Strive increases its Bitcoin holdings to 43,000 BTC and surpasses Marathon Digital

On October 26, 2026, Strive Financial Services Ltd., an American investment firm, announced that it now holds 43,000 bitcoins (BTC), surpassing Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA) to become the second largest institutional holder of this cryptocurrency. This accumulation, representing approximately 0.2% of the total Bitcoin supply, marks a milestone in the adoption of this asset by traditional players and could influence market balances in the medium term. Context Strive Financial Services, founded in 2021 and based in New York, has gradually established itself as a key player in institutional cryptocurrency investment. Its approach, centered on accumulating Bitcoin as a store of value, contrasts with that of miners like Marathon Digital, whose holdings depend partly on their production. In October 2026, the Bitcoin market remains marked by persistent volatility, with price fluctuations of around 2 to 3% over seven days, according to CryptoScore Pro data. This period also coincides with the gradual implementation of the European MiCA regulation, which provides a framework for sector players, and with increased attention from US regulators regarding corporate digital asset holding strategies. Until now, Marathon Digital (MARA) dominated the ranking of companies holding the most Bitcoin, with a position historically linked to its mining activity. Strive, on the other hand, has built its portfolio through direct purchases, a strategy reflecting a long-term vision. The competition between these players is part of a broader context of Bitcoin holding concentration: the five largest institutional holders now control nearly 1% of the total supply, estimated at 21 million units. The Facts According to a press release published on October 26, 2026, by Strive, the company now holds 43,000 BTC , an increase of 6,182 BTC compared to its last public statement. This acquisition, carried out during the week ending October 23, was made at an average price of 82,732 USD per bitcoin , according to a document filed with US authorities. Strive thus surpasses Marathon Digital, whose holdings amount to 35,577 BTC, according to CryptoScore Pro data as of October 26, 2026. Several key elements emerge from this announcement: Strive's portfolio is approaching those of Twenty One Capital (43,514 BTC) and Metaplanet, which holds about 1,000 more BTC. Strive's cash holdings increased from 317.5 million USD to 504.4 million USD over the same period, without the company specifying the origin of these funds. No details were provided regarding the Bitcoin storage methods (cold storage, external custodian, etc.) or any potential risk hedging mechanisms. Market data diverges on the price of Bitcoin at the time of the announcement. While Strive's press release mentions an average acquisition cost of 82,732 USD, CryptoScore Pro benchmarks indicate a price of 80,281 USD on October 26 at 12:24 UTC, down 0.2% over 24 hours. This difference could be explained by intraday variations or staggered buying strategies. Furthermore, the immediate market impact was limited, with a 0.4% increase in the price of Bitcoin in the 24 hours following the announcement, according to CryptoBriefing. Understanding Key Concepts Store of Value A store of value refers to an asset that maintains its value over time without depreciating significantly. Bitcoin is often compared to gold for this property, although its volatility makes it a less stable candidate in the short term. For example, a company like Strive may decide to accumulate bitcoins not to trade them quickly, but to hold them as a form of long-term capital, similar to a physical gold reserve. This strategy is based on the assumption that demand for Bitcoin will increase, or at least that its limited supply (21 million units) will support its value. Liquidity and Available Supply Liquidity measures the ease with which an asset can be bought or sold without affecting its price. When an entity like Strive accumulates a significant amount of Bitcoin, it reduces the amount available on the spot market (i.e., immediately tradable). For example, holding 43,000 BTC represents approximately 0.2% of the total supply, which could influence prices if these bitcoins were sold off massively. Conversely, long-term holding can stabilize the market by reducing selling pressure. Proof-of-Work ( proof-of-work ) and Transaction Fees Bitcoin operates through a consensus mechanism called proof-of-work , where miners validate transactions by solving complex mathematical problems. Each Bitcoin blockchain block contains an average of 1,000 transactions, and users pay fees to have their transactions processed faster. These fees, expressed in satoshis per vByte (sat/vB), vary depending on network congestion. For example, an average fee of 0.135 sat/vB (as mentioned in the technical data) means that a standard transaction costs approximately 1 to 2 USD. This system ensures network security but can make transactions expensive during periods of high demand. Analysis: what is at stake The accumulation of 43,000 BTC by Strive Financial Services illustrates a key mechanism of the crypto-asset market: the reduction of available supply on the spot market. According to CryptoScore Pro data as of October 26, 2026, this position represents approximately 0.2% of the total Bitcoin supply, a volume sufficient to influence liquidity dynamics. By removing these assets from exchanges, Strive mechanically limits short-term selling pressure, which can support prices, as evidenced by the 0.4% increase observed after the announcement. However, this concentration also poses a risk of increased volatility in the event of a massive sell-off, a scenario that would depend on the company's financial incentives – which have not yet been specified. For investors, this strategy reinforces the perception of Bitcoin as an institutional store of value, a signal that could encourage other players to follow. Direct competitors, such as Marathon…