BitMine continuously adds $280 million worth of ETH, from staking tools to the ambitions of a crypto Berkshire Hathaway

BitMine once again staked 86,848 ETH, bringing the total staked amount to over 1.77 million. This is not just a routine staking operation but also reflects a profound strategic shift by this asset management giant: from a simple Ethereum yield platform to a crypto “Berkshire Hathaway” driven by ETH cash flow.

The Strategic Logic Behind the Whale’s Continuous Accumulation

BitMine’s recent accumulation is not an isolated event. According to the latest data, the company currently holds about 4.2 million ETH, with a total value exceeding $13 billion, and has staked 1.256 million ETH. This means BitMine is aggressively positioning itself in Ethereum, and this accumulation shows no signs of slowing down.

The Cash Flow Magic of the Staking Economy

The reason for BitMine’s continued accumulation lies in the stable income generated by staking. According to relevant information, the company currently earns between $400 million and $430 million annually from staking. This money is not used for dividends but is treated as a “cash engine”—funding other investment projects, including the recent controversial $200 million investment in MrBeast’s Beast Industries.

The logic is clear: ETH staking yields become a stable cash flow source, supporting BitMine’s transition toward a holding company model.

Institutional Consensus on ETH

BitMine’s aggressive accumulation is not an isolated case. On-chain data shows that over 36 million ETH (30% of circulating supply, worth about $118 billion) are staked, hitting a new all-time high. Ethereum validators are approaching 1 million. This signals an important trend: institutional funds are massively deploying in ETH.

BitMine Chairman Tom Lee also openly stated at the recent shareholders’ meeting that 2026 will be the “Ethereum Year.” He predicts the ETH/BTC exchange rate will break through the 2021 all-time high, with ETH price potentially soaring to $12,000. If this forecast comes true, BitMine’s current aggressive accumulation will be a brilliant strategic move.

Data Perspective: Huge Differences in Return Expectations

What does this comparison indicate? If Tom Lee’s prediction is correct, BitMine’s pre-tax income could multiply several times. This is not wishful thinking but a reasonable inference based on the development of the Ethereum ecosystem and macroeconomic improvements.

Why 2026 Might Truly Be the Year of ETH

The Shift in Underlying Narrative

Ethereum is evolving from a simple smart contract platform into the core of global financial infrastructure. According to reports, the wave of global asset tokenization (RWA) is sweeping in, with the euro tokenized assets surpassing $11 billion in market value, doubling within a year. Institutional funds are lining up to enter.

Policy Environment Improvements

The advancement of the “Clarity Act” is seen by industry insiders as a major positive for the crypto industry. Meanwhile, the launch of the US strategic Bitcoin reserve also sends positive signals. These policy changes are paving the way for large-scale institutional allocation of crypto assets.

The Positive Cycle of the Staking Economy

The current record high in ETH staking scale itself is a strong market signal. More staking means more funds are locked into the network, reinforcing Ethereum’s attributes as a store of value and a yield-generating tool.

Summary

BitMine’s continuous accumulation is not just a data point but a signal of market turning. From its massive holdings of 4.2 million ETH to billions of dollars in annual staking income, and its strategic shift toward becoming a “crypto Berkshire Hathaway,” this asset management giant is betting real money on Ethereum’s future.

Whether Tom Lee’s $12,000 target ultimately materializes or not, a clear trend has already formed: institutional funds are accelerating their deployment in ETH, the staking economy is becoming a key pillar of the crypto market, and Ethereum is evolving from a fringe asset into a mainstream financial infrastructure. For market participants, the key is to understand the logic behind this trend rather than blindly follow.