A large on-chain transfer linked to Pump.fun has put fresh focus on how the memecoin launchpad is handling the proceeds of its token sale.
Summary
- A Pump.fun-linked wallet sent $148M in USDC and USDT to Kraken.
- Total deposits since November now exceed $750M from ICO proceeds.
- The move has renewed debate over treasury use and transparency.
A wallet associated with Pump.fun deposited roughly $148 million in stablecoins to Kraken on Jan. 13, according data from to on-chain analyst EmberCN.
The latest transaction continues a pattern of sizable exchange-bound transfers seen over the past two months.
$148M transfer adds to months-long flow to Kraken
Blockchain data shows the latest deposit consisted of USDC and USDT moved to Kraken within a short time window. EmberCN noted that the funds originated from wallets tied to the Pump.fun’s (PUMP) token sale, which took place in mid-2025.
The transfer brings the total amount sent to Kraken since Nov. 15 to approximately $753 million in stablecoins. All of the funds are traced back to proceeds from the PUMP initial coin offering, based on publicly visible wallet activity.
Similar movements have occurred at regular intervals since late 2025, often involving nine-figure sums. In some cases, stablecoins deposited to Kraken were later observed moving toward Circle-related addresses, suggesting possible redemptions or internal treasury operations.
Neither Pump.fun nor Kraken has publicly commented on the purpose of the latest transfer. The scale and consistency of these deposits have drawn attention across crypto markets, especially given Pump.fun’s central role in Solana’s memecoin economy.
Treasury management, pressure points, and open questions
Pump.fun has previously pushed back against claims that such transfers represent cash-outs or liquidation activity. Team members have described past movements as routine treasury management, including diversification, operational spending, and preparation for reinvestment.
Still, the timing has fueled debate. The most recent transfer comes amid increased scrutiny of the platform, which includes complaints about its previous creator fee structure and slower revenue growth when compared to periods of peak memecoin trading.
Alon Cohen, a co-founder, acknowledged the flaws in the previous fee model earlier this month. He presented a new strategy that would shift incentives away from volume-driven token launches and toward traders and liquidity.
At the same time, the company continues to face legal scrutiny. A court decision is expected later this month in an amended civil lawsuit accusing Pump.fun of racketeering and insider trading. While the recent transfer is not directly tied to the case, it has raised fresh questions around transparency and governance.
As with past transfers, the market reaction has been cautious rather than abrupt. Observers remain watchful, waiting to see whether there are additional movements or a formal response from the team.
Source: https://crypto.news/pumpfun-linked-address-deposits-usdt-kraken-2026/
