand zones remain strong. Upside targets are at $0.6386, $0.9358, and $1.3285 if support holds. Momentum indicators are slightly improving, though still bearish in the overall context. Over seven days, Cardano has declined 4.1%, and over two weeks, 8.9%. However, breaking a key weekly support and consolidating signals a possible reversal, with major resistance at $0.6193.

Recent data shows an 8.23% increase over seven days, slightly reversing the short-term downtrend. Volatility is compressing, setting the stage for a significant breakout.

Conclusion: whales recognize catalysts before others

Those accumulating like whales swim like kings. On-chain data, emerging catalysts, and technical analysis converge: savvy investors see something the rest of the market still ignores. The accumulated catalysts — ETFs, incoming Bitcoin liquidity, potential regulatory clarity — could turn this period of quiet accumulation into a spectacular rebound.