Bitcoin, the pioneer cryptocurrency, has captured the attention of users worldwide, not only for its decentralised nature but also for its potential to revolutionise the financial landscape. Despite its decentralised ethos, some entities hold substantial amounts of BTC, earning them the moniker of “whales” in the crypto world.
Coinsdrom, a regulated online crypto exchange, explores the top 10 Bitcoin holders as of March 2024 and why their holdings matter.
Key Takeaways:
- Bitcoin’s market cap continues to soar in 2024, making it another stellar year for BTC.
- The top 10 Bitcoin holders own approximately 5.5% of the total Bitcoin supply.
- Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of Bitcoin, remains the most significant individual holder, with an estimated 1.1 million BTC spread across multiple wallets.
- Prominent individuals dominate the list of top Bitcoin holders.
Also Read: Why is the Term Bitcoin So Important to Beginners?
Who Are Bitcoin Whales?
Bitcoin whales are individuals or entities that hold significant amounts of BTC, wielding considerable influence over the market. Their actions, such as large buy or sell orders, can impact Bitcoin’s price and market sentiment.
Additionally, whales contribute to Bitcoin’s liquidity, facilitating smoother operations.
Who Owns the Most BTC?
Satoshi Nakamoto:
- Estimated Holdings: 1.1 million BTC
- The pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, remains the most significant individual BTC holder, controlling around 1.1 million BTC across approximately 22,000 addresses.
Anonymous Wallets:
Various anonymous wallets collectively hold approximately €35.15 billion worth of Bitcoin , with each wallet holding substantial amounts of the cryptocurrency.
These wallets include an anonymous wallet holding over €9.0 billion of BTC tokens, another wallet holding approximately €7.8 billion worth of BTC, a wallet with about €6.45 billion of BTC tokens, another one with around €6.4 billion worth of BTC, and one holding approximately €5.4 billion worth of BTC.
Together, they represent a significant portion of the circulating supply of Bitcoin.
Celebrity Bitcoin Owners
- Brian Armstrong
- Michael Saylor
- Tim Draper
- Winklevoss Twins
These individuals have publicly disclosed their Bitcoin holdings, contributing to Bitcoin’s mainstream adoption and recognition.
Beyond Individuals: Countries and Bitcoin Reserves
- El Salvador: In 2021, El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, aiming to secure financial independence and promote cryptocurrency adoption.
- Central African Republic: Following El Salvador’s lead, it also embraced Bitcoin as a legal tender, signalling a growing trend of countries integrating cryptocurrencies into their economies.
Also Read: How Denmark’s Manufacturing Industry is Affected by Bitcoin?
The Bottom Line
This research from Coinsdrom proves that Bitcoin’s ownership landscape encompasses diverse entities, including individuals, institutions, and even nations. Satoshi Nakamoto remains the most significant individual holder.
As Bitcoin continues to evolve, its ownership patterns will continue to influence its trajectory, contributing to its growth and integration into the global economy.