Tech
The 5 best investors in Bitcoin
Bitcoin is the largest blockchain-based digital asset. It is very popular among cryptocurrency enthusiasts and speculative investors. At one time, individuals held most bitcoins as investments. However, major bitcoin investors are no longer individuals because exchanges, brokers, and corporations have taken over as the largest holders of bitcoin.
Key points
- The person who holds the most bitcoin is believed to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the unknown figure behind its creation.
- Bitcoin has been a commercial interest for many years, but following the approval of Spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, companies have accounted for the majority of bitcoin holdings.
- The types of businesses that hold bitcoin are brokerages, exchanges, business intelligence and analytics firms, and venture capital groups.
1.Satoshi Nakamoto
Although I am not an investor in the traditional sense, Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous creator of Bitcoin, is said to hold the majority of bitcoins. Many interested people have investigated the addresses believed to be used by this figure and have concluded that Nakamoto holds 1.1 million bitcoins (more than $68 billion at May 2024 market prices).
The first address used by Nakamoto, called the Genesis address, includes the first 50 bitcoins ever transferred. It is also subject to occasional donations from some Bitcoin enthusiasts, with more than 49 BTC sent since Nakamoto disappeared.
2. Binance
The biggest cryptocurrency exchange based on the trading volume it invests in bitcoin as a security measure for the customer. According to the page and the Proof-of-Reserve report, the exchange holds a bitcoin-to-customer deposit ratio of at least 1:1, a whopping 617,534.194 BTC as of May 8, 2024 (106.06% of holdings of customers). This policy ensures that the exchange can honor its commitment to ensuring the safety of its customers’ assets.
3. Grayscale
One of the first companies to create investment products linked to bitcoin, Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC). it is one of the most popular bitcoin investments besides bitcoin itself. As of May 8, the ETF held 292,267.9983 BTC, giving investors direct access to price changes.
The ETF was originally a trust that held bitcoin until January 2024. That month, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved 11 Spot Bitcoin ETFs, which caused a flurry of outflows from GBTC into other investments. However, as of May 2024, GBTC remained the largest bitcoin holder among brokers.
Grayscale is owned by Digital Currency Group, a venture capital firm heavily invested in the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. The group also owns or invests in several other well-known brands, such as cryptocurrency exchanges Blockchain and Kraken, and blockchain development companies Polygon, Ripple, and Lightning Labs.
4. Blockrock IShares
IShares by Blackrock Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is another of the ETFs approved by the SEC in January 2024. Its management quickly increased its holdings in the following months, reaching 274,322.38310 BTC in May 2024.
5. Microstrategy
It’s no secret that the co-founder and CEO of business intelligence firm MicroStrategy, Michael Saylor, believes Bitcoin is the next evolution in finance. He is one of bitcoin’s most vocal supporters, often tweeting and supporting it publicly through the media, conferences and meetings.
MicroStrategy continues to purchase bitcoin and held a total of approximately 214,400 bitcoin as of May 2024.
Who is the largest investor in Bitcoin?
Corporations will be the largest investors in bitcoin in 2024. Binance and Grayscale hold the most bitcoin, after accounts believed to belong to Satoshi Nakamoto.
Which billionaires invest in Bitcoin?
There are probably many billionaires holding bitcoin beyond the most publicized ones.
Do millionaires invest in Bitcoin?
Many wealthy individuals make no effort to hide their bitcoin holdings, and many more millionaires and billionaires are likely to invest in the cryptocurrency without publicizing it.
The bottom line
Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are volatile investments, but many people continue to invest heavily in them, hoping that they will continue to surpass previous highs.
The comments, opinions and analyzes expressed on Investopedia are for informational purposes only. Read ours warranty and exclusion of liability for more information. As of the date this article was written, the author owns BTC and LTC.