Who Owns the Most Bitcoin: The Largest Bitcoin Wallet Addresses

Whether you’re a crypto newbie or a seasoned rug pull survivor, you may have come across the phrase “1 BTC = 1 BTC” at some point in your crypto life. Seeing as there are only 21 million BTC in existence, your immediate next thought might have been “Who owns the most Bitcoin in the world?” or “I wonder how much BTC the largest Bitcoin wallets hold”. 

Regardless of what currency you prefer, Bitcoin stands as the pioneering digital currency that has captivated the imagination of tech enthusiasts, investors, and financial analysts alike. Its decentralized nature sets it free from the clutches of traditional banking systems. Yet, beneath the surface of Bitcoin’s peer-to-peer network lies a fascinating tale of wealth distribution that raises some intriguing questions about its decentralized promise. 

This is your go-to guide to understand Bitcoin’s wealthiest whales (yes, this includes literal countries), and check out the top 100 largest Bitcoin wallet addresses. You’ll see who controls the lion’s share of BTC and how that brings us to the current landscape of digital wealth.  

So, let’s start with the intricacies of Bitcoin ownership, from the enigmatic figure of Satoshi Nakamoto to contemporary crypto titans, and dissect what this concentration of wealth means for the future of Bitcoin and its ethos of decentralization.

Who Owns the Most Bitcoin?    

Who Owns the Most Bitcoin?    

Every Bitcoin user needs a Bitcoin wallet. And some people, particularly Bitcoin whales, tend to have multiple wallets. So sometimes, knowing how much BTC an individual has is unclear.

What’s for sure though, is that Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, is the highest Bitcoin owner with a stash of over 1.1 million BTC

That’s a mind-boggling amount, making Satoshi the biggest whale in the Bitcoin ocean. You might think, “Hey if Satoshi is the creator of BTC, he might be the entity who owns most of the bitcoins”, right? Well, not really. Owning a massive pile of Bitcoin doesn’t mean Satoshi runs the network. Instead, Bitcoin is decentralized—no single entity, not even its creator, can exert control over the network’s operations or its underlying protocols.

Why’s that? Well, Bitcoin is like a vast, digital democracy. Every transaction in the history of the Bitcoin network is maintained not by one person, but by thousands of users all over the globe. Changes to the network require widespread agreement, ensuring that no individual, not even Nakamoto, can unilaterally alter Bitcoin’s course. This design embodies the principle of a decentralized financial system, where power and control are distributed across its users rather than centralized in the hands of a few. 

Nakamoto’s holdings, while vast, grant them no special privileges or authority over the network, reinforcing Bitcoin’s commitment to decentralization and democratic governance.

Who Are the Biggest Individual Bitcoin Billionaires?

Satoshi Nakamoto

Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, is more a legend than a person we can pinpoint. Believed to hold around 1.1 million BTC, a fortune amassed from mining in the cryptocurrency’s infancy, Nakamoto’s stash is a testament to the visionary’s early belief in the project. This treasure, untouched since 2010, speaks volumes of Satoshi’s intent for Bitcoin: a decentralized financial system rather than personal wealth. Nakamoto’s true identity and reasons for their anonymity add to the enigma that continues to fascinate the crypto world.

Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss

The Winklevoss twins, Cameron and Tyler, first came into the public eye through their legal battle with Mark Zuckerberg over Facebook’s origins. They then pivoted to cryptocurrency, using part of their settlement to amass a significant Bitcoin wallet, estimated at 70,000 BTC. 

Their early and bullish investment in Bitcoin not only showcased their foresight but also helped them establish Gemini, a leading cryptocurrency exchange. Their journey from Olympic rowers and Harvard grads to crypto pioneers underscores the diverse backgrounds of Bitcoin investors.

Changpeng Zhao (CZ)

Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, is the founder and CEO of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. His foray into Bitcoin began when he sold his house in 2014 to buy Bitcoin, a move that underscored his conviction in crypto’s potential. 

While the exact amount of Bitcoin CZ holds isn’t publicly disclosed, his stake in Binance and its vast crypto holdings, coupled with his early investment in Bitcoin, undoubtedly makes him one of the most influential figures in the crypto space.

Tim Draper

Tim Draper, a venture capitalist known for his knack for spotting groundbreaking technology, made headlines in 2014 when he purchased nearly 30,000 BTC seized by the U.S. government from the Silk Road. Draper’s bet on Bitcoin, valued at millions of dollars at the time, was a bold statement of his belief in Bitcoin’s future. His advocacy for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology has made him a key figure in the space, with his initial investment growing exponentially in value as Bitcoin’s price skyrocketed.

Michael J. Saylor

Michael J. Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy, transformed his company’s reserve asset strategy by converting a significant portion of its cash reserves into Bitcoin, starting in 2020. Saylor’s aggressive accumulation strategy has resulted in MicroStrategy holding over 129,000 BTC. 

His rationale is based on the belief that Bitcoin represents a superior store of value over fiat currency, especially in an era of monetary inflation. Saylor’s vocal support for Bitcoin has made him a prominent advocate for corporate investment in cryptocurrencies.

Other Top BTC Holders

Below are a few honorable mentions known for their significant Bitcoin holdings in their wallets.

Barry Silbert  

Founder and CEO of Digital Currency Group (DCG), which owns Grayscale Investments, a leading digital currency asset management firm. His Bitcoin wealth is indirectly significant through Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), which holds hundreds of thousands of bitcoins. Silbert is a pioneering investor in the crypto space, with early bets on Bitcoin and other digital assets, contributing to his substantial indirect holdings.

Brian Armstrong  

Co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world.   While Armstrong’s exact Bitcoin holdings are private, his stake in Coinbase and its holdings, along with his early involvement in crypto, suggest a significant investment in Bitcoin. Armstrong has been a vocal advocate for cryptocurrency adoption and innovation, leading Coinbase since its inception in 2012.

Anthony Pompliano

Co-founder of Morgan Creek Digital, a hedge fund focused on digital assets. Pompliano is known for his bullish stance on Bitcoin, advocating for substantial allocations of investment portfolios in BTC. His massively successful Youtube channel helps people understand the intricacies of Bitcoin and reactions to each market movement or milestone. His personal Bitcoin holdings are speculated to be substantial, given his advocacy, though specific figures are not publicly disclosed.

Roger Ver

Early Bitcoin investor and promoter, often referred to as “Bitcoin Jesus” for his early and vocal advocacy for Bitcoin before focusing on Bitcoin Cash. Ver’s exact current holdings in Bitcoin are not publicly known, as he diversified his investments into Bitcoin Cash and other cryptocurrencies. His early investment in Bitcoin and involvement in the crypto space have amassed him a significant cryptocurrency fortune.

Public Companies Holdings Bitcoin

MicroStrategy

MicroStrategy has embraced Bitcoin as a primary treasury reserve asset, amassing 446,400 BTC, which represents approximately 2.12% of the total Bitcoin supply. The company, led by CEO Michael J. Saylor, has invested billions into Bitcoin, valuing their holdings at over $22 billion today. Saylor’s strategy reflects a strong belief in Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and a superior store of value over traditional fiat currencies, positioning MicroStrategy at the forefront of corporate Bitcoin investment.

Block.one

Block.one, a private company known for developing the EOS blockchain, has quietly amassed a significant Bitcoin portfolio, reportedly holding 140,000 BTC by late 2024. Unlike public companies or ETFs, its private status makes real-time updates scarce, but its substantial holdings mark it as a major whale. If Block.one has continued its accumulation strategy into 2025, it could remain or grow as one of the largest private holders, distinct from the more publicized institutional players.

Tether International Limited

Tether, the issuer of the USDT stablecoin, has been incorporating Bitcoin into its reserves since at least 2023, with a commitment to allocate up to 15% of its net realized operating profits to BTC purchases. By November 2024, it held over 82,000 BTC. While not yet at the scale of the top holders, Tether’s unique position in the crypto ecosystem and steady accumulation make it a rising contender among the largest Bitcoin holders.

Galaxy Digital Holdings

Galaxy Digital Holdings, a diversified financial services and investment management company in the digital asset, cryptocurrency, and blockchain technology sector, holds approximately 8,100 BTC. While the entry value isn’t specified, the current value of their holdings is approximately $876 million. Founded by Michael Novogratz, a former hedge fund manager, Galaxy Digital’s Bitcoin investment underscores its commitment to cryptocurrencies as an asset class, aiming to bridge the gap between the digital asset space and institutional investors.

Tesla, Inc.

Tesla, the electric vehicle and clean energy company led by CEO Elon Musk, has incorporated Bitcoin into its investment portfolio with a holding of 9,720 BTC, valued at around $867 million as of the time of writing. Initially purchasing $1.5 billion worth of Bitcoin in early 2021 to diversify and maximize returns on cash, Tesla’s foray into Bitcoin investment highlights the growing interest of major corporations in digital currencies as both a speculative investment and a potential future payment method for their products and services.

Others

Marathon Digital Holdings

Marathon Digital Holdings is a US-based company that focuses on mining digital assets. It aims to build the largest mining operation in North America at one of the lowest energy costs. Marathon mines Bitcoin and other digital assets, aiming to leverage the blockchain ecosystem and the security it provides to digital transactions. They invest heavily in Bitcoin mining hardware and technology. As of the time of writing, Marathon holds 40,435 BTC. Their investment in Bitcoin is a direct result of their mining operations, reflecting their belief in the long-term value of Bitcoin.

Hut 8 Mining Corp

Hut 8 Mining Corp is one of North America’s oldest, largest, and innovation-focused digital asset miners, headquartered in Canada. The company is engaged in the mining of cryptocurrencies, with a significant focus on Bitcoin, utilizing both green energy and traditional power sources to optimize mining efficiency and sustainability. Hut 8 holds 10,208 BTC,. Their Bitcoin holdings are a result of their ongoing mining efforts, showcasing their commitment to accumulating Bitcoin as a core asset.

Coinbase Global, Inc

Coinbase Global, Inc. is a leading cryptocurrency exchange platform based in the US, offering a wide range of services including trading, staking, and more. Coinbase facilitates the buying, selling, and storage of cryptocurrencies, serving both retail and institutional clients worldwide. It plays a pivotal role in the crypto ecosystem by providing a user-friendly platform for crypto transactions. Coinbase holds ~9,000 BTC. Their holdings include operational assets and cryptocurrencies held on behalf of users, demonstrating their integral role in the cryptocurrency market.

Block Inc.

Block Inc., formerly known as Square, is a diverse financial services and mobile payment company founded by Jack Dorsey and Jim McKelvey. Block offers a broad array of financial services, including payment processing, financial and marketing services, and cryptocurrency investments through its Cash App platform. The company has shown a strong interest in integrating cryptocurrency into its payment solutions. Block Inc. owns 8,027 BTC. Their investment in Bitcoin underscores the company’s bullish outlook on cryptocurrency as a significant element of the future financial landscape.

Crypto Exchanges With the Most BTC

Binance

Binance stands as the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, founded in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao (CZ). It has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of the crypto exchange ecosystem, offering a wide array of services beyond simple trading—such as futures and options trading, a launchpad for new tokens, and even its own blockchain, Binance Smart Chain. Binance’s extensive offerings and global reach have cemented its position as a cornerstone of the cryptocurrency world.  

Binance currently holds 643,546 BTC. While specific numbers fluctuate due to the nature of exchange operations, Binance’s Bitcoin holdings are among the largest in the industry, reflecting its significant role in the global crypto market. The exchange is renowned for its liquidity, security measures, and user-friendly platform, attracting a vast user base from beginners to institutional investors.

Bitfinex

Founded in 2012, Bitfinex is one of the oldest and most advanced cryptocurrency exchanges operating today. Headquartered in Hong Kong, it offers sophisticated trading features, such as margin trading with up to 10x leverage, and a suite of order types to cater to high-level traders. Bitfinex has been pivotal in the development of the cryptocurrency market, providing liquidity and a platform for trading a wide range of digital assets. 

As per previous reports, iFinex Inc., the parent company of Bitfinex, is a major Bitcoin holder, possessing 204,338 BTC. Despite facing challenges, including security breaches and regulatory scrutiny, Bitfinex has maintained a loyal user base and holds a significant amount of Bitcoin. Its holdings underscore the trust and scale of operations at Bitfinex, positioning it as a key player in the cryptocurrency exchange landscape.

Coinbase

Coinbase, founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, is renowned for its user-friendly interface and regulatory compliance, making it a gateway for many newcomers to cryptocurrency. As a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ (COIN), it offers an added layer of transparency and trustworthiness. As of September 2023, Coinbase was reported to be holding an impressive 1 million Bitcoin.

This considerable amount represents nearly 5% of the total circulating Bitcoin supply, according to research conducted by blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence. As of March 20, 2025, the most recent reported figure for Coinbase’s Bitcoin holdings is approximately 441,000 BTC from April 2024, a significant decrease from September 2023’s 1 million BTC, with the majority being customer assets and corporate holdings around 9,000 BTC.

Others

Bybit

As of 2024, Bybit held around 38,000 BTC, but in February 2025, Bybit experienced a massive security breach where hackers stole approximately 401,347 ETH (valued at over $1.4 billion). 

While this hack primarily affected Ethereum and not Bitcoin directly, it’s possible that Bybit’s overall asset holdings—including Bitcoin—may have been influenced by market movements, user activity, or operational adjustments following the incident.

OKX

On January 25, 2024, OKX reported having 147,676 BTC in user asset holdings with a total of 150,860 BTC in OKX wallet assets. This includes 143,675 BTC in exchange wallets and 7,185 BTC in third-party custody. 

OKX’s 28th consecutive Proof of Reserves report in February 2025 showed a 59% increase in total assets over the past year, with reserve ratios exceeding 100% for 22 assets. Earlier, the 26th Proof of Reserves in December 2024 reported Bitcoin holdings of 130,936 BTC, indicating a decrease from prior levels. 

Indirect Bitcoin Exposure

As the name suggests, Indirect Bitcoin Exposure refers to investing in assets or financial products that are related to Bitcoin’s performance without owning Bitcoin directly. This can include investing in companies that hold significant amounts of Bitcoin on their balance sheets, buying shares in Bitcoin-focused ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds), or investing in funds that include Bitcoin or blockchain technology-related companies. 

This approach allows investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements and the cryptocurrency market’s potential growth while minimizing some of the risks involved with direct cryptocurrency ownership, such as security and regulatory concerns.

Grayscale by ETFs. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)

The Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) is a popular investment vehicle that offers indirect exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements without the need for investors to directly buy or store Bitcoin. Grayscale manages this trust, holding a substantial amount of Bitcoin on behalf of its investors. 

As of February 2025, the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) holds approximately 199,586.3 BTC, valued at around $17,796,675,601.53. This figure reflects a decrease from its previous holdings of 466,534.7 BTC, possibly due to market dynamics or outflows following its conversion to an ETF. 

The Trust’s strategy to hold a vast amount of Bitcoin directly aligns with its objective to reflect the performance of Bitcoin, less fees and expenses, offering investors a secure and regulated platform to invest in crypto. It also reinforces the trust and confidence investors place in GBTC as a gateway to digital assets.

Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC)

Fidelity’s FBTC has emerged as a standout Bitcoin ETF, attracting consistent inflows throughout 2024. By late 2024, it held over 201,000 BTC, ranking it among the top ETF holders. Fidelity’s reputation and focus on institutional investors suggest it may have continued to accumulate Bitcoin into 2025, potentially pushing its holdings higher. 

What Country Owns the Most Bitcoin?

United States of America

The United States is a leading holder of Bitcoin globally, with approximately 200,000 BTC—designated as part of the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve under an Executive Order signed by President Donald J. Trump on March 6, 2025, fulfilling his pledge to make America the “crypto capital of the world.” 

This stash, sourced solely from seizures related to cybercrime and darknet markets, is managed by federal agencies like the Justice Department and IRS, now centralized under the Treasury’s oversight and stored offline. This means there is a shift to treat Bitcoin as a reserve asset. Signed days before the White House Crypto Summit on March 7, 2025, the order also authorizes budget-neutral strategies for future acquisitions, though no new purchases have occurred yet. 

While proposals like Senator Cynthia Lummis’s aim for 1 million BTC long-term, the reserve’s current scope addresses past disjointed management, positioning the U.S. to leverage digital assets for prosperity amid mixed reactions. 

Bulgaria

Bulgaria came into the spotlight for its Bitcoin holdings due to law enforcement activities that resulted in the seizure of a considerable amount of Bitcoin from criminal activities. Reports have suggested that at one point, the government held over 200,000 BTC, positioning it as one of the countries with significant Bitcoin assets.

The Ukrainian Government

The Ukrainian Government

Ukraine has shown a progressive stance towards cryptocurrency, with government initiatives to legalize and regulate the market. While not one of the largest holders, it has been actively involved in utilizing cryptocurrencies for transactions and funding, particularly in the context of receiving donations and support through digital assets.

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has seen a remarkable influx of support through cryptocurrency, amassing $225 million in donations, as of Q3 2023. By March 2025, research suggests total crypto donations could exceed $300 million, potentially doubling BTC holdings to around 2,000 BTC, though exact figures depend on donation trends and market valuations, reflecting Ukraine’s ongoing reliance on digital assets for war efforts.

El Salvador

El Salvador has made a significant commitment to Bitcoin, becoming the first country to adopt it as legal tender. As of the latest update, El Salvador’s Bitcoin investment strategy showcases a bold and innovative approach to national financial management. 

The country’s total Bitcoin holdings amount to 2,834 BTC, valued at approximately $120,313,618.41. This investment was made at a total cost of $140,685,952.29, reflecting a positive return of $20,372,333.88, or a 16.93% increase in value. El Salvador’s venture into Bitcoin is not just a financial investment but a strategic move towards financial inclusivity and modernization, leveraging cryptocurrency’s potential to empower its economy and its people.

Finland

Finland’s government came to possess Bitcoin through seizures related to criminal investigations with amounts varying over time. As of March 2025, estimates suggest holdings range from 1,000–2,000 BTC, though the government may auction portions periodically, keeping totals dynamic and less significant compared to larger holders.

The Georgian Government

While specific details on the Georgian government’s direct Bitcoin holdings may not be widely publicized, Georgia is recognized for its friendly stance towards cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. The country has a significant number of mining operations due to its low electricity costs, contributing to an environment where both private and potentially governmental engagements with Bitcoin are facilitated.

Bhutan (Government)

The Kingdom of Bhutan has emerged as a surprising government holder of Bitcoin, accumulating its stash through mining operations leveraging its abundant hydroelectric resources since 2019. By late 2024, Bhutan held over 13,000 BTC, representing a significant portion of its GDP. If mining efforts have persisted into 2025, Bhutan’s holdings could have grown, making it a notable new entrant among government holders, though still smaller than the U.S.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rumored to hold ~448,400 BTC (USD $40 billion) in Bitcoin, but there’s a catch. These rumours are according to unverified claims circulating on social media and only hinted at by figures like Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. 

However, these speculations do not have an official confirmation yet and have been challenged by critics due to the absence of credible evidence. The UAE has embraced crypto with crypto-friendly policies, including VAT exemptions for crypto transactions and the launch of its own stablecoin, alongside a reported 42% increase in cryptocurrency investments from the previous year.

Top 20 Largest Bitcoin Wallet Addresses

Of course, the Bitcoin rich list is always changing because they can receive and send Bitcoin to another wallet. If you want accurate information on the current wish list, your best bet is to use a Bitcoin wallet tracker. However, at the time of writing, here are the top 20 richest addresses so far.

Bitcoin Rich List

Let’s take a deeper look at the bitcoin wallet distribution across the wallet addresses that hold the most bitcoin in the world.

Bitcoin Rich List

How Many Bitcoin Wallets Are There?

As of 2025, the Bitcoin ecosystem continues to showcase remarkable growth, with over 475 million Bitcoin addresses created, surpassing the 460 million reported in 2024, driven by increased adoption following events like the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve announcement on March 6, 2025. 

However, this big number doesn’t directly mean active users, as people or entities often maintain multiple wallets for privacy, security, or operational purposes. A more revealing metric is the approximately 70 million wallet addresses holding a balance of at least $1—up from 67 million in 2024—highlighting active participation in the Bitcoin economy. 

From casual holders to deeply engaged investors, the daily transaction count has risen to around 400,000, compared to ~371,267 in 2024, reflecting heightened network activity fueled by institutional interest and retail usage. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Sending Bitcoin

What Gives Bitcoin Its Value?

Bitcoin’s value is derived from its limited supply (capped at 21 million coins), the energy and computational power required to mine it, and its growing adoption as a means of payment and store of value. Its decentralized nature and security also contribute significantly to its perceived value.

What Is the Richest Bitcoin Address?

The richest Bitcoin addresses are often those belonging to cryptocurrency exchanges, holding vast amounts of Bitcoin in cold storage on behalf of their users. The exact address changes over time due to the fluid nature of deposits and withdrawals.

Who Owns the Most Bitcoins?

Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, is believed to own the most bitcoins, with estimates suggesting over 1 million BTC mined in the early days of the network. So technically, Satoshi is the one who has the most bitcoin. 

What Country Owns the Most Bitcoin?

It’s challenging to accurately determine which country owns the most Bitcoin due to the cryptocurrency’s decentralized and anonymous nature. However, the United States dominates with 200,000 BTC, accounting for 90.3% of the world’s government-held Bitcoin. This significant holding is largely thanks to the FBI’s seizures, including a notable portion from the Silk Road’s founders and the Bitfinex hack recovery.

What Is the Largest Bitcoin Transaction Ever Made?

One of the largest Bitcoin transactions ever recorded involved moving 500,000 BTC in November 2011. However, large transactions are common on the blockchain and often involve exchanges or large traders moving funds between wallets.

What Is the Largest Bitcoin Transaction Ever Made?

One of the largest Bitcoin transactions ever recorded involved moving 500,000 BTC in November 2011. However, large transactions are common on the blockchain and often involve exchanges or large traders moving funds between wallets.

How many Bitcoin wallets with more than 1 BTC?

As of March 2025, the number of Bitcoin wallets holding more than 1 BTC is approximately 996,285.