Crypto Weekly Round-up for July 12 – July 18, 2025

Weekly Crypto Digest: Dormant Whale Moves Massive BTC Stack, Bitcoin Tops Amazon in Market Value, UK Debates Crypto Money in Elections

Here is a comprehensive overview of the week's events, updates, and movements in the crypto space to stay up to date on the most important crypto stories and market-shaping events.

1. KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A Satoshi-era Bitcoin whale moved another $4.7B worth of BTC after 14 years of dormancy, stirring speculation of a massive offload.
• Bitcoin overtakes Amazon to become the 5th largest asset globally, fueled by institutional demand and a seven-day ETF buying streak.
• UK lawmakers consider banning crypto donations in political campaigns, citing concerns about transparency and foreign interference.

2. HIGHLIGHTS

🐋 OG Bitcoin whale moves $4.7B after over a decade of silence

A dormant Bitcoin whale holding Satoshi-era coins has made headlines again after transferring 40,192 BTC (worth around $4.77 billion) to a new wallet this week. This follows a similar transfer of 40,009 BTC to Galaxy Digital just days prior.

The addresses trace back to April and May 2011, when the whale accumulated 80,000 BTC at prices as low as $0.78. Lookonchain analysts first noticed the activity on July 4, marking the first movement from these wallets in over 14 years.

Galaxy Digital sent part of the BTC to Binance and Bybit, sparking speculation that a portion of the holdings may be offloaded to the market.

This awakening has reignited discussions about long-term holders, market liquidity, and the implications of Satoshi-era coins re-entering circulation.

🏆 Bitcoin surpasses Amazon to rank 5th in global assets

Bitcoin surged past a $2.4 trillion market cap this week, briefly overtaking Amazon ($2.3T), Silver ($2.2T), and Alphabet ($2.19T), making it the fifth largest asset by market capitalization.

The rally was powered by continued institutional inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs, which recorded a seven-day buying streak with over $1B in net inflows. Over 3.5 million BTC are now held in company and ETF treasuries combined, accounting for over 16% of circulating supply.

Analysts say the next target is Apple ($2.47T), with some projecting BTC to hit $142,000 or more if momentum continues. Microsoft would follow at a $167,000 BTC valuation.

⚖️ UK lawmakers call for crypto donation ban in politics

While US political campaigns ramp up crypto fundraising efforts, UK lawmakers are taking a stricter stance. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden has voiced support for banning crypto donations due to concerns about transparency and the potential for foreign interference.

The debate gained traction after Reform UK became the first political party in the UK to accept Bitcoin donations earlier this year. Critics argue that untraceable crypto funds could undermine public trust in democratic institutions.

The UK follows in the footsteps of Ireland, Oregon, Michigan, and North Carolina, which have already implemented bans or restrictions on crypto donations. As the crypto-political landscape evolves, so too does the global push for tighter oversight and accountability.

3. MARKET MOVES

Bitcoin:+1.01% → $119,207.30 | Volume: -11.1% → $51.68B

Ethereum:+22.3% → $3,625.46

XRP:+35.14% → $3.50

Solana:+10.18% → $181.75

The crypto market extended its gains this week, with Ethereum and XRP leading the charge with over 20% and 35% gains respectively. Bitcoin saw a modest increase, while trading volume dipped slightly. Solana also continued its upward trend, reflecting renewed investor confidence across major altcoins.

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