Ethereum’s user base is divided into three groups: Retail, Investors, and Whales. Retail investors hold less than 0.1% of the circulating supply and represent nearly 48% of the market. Investors, those holding between 0.1% and 1%, have a more significant presence but are still overshadowed by the whale cohort. Whales, holding over 1% of Ethereum’s supply, have steadily grown their influence, surpassing the retail sector in recent years.
The accumulation trend among whales accelerated following the Shanghai Upgrade, which allowed investors to unstake Ethereum from Proof-of-Stake contracts. This likely contributed to the increased interest in staking, leading whales to consolidate their holdings, especially through staking pools.
While whale accumulation signals bullish sentiment for Ethereum, concerns about supply centralization have emerged. With such a large percentage of Ethereum held by a few entities, market movements could become more volatile and centralized over time.