In the cryptocurrency world, those who hold the largest amounts of Bitcoin are commonly referred to as “whales.” These whales play a significant role in the overall Bitcoin supply. So, who are the biggest Bitcoin holders? We’ve compiled a list of the individuals and institutions that own the largest shares of BTC.
The largest Bitcoin holders, often called whales, control a substantial portion of the total Bitcoin supply. This group includes a diverse range of actors, from the mysterious creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, to public companies, investment funds, and even governments. Understanding who these major holders are can provide insights into their potential impact on the market. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest Bitcoin owners.
1. SATOSHI NAKAMOTO – ESTIMATED 1 MILLION BTC
The anonymous creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, is believed to hold approximately 1 million BTC. These coins were mined in the early years of Bitcoin and have remained untouched since then. If these coins were ever moved, it could have a significant impact on the market.
Estimated Value: $86 billion (based on a BTC price of $86,000).
Status: Mined in 2009 and 2010, and has not been moved since.
2. GRAYSCALE BITCOIN TRUST (GBTC) – OVER 600,000 BTC
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) stands out as the largest institutional holder of Bitcoin. This trust allows institutional investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin, with the BTC securely held by Coinbase. Ownership: Approximately 627,000 BTC
Estimated Value: Over $54 billion.
3. PUBLIC COMPANIES HOLDING BITCOIN
Several publicly traded companies have incorporated Bitcoin into their balance sheets as part of their corporate strategies. Notable companies include MicroStrategy, Tesla, and Block, Inc.
MicroStrategy: 152,000 BTC ($13 billion)
Tesla: 10,500 BTC ($900 million)
Block, Inc.: 8,000 BTC ($688 million)
4. PRIVATE COMPANIES AND INVESTMENT FUNDS
Private companies and investment funds also hold significant amounts of Bitcoin. For instance, the 140,000 BTC managed by Mt. Gox after its bankruptcy, along with large BTC holdings by investment funds like CoinShares, are kept as long-term investments.
5. GOVERNMENTS WITH BITCOIN HOLDINGS
Some governments have acquired Bitcoin by seizing assets from criminals or through tax collection. The U.S. government is the largest state holder with approximately 200,000 BTC, while the Bulgarian government is rumored to hold 213,000 BTC.
6. EXCHANGES AND USER WALLETS
Cryptocurrency exchanges also hold large amounts of Bitcoin. Platforms like Binance and Coinbase store users’ BTC in cold wallets.
- Binance: 600,000 BTCCoinbase: 500,000 BTC
7. MINING POOLS AND INDIVIDUAL WHALES
Mining pools and some large individual holders also possess significant amounts of BTC. Mining pools manage rewards for their participants, while whale wallets contain substantial BTC reserves.
Important Disclaimer: This information is not intended as investment advice. Cryptocurrency markets carry high risks, and there is a possibility of losing value in your investments. We recommend conducting your own research and consulting a financial advisor if necessary.
“The investment information, opinions, and advice provided here do not constitute investment advisory services. Investment advisory services are offered under a contract signed between brokerage firms, portfolio management companies, non-deposit-taking banks, and clients. The opinions and advice presented here are based on the personal views of the individuals providing them. These views may not align with your financial situation or risk and return preferences. Therefore, making investment decisions solely based on the information provided here may not yield results that meet your expectations.”
