Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin has had a remarkable year in 2024, breaking the $100,000 barrier.
- Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin, is the largest Bitcoin holder.
- The United States is the largest government Bitcoin holder.
As Bitcoin continues to gain mainstream acceptance and push toward new all-time highs, curiosity around the biggest holders of BTC is growing.
From early adopters and crypto exchanges to institutional players and mysterious whales, the distribution of Bitcoin tells a fascinating story about wealth, power, and belief in the world’s most valuable digital asset.
Some are transparent public entities, while others hide behind anonymity and blockchain addresses. But all are key players in shaping Bitcoin’s present and possibly its future.
Who holds the most Bitcoin (BTC)—and just how much are they sitting on?
Bitcoin in Numbers
2026 Performance
As of late March 2026, Bitcoin was trading between $68,000 and $71,000.
It remains well below its all-time high of around $126,000 set on October 6, 2025.
Bitcoin’s market cap was hovering near $1.4 trillion at press time, still solidifying its position as the world’s most valuable cryptocurrency and one of the top global assets by value.
Bitcoin’s price performance this year has been marked by continued volatility and a challenging start to the year.
It began 2026 trading in the mid-to-high $80,000s to low $90,000s range, carrying over some momentum from late 2025, but quickly faced pressure.
Earlier in the year, Bitcoin saw a significant pullback, dropping nearly 20% year-to-date at points and testing lows around the mid-$60,000s.
Since then, the price has shown some recovery and stabilization, trading in a relatively narrow band in recent weeks.
However, the first quarter overall has felt disappointing for many holders, with no new highs and ongoing consolidation below the psychological $75,000–$80,000 levels.
Like the previous year, Bitcoin’s path has included sharp swings, influenced by macroeconomic factors, institutional flows, and lingering effects from the late-2025 slump.
While some analysts eye potential for a rebound later in 2026, the early months have been defined more by caution than euphoria.
Circulating Supply, Market Cap, & Trading Volume
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Circulating BTC Supply: Over 20 million BTC are in circulation, out of a maximum 21 million that will ever exist. This means about 94–95% of all BTC that will ever be created have already been mined.
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Total Market Capitalization: Approximately $1.37 trillion.
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Daily Trading Volume: Bitcoin sees tens of billions of dollars in trading activity per day. Recent 24-hour volume has averaged in the $40–80+ billion range; for example, around $45.5 billion was traded in a mid-July 24-hour period.
Bitcoin Wallet Distribution and Largest Holders
Bitcoin’s supply is unevenly distributed across millions of addresses. A relatively small number of large holders (whales and exchanges) controlling a significant share.
Here is a breakdown of BTC ownership concentration as of mid-2025:
- Top 10 addresses: The 10 richest Bitcoin wallets (excluding Satoshi Nakamoto’s dormant holdings) collectively hold roughly 1.1 million BTC, about 5.5% of the total supply.
- Top 100 addresses: The 100 largest wallets control approximately 2.9 million BTC, around 14–15% of the circulating supply.
- “Whale” wallets (>1,000 BTC): There are 2,000–2,100 addresses that each hold at least 1,000 BTC (worth $100+ million apiece). Collectively, these large holders own over 36% of all Bitcoin.
Bitcoin’s supply distribution is top-heavy – a small fraction of wallets control an outsized share of all BTC. Just the top 100 addresses hold nearly 15% of the supply, and addresses with over 100 BTC own about 61% of the supply in total.
Top 5 Individuals With the Largest Bitcoin Holdings
Satoshi Nakamoto: 1.1 million BTC
Satoshi Nakamoto is the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin. Their history has been shrouded in mystery since the crypto industry’s inception. Their account on the P2P Foundation suggests they turned 49 on April 29, 2024.
Nakamoto debuted Bitcoin in their white paper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System” to a cryptography mailing group. The article, published on Oct. 31, 2008, described a decentralized peer-to-peer protocol that was secure in terms of cryptography.
Satoshi Nakamoto described Bitcoin as a “purely peer-to-peer version of electronic cash” that would “allow online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a financial institution or any intermediary.”
Reports indicate that Nakamoto is the most significant individual Bitcoin holder and is purportedly the first miner of the currency, with over 1 million Bitcoins in their stash.
On-chain data suggests that Nakamoto mined approximately 54,316 blocks, earning 50 BTC for each block before the first halving event.
What’s particularly intriguing is that Nakamoto’s vast stash of Bitcoins remains unspent, lying dormant across roughly 22,000 wallet addresses. This inactive hoard represents a significant portion of the cryptocurrency’s supply.
If any of these coins were moved, it could dramatically fluctuate Bitcoin’s market value and profoundly impact the broader cryptocurrency landscape, sending ripples across the global financial ecosystem.
The Winklevoss Twins: Estimated 70,000 BTC
Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, the billionaire brothers best known for their legal battle with Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, have become two of the most prominent Bitcoin investors in the world.
After receiving a $65 million settlement from Facebook in 2008, they began accumulating Bitcoin in its early days, reportedly purchasing around 120,000 BTC when prices were still in the double digits.
While exact holdings are difficult to verify today, various estimates suggest that the twins still hold approximately 70,000 BTC combined, making them among the largest known individual holders.
In 2014, they co-founded Gemini, a U.S.-based regulated cryptocurrency exchange, further cementing their status as early believers and builders in the space.
Their investments and advocacy have helped shape the modern crypto landscape, from regulatory discussions to mainstream adoption.
Tim Draper: 29,656 BTC
Tim Draper, a prominent American venture capitalist and outspoken Bitcoin advocate, is well known for his early and bold bets on disruptive technologies.
He’s backed some of the biggest names in tech, including Tesla, Skype, Hotmail, Twitter, Coinbase, and Robinhood.
In 2014, Draper made headlines when he purchased 29,656 BTC for $18.7 million during a U.S. Marshals auction of Bitcoin seized from the now-defunct Silk Road marketplace.
At the time, he paid around $632 per coin—a purchase that many considered risky, but one that has since paid off handsomely.
Draper has consistently championed Bitcoin, decentralization, and financial freedom, often criticizing excessive government control.
He’s also made several predictions about Bitcoin’s future price, calling it the “currency of the future” and forecasting six-figure valuations long before they became reality.
Michael Saylor: 17,732 BTC
Michael Saylor founded MicroStrategy—now called Strategy—and served as its longtime CEO until stepping into the role of chairman in August 2022.
A tech mogul during the dot-com boom, Saylor briefly became a multibillionaire in the late ’90s thanks to his company’s meteoric rise.
But the dream didn’t last—SEC accounting charges hit MicroStrategy in 2000, resulting in an $11 million fine and a brutal stock crash that wiped out nearly $6 billion from Saylor’s net worth.
He didn’t stay down for long.
In 2020, Saylor pivoted hard into Bitcoin, calling it “a bank in cyberspace run by incorruptible software.” Through Strategy, he spearheaded one of the largest BTC acquisition campaigns in history.
Saylor also made a personal bet—buying 17,732 BTC for around $175 million, which is now worth approximately $1.5 billion.
He has become one of Bitcoin’s most prominent evangelists, frequently appearing at major cryptocurrency events and in the media to promote Bitcoin as a long-term store of value.
At last count, Saylor’s net worth is estimated at $4.8 billion, much of it tied to his Class B shares in Strategy and his personal Bitcoin stash.
Changpeng Zhao (CZ): Estimated 1,300 BTC
Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, is the most prominent—and arguably wealthiest—figure in the crypto world.
As the founder and former CEO of Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume, CZ’s fortune is closely tied to the explosive growth of the industry.
His wealth is believed to come primarily from a 90% equity stake in Binance, along with a massive holding of 94 million BNB tokens. However, CZ also owns Bitcoin, though his exact holdings have never been fully disclosed.
Back in 2014, CZ revealed he sold his apartment in Shanghai to buy $1 million worth of BTC, which would have netted him around 1,300 Bitcoins at the time—worth over $124 million today.
According to Bloomberg, CZ’s net worth sits at roughly $36.9 billion, with over 90% of his assets tied to crypto. Even after stepping down as Binance CEO amid regulatory pressures, he remains a towering presence in the space.
Top Publicly Traded Companies With the Largest Bitcoin Holdings
Strategy: 762,099 BTC
Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) became the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin after making its first purchase in August 2020, citing concerns about the long-term value of the U.S. dollar amid pandemic-era money printing and economic uncertainty.
At the time, Michael Saylor, then CEO, made the company’s position clear:
“This investment reflects our belief that Bitcoin, as the world’s most popular cryptocurrency, is a dependable store of value and an attractive investment asset with more long-term appreciation potential than holding cash.”
That initial move turned into a historic accumulation strategy.
As of March 27, 2026, Strategy holds 762,099 BTC, worth approximately $58.84 billion at current market prices.
The company has disclosed every purchase to the public and has consistently added to its position over the years.
Headquartered in Virginia, Strategy now holds nearly 10 times as much Bitcoin as the next-largest corporate holder.
Its aggressive approach has also paid off on the stock market—MSTR shares soared over 420% in 2024, turning the company into a proxy play for Bitcoin exposure on Wall Street.
MARA: 38,689 BTC
MARA (formerly Marathon Digital Holdings), based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been a prominent player in the Bitcoin mining industry since its inception in 2010.
The company is one of the leading Bitcoin miners globally, with a current installed hash rate of 50 EH/S.
The hash rate measures the computational power used to mine and process Bitcoin transactions.
Following the Strategy’s example, the company has begun using debt financing to buy additional Bitcoin, complementing its mining activities.
As of March 27, 2026, MARA holds 38,689 BTC, including the 7,377 BTC the Company has temporarily loaned to third parties.
XXI: 43,514 BTC
XXI (Twenty-One) is a Bitcoin-focused investment company that aims to provide traditional capital markets with exposure to Bitcoin through a public, BTC-native structure.
The firm’s strategy centers on maximizing Bitcoin ownership per share (BPS) and developing tools aligned with Bitcoin’s long-term utility and monetary properties.
As of March 27, 2026, XXI holds 43,514 BTC, currently valued at approximately $3.8 billion.
The company has steadily increased its holdings since launch and remains one of the top publicly known institutional holders of Bitcoin.
Metaplanet: 35,102 BTC
Tokyo-listed Metaplanet Inc. has emerged as a major corporate holder of Bitcoin in Japan.
Originally focused on Web3 consulting and blockchain-based hospitality services, the company has pivoted toward a Bitcoin-focused treasury strategy.
As of March 27, 2027, Metaplanet holds 35,102 BTC, valued at roughly $2.32 billion.
Bitcoin now accounts for approximately 36% of the company’s market capitalization, a significant figure that underscores its commitment to BTC as both a reserve asset and a hedge against the risks of fiat currencies.
Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company: 30,021 BTC
The company ranked fourth on the Riot Platform, holding 30,021 Bitcoin, valued at $3.46 billion as of March 27, 2026.
A new Bitcoin-focused holding company is set to go public through a merger between Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company (BSTR) and the Cantor Equity Partners I (CEPO) SPAC, according to sources familiar with the deal.
Adam Back, a prominent cryptographer and CEO of BSTR, will partner with Blockstream Capital to inject over 30,000 BTC—worth more than $3 billion—into the combined entity.
The transaction will see Back and his team receive equity in the newly formed BSTR Holdings.
CEPO went public in January, raising $200 million. Brandon Lutnick, son of U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, chairs the company, which also has backing from Cantor Fitzgerald.
Bullish: 24,300 BTC
Bullish is an institutionally focused, global digital asset platform and regulated exchange that offers high-performance trading of digital assets, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, along with derivatives and margin trading features.
It is backed by prominent investors, including Peter Thiel.
The company, which recently went public on the New York Stock Exchange, provides market infrastructure and information services and is focused on increasing the integrity and transparency of the digital asset market.
As of March 27, Bullish holds 24,000 Bitcoin, worth $2.76 billion.
Riot Platform: 18,005 BTC
Riot Platforms is one of the largest publicly traded Bitcoin mining companies in the United States.
Headquartered in Colorado, Riot operates massive mining facilities, including its flagship site in Rockdale, Texas—one of the largest in North America.
As of March 27, 2026, Riot holds 18,005 BTC on its balance sheet, valued at approximately $1.68 billion at current prices.
The company has consistently added to its Bitcoin reserves through a combination of self-mining and strategic treasury management.
Coinbase: 10,000 BTC
Coinbase Global, Inc. is one of the most prominent public companies in the crypto space.
Founded in 2012 and based in the U.S., it operates a leading digital asset exchange trusted by both retail and institutional investors.
Coinbase’s model centers on facilitating crypto transactions, offering custody services, and providing trading tools.
It earns revenue from fees, subscriptions, and institutional solutions. The company holds significant Bitcoin reserves, reflecting a strategic belief in its long-term value.
As of March 26, the company holds 10,000 Bitcoin.
Hut 8: 13,696 BTC
Hut 8 Corp. is a prominent public company in the Bitcoin mining and infrastructure sector.
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Miami, Florida, U.S., it operates large-scale data centers across North America focused on digital asset mining and energy management.
Hut 8’s model emphasizes self-mining Bitcoin with advanced ASIC hardware, providing managed infrastructure services, and expanding into AI and high-performance computing.
It generates revenue through mining operations, colocation fees, power sales, and strategic partnerships.
The company maintains substantial Bitcoin holdings as a core treasury asset, demonstrating confidence in its long-term appreciation amid market volatility.
As of March 27, the company holds 13,696 Bitcoin.
CleanSpark Inc: 13,011 BTC
CleanSpark Inc. (CLSK) is a U.S.-based Bitcoin mining company focused on sustainable energy solutions.
As of March 27, 2026, CleanSpark held 13,011 BTC, making it one of the largest publicly traded Bitcoin miners.
CleanSpark’s Bitcoin holdings are worth approximately $1.13 billion, accounting for around 47% of its market capitalization.
Top Private Companies Holding BTC
Block.One
Block.one, the blockchain software company behind the EOS.IO protocol, holds the distinction of being the largest private company by Bitcoin holdings and has incorporated Bitcoin into its treasury strategy as a core part.
As of March 27, 2026, the company held approximately 164,000 BTC.
Block.one announced its substantial Bitcoin position in 2021, coinciding with the launch of its subsidiary exchange, Bullish Global, to which it contributed significant BTC reserves.
The company views Bitcoin as a strategic asset for preserving long-term value and leveraging network growth opportunities.
Tether
Tether International Ltd, the entity behind the USDT stablecoin, has actively incorporated Bitcoin into its reserve strategy.
As of March 27, 2026, the company held approximately 96,000 BTC.
Tether announced its decision to hold Bitcoin as a reserve currency.
The company has also publicly committed to allocating up to 15% of its net realized operating profits to regularly purchasing Bitcoin.
ETFs With the Largest Bitcoin Holdings
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust: 785,852 BTC
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has emerged as one of the best-performing ETFs in U.S. history, attracting billions in inflows and consistently maintaining its lead in the market.
As of March 27, 2025, IBIT holds 785,852BTC and leads the market with approximately $86.46 billion in net assets.
Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund: 187,948 BTC
Like BlackRock, Fidelity has attracted significant investor interest, making it a key player in the market.
Currently, the fund holds 187,948 BTC, making it the second-largest holder of Bitcoin among ETFs.
This impressive accumulation has helped Fidelity’s FBTC become an attractive option for Bitcoin investors.
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust: 155,101 BTC
Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) remains one of the largest Bitcoin ETFs in the market.
The fund has faced consistent challenges in maintaining inflows, with daily outflows frequently occurring.
In 2024, GBTC posted a cumulative net outflow of $21.8 billion, highlighting its ongoing struggles to attract new investments.
Despite these challenges, it continues to hold 155,101 Bitcoin, a significant market position that cements its place among the top Bitcoin ETFs.
Countries With the Largest Bitcoin Holdings
The United States: 328,372 BTC
According to data from Bitcoin Treasuries, the U.S. has built a significant Bitcoin reserve, holding approximately 328,372 BTC valued at $28.6 billion.
Most of this accumulation stems from law enforcement seizures, particularly since 2020.
Given the evolving stance on cryptocurrency and the anticipated policies of the incoming Donald Trump administration, there is growing speculation that the U.S. may increase its Bitcoin holdings or incorporate it into its strategic reserve.
In fact, several senators have proposed that the U.S. acquire 1 million Bitcoins to solidify its dominance in the digital asset space.
China: 190,000 BTC
China currently holds approximately 190,000 BTC, a substantial amount acquired through the seizure of funds from the PlusToken Ponzi scheme.
The Bitcoins are worth around $21.87 billion.
Although China has banned Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency industry, experts suggest that the U.S.’s evolving stance on crypto could encourage China to reconsider its position and potentially lift the ban.
Reports suggest that China may have liquidated all of its crypto holdings. On-chain analysts observed tokens being moved to various crypto mixers, indicating a possible sale.
United Kingdom: 61,245 BTC
According to a recent report by Chainalysis, the United Kingdom is the third-largest nation-state holder of Bitcoin.
The U.K. now holds around 61,245 BTC, worth about $7.05 billion at current prices.
Authorities confiscated assets worth approximately $4 billion from Jian Wen and Zhimin Qian.
Ukraine: 46,351 BTC
The Ukrainian government currently holds 46,351 BTC. This includes a significant seizure of $1.5 million worth of crypto assets from Yury Shchigol, a former government official.
El Salvador: 7,514 BTC
El Salvador holds 7,514 BTC in its treasury.
The country began acquiring BTC in September 2021.
Since November 2022, El Salvador has followed through on its plan to buy one BTC per day, even during the bear market.
By Dec. 30, 2024, El Salvador hit a new milestone, reaching 6,000 BTC, valued at approximately $560 million.
President Nayib Bukele noted that a government initiative offering accelerated citizenship to immigrants who contribute a BTC “donation” to the national treasury significantly contributed to the country’s Bitcoin accumulation.
The UAE: 420,000 BTC (Rumored) / 6420 BTC (Reported)
Rumors have long circulated in crypto communities suggesting that the United Arab Emirates may control as much as 420,000 BTC — a figure that, if accurate, would place it at the top of the list for national Bitcoin reserves.
These claims often stem from asset seizures tied to dismantled Ponzi schemes and fraudulent ventures reportedly intercepted within the country.
Yet, the story remains murky—no public addresses, official statements, or verifiable data back up the speculation.
Blockchain forensics experts have found no clear evidence to support the claim.
While the UAE may have confiscated digital assets through legal actions, most analysts argue that reports exaggerate or misinterpret the total.
Nonetheless, the UAE consistently surfaces in discussions of sovereign Bitcoin holdings, securing its place in the broader narrative—even without confirmation.
According to on-chain data, the UAE currently holds 6,420 BTC.
Bhutan: 4,453 BTC
Bhutan has quietly emerged as a top contender in Bitcoin holdings this year, amassing 4,453 BTC. This makes the small Himalayan nation the seventh-largest holder of Bitcoin among nation-states.
Remarkably, these holdings account for approximately 40% of Bhutan’s estimated 2023 GDP of $2.686 billion.
The country’s Bitcoin stash originates from its own mining operations, which have experienced significant growth since 2019, positioning Bhutan as a major player in the global cryptocurrency landscape.
Prashant Jha is a seasoned crypto journalist based in Delhi, India, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science Engineering. Passionate about the evolving world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, he has been a dedicated voice in the industry since 2018. Prashant’s expertise lies in regulatory reporting, where he unravels complex legal and financial developments with clarity and precision. Before joining CCN in 2024, he honed his craft at Cointelegraph, establishing himself as a trusted name in crypto journalism.
His coverage spans major industry events, including the high-profile collapses of FTX, Three Arrows Capital (3AC), and LUNA, offering readers insightful analyses of their regulatory and market implications. Prashant’s technical background enables him to bridge the gap between intricate blockchain technology and its real-world applications, making his work accessible to novices and experts.
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Giuseppe Ciccomascolo began his career as an investigative journalist in Italy, where he contributed to both local and national newspapers, focusing on various financial sectors.
Upon relocating to London, he worked as an analyst for Fitch's CapitalStructure and later as a Senior Reporter for Alliance News. In 2017, Giuseppe transitioned to covering cryptocurrency-related news, producing documentaries and articles on Bitcoin and other emerging digital currencies. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the academy for a cryptocurrency exchange website. Crypto remained his primary area of interest throughout his tenure as a writer for ThirdFloor.
Teuta is a seasoned writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has expertise in covering macroeconomics and technology as well as the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries. She has worked for several publications as a journalist and editor, including Forbes, Bloomberg, CoinTelegraph, Coin Rivet, CoinSpeaker, VRWorld and Arcane Bear.
Teuta began her professional career in 2005, working as a lifestyle writer at Cosmopolitan in Croatia. From there, she branched out to several other publications, covering mainly business and the economy. She then turned her attention to the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain, believing that crypto is among the most important inventions in the history of humanity. Her involvement in fintech began in 2014 and she has since lent her expertise in writing, editing and gathering information about the world of crypto, blockchain, NFTs and Web3.
An all-round news hound, mentor, editor, and writer, Teuta enjoys teamwork and good communication. She holds a WSET2 diploma and has a thing for chablis, punkrock music and shoes. She also holds a double MA in Political science and Entrepreneurship.
