While Cardano’s ADA token recently faced significant selling pressure, on-chain data reveals that large-scale investors have been actively accumulating during the price weakness. Since the start of February, wallets holding between 10 million and 100 million ADA have increased their collective holdings by approximately $40 million. This accumulation phase coincides with the network’s preparation for a substantial protocol enhancement.
The buying activity from these major holders, often termed “whales,” commenced directly after ADA’s sharp decline on February 5th. As the token’s price subsequently stabilized, these investors continued to expand their positions, signaling their interpretation of the correction as a buying opportunity. This bullish behavior from large wallets contrasts with the generally cautious sentiment prevailing across the broader cryptocurrency market.
The timing of this accumulation is notable, as it aligns with the final stages of preparation for the “van Rossem” hard fork, which will implement Protocol Version 11. This upgrade is designed to enhance the performance of Plutus — Cardano’s smart contract platform — by introducing new cryptographic tools. A key feature is that the improvements will be implemented without impacting existing smart contracts already deployed on the blockchain.
Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Cardano?
The rollout process for this upgrade is already underway. Following initial testing on the SanchoNet test environment, the Cardano community anticipates the release of node version 10.7.0 in the coming weeks, which will be hard-fork compatible. The final activation on the mainnet will proceed once all necessary performance checks are successfully completed.
Alongside this core technical development, ecosystem growth continues on other fronts. Founder Charles Hoskinson is advancing the development of an artificial intelligence agent named “Logan.” This AI is intended to interact with and even invest in projects within the Cardano ecosystem, including areas such as meme coins and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Furthermore, in a move to bolster institutional engagement, the Cardano Foundation secured a Diamond Sponsorship at the Digital Assets Forum in London in early February.
The confluence of technological advancement, strategic institutional outreach, and demonstrated confidence from major investors may provide a foundation for medium-term stability for Cardano. This potential outcome, however, remains contingent on a smooth deployment of the protocol upgrade and a subsequent positive shift in overall market sentiment.
