Back in March 2023, Binance made a move that caught the entire crypto world off guard. At a time when fear was high and markets were shaky, the exchange converted about $1 billion from its SAFU fund into Bitcoin, Ethereum, and BNB. Many people questioned the decision. But looking back now, it was a smart call.
Over the following year, Bitcoin surged by around 250%, Ethereum climbed more than 200%, and the total crypto market gained roughly $1.8 trillion in value. What was meant to be a safety reserve quietly turned into a powerful vote of confidence for the whole market.
Now, fast forward to January 2026, and Binance is making headlines again.
On January 30, Binance announced it would convert the entire $1 billion SAFU fund from stablecoins like USDC directly into Bitcoin. This is not a rushed decision. The plan is to spread the purchases over about 30 days, and Binance has said it will rebalance the fund if Bitcoin’s price drops and the value falls below $800 million.
This announcement came right after a rough period for the market. Bitcoin had recently corrected to around $81,600, its lowest level in months. Binance explained that the move is meant to strengthen user protection during volatile times. But many in the community see something more than just risk management.
Just days later, on February 2, the buying began. The SAFU fund purchased 1,315 Bitcoin at an average price of about $76,577, spending roughly $100 million in one go. On-chain trackers like Arkham Intelligence and Lookonchain quickly spotted the transaction as the coins moved into the SAFU wallet.
This looks like only the first step. If Binance continues at this pace, it could mean tens of millions of dollars in Bitcoin buys every day until the full $1 billion is deployed.
So, what exactly is SAFU?
SAFU, which stands for Secure Asset Fund for Users, was created by Binance in 2018. It acts as an insurance fund to protect users in case of hacks, system failures, or other major problems. Binance funds it using 10% of its trading fees, and the wallet addresses are public, so anyone can track the funds.
By shifting SAFU from stablecoins into Bitcoin, Binance is clearly showing where its long-term belief lies. Stablecoins have their own risks, as history has shown. Bitcoin, despite its volatility, is seen by many as the strongest and most resilient asset in crypto.
Naturally, not everyone agrees with the move. Critics say holding such a large safety fund in Bitcoin is risky. Supporters argue the opposite—that this is a bold show of confidence in Bitcoin’s future and in crypto as a whole.
What really has people talking is the timing.
In 2023, Binance made a similar move during a market dip, and a major rally followed. Now in 2026, this conversion is happening right after another Bitcoin pullback of about 6–7%. The similarities are hard to ignore. Reduced supply, steady buying pressure, and a strong signal from one of the biggest players in the industry—it all feels familiar.
Of course, crypto never moves in a straight line. Prices could stay choppy, or even fall further, before any real breakout happens. Nothing is guaranteed.
Still, Binance’s SAFU strategy could end up being a quiet but powerful catalyst. Whether you’re holding for the long term or trading short-term moves, this is one of those moments worth watching closely. Sometimes, the biggest market shifts start with actions that look simple on the surface—but speak loudly underneath.
#SAFU🙏 #BuyTheDip