The 10 people, countries or companies with the most Bitcoin in the world

Since its launch in 2009, Bitcoin has become a popular store of value and investment staple. With a maximum supply limited to 21 million Bitcoins, those who hold a significant amount of the cryptocurrency play a central role in its ecosystem. Here’s a look at the top 10 Bitcoin holders, including individuals, institutions, and governments.

1. Satoshi Nakamoto

Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, is the largest holder of the cryptocurrency. He is estimated to own around 1 million bitcoins, or nearly 5% of the total supply. These funds, which have never been spent, are spread across multiple addresses and are generating a lot of interest in the crypto community. Satoshi Nakamoto’s identity remains a mystery, but his holdings make him a central figure in Bitcoin’s history.

2. Les jumeaux Winklevoss

Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, known for their role in founding Facebook, are among the first major investors in Bitcoin. They own about 70,000 BTC, which is currently estimated to be worth several billion dollars. They founded Gemini, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, and are campaigning for Bitcoin to become a global financial ecosystem.

3. MicroStrategy

Business intelligence firm MicroStrategy, led by Michael Saylor, is the largest institutional holder of Bitcoin. It holds over 152,000 BTC (estimated to be worth billions of dollars), which it considers a strategic asset to protect its treasury against inflation. Saylor is a strong advocate of Bitcoin, often touting the cryptocurrency as the digital gold of the future.

4. Tesla

The Elon Musk-led automaker purchased around 42,000 BTC in 2021. Although the company sold some of its holdings to maximize liquidity, Tesla remains a notable player among institutional holders. Musk has also played an influential role in promoting Bitcoin, although he has also criticized its environmental impact.

5. El Salvador

The first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, El Salvador holds approximately 2,381 BTC, an amount acquired gradually through strategic purchases during price declines. Under its president, Nayib Bukele, the country is using Bitcoin to promote financial inclusion, improve remittances, and attract foreign investors. El Salvador has even launched a “Bitcoin City,” powered by geothermal energy.

6. Coinbase

Coinbase, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, holds thousands of bitcoins in its reserves. These bitcoins are primarily stored to ensure the safety of users’ funds and to support its operations. The company does not disclose specific details, but it plays a vital role as a custodian for millions of investors.

7. Binance

Binance, one of the world’s largest exchanges, holds a significant amount of Bitcoin primarily for its operations and user security. Following the departure of its founder, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), in 2023, Binance has continued to position itself as an industry leader while facing increasing regulations. CZ remains an iconic figure in the crypto industry despite his exit.

8. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)

Grayscale is a major institutional player offering indirect access to Bitcoin through its GBTC trust. This trust manages approximately 620,000 BTC, making it one of the largest non-individual holders of Bitcoin. GBTC is popular with institutional investors looking to gain exposure to Bitcoin without having to directly manage cryptocurrency portfolios.

9. Tim Draper

American venture capitalist Tim Draper is known for purchasing around 30,000 BTC at a US government auction in 2014. These bitcoins came from the seizure of Silk Road, a black market on the dark web. Draper is a strong advocate of Bitcoin and predicts that its global adoption will continue to accelerate in the coming years.

10. Governments and national reserves

Several governments hold bitcoins, often acquired through confiscations during criminal investigations. The United States, for example, holds tens of thousands of BTCs through judicial seizures, including during the Silk Road affair. These funds are sometimes sold at auction, but some are retained. Other countries, such as China, also hold bitcoins from confiscations, although their long-term strategy remains uncertain.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s distribution remains highly uneven, with a high concentration in the hands of a few entities. Whether they are individual visionaries, large corporations, or governments, these holders play a crucial role in the future of the cryptocurrency. However, Bitcoin’s decentralized nature ensures that the power ultimately lies in the hands of its global network of users, reinforcing its status as both a unique and revolutionary currency.