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Bitcoin Treasury Sell-Off Sparks Fears of Crypto Contagion

In Bitcoin News
April 02, 2026
  • Nakamoto Holdings (NAKA) sold 284 BTC in March 2026 for ~US$20M realising a ~40% loss against its average acquisition cost of US$118,171 per coin.
  • MARA Holdings separately sold over 15,133 BTC worth more than US$1B in March to retire convertible debt, with MARA and Riot Platforms each declining double-digits on March 19 as BTC fell below US$72,000.
  • Analysts warn of a self-reinforcing cycle in which falling Bitcoin prices pressure Digital Asset Treasury firms into selling, which in turn deepens BTC’s decline.

Nakamoto Holdings’ sale of Bitcoin at a steep loss in March 2026 has intensified scrutiny of the Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) model, as declining prices pressure balance sheets across firms holding large BTC reserves.

The company sold 284 BTC for about US$20M (AU$29M), at an average price of US$70,422 (AU$102,112) per coin, according to its SEC Form 10-K filing. Compared with its average acquisition cost of US$118,171 (AU$171,348), the transaction locked in a loss of roughly 40% per BTC. 

Proceeds were allocated to operating reserves, strategic initiatives, integration efforts, and interest payments tied to a Kraken loan.

The sale accounted for about 5.3% of Nakamoto’s 5,342 BTC treasury at the end of 2025, which had a book value of US$467.5M (AU$677.88M). That position had previously peaked at US$711M (AU$1.03B) in October 2025 when Bitcoin traded near US$126,000. 

Related: Analysts Say Crypto “Clarity Act” Faces Long Odds as Senate Momentum Fades

Bitcoin Closes Q1 in Extreme Fear

Selling pressure is gripping the entire market, and MARA Holdings reported selling 15,133 BTC worth more than US$1B (AU$1.45B) in March to retire convertible debt. 

The move was described as tactical, but coincided with market declines, with MARA shares falling 11% and Riot Platforms dropping 14% on March 19, when Bitcoin slipped below US$72,000.

Mining costs average around US$89,000 per BTC, above current spot levels. Strategy holds 761,068 BTC at an average cost of US$75,696 (AU$109,759), leaving its position below cost basis. 

The company reported an unrealised loss of about US$17.4B (AU$25.29B) and carried more than US$8.2B (AU$11.89B) in debt, while its net asset value premium narrowed sharply in March.

Read more: Bitcoin Stress Spikes as Nearly Half of Supply Falls Into Loss

The post Bitcoin Treasury Sell-Off Sparks Fears of Crypto Contagion appeared first on Crypto News Australia.

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Eugene K. Elias is a technology journalist passionate about the intersection of artificial intelligence and blockchain. With a background in computer science, he breaks down complex technical concepts into accessible insights for readers. At Satoshi News Africa, Eugene covers DeFi, Web3 development, and the latest blockchain innovations shaping the future of finance. Outside of work, he’s an avid chess player and a mentor to young programmers.