How Many Billionaires Has Cryptocurrency Created?

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The rise of cryptocurrency has not only transformed financial markets but also reshaped the global wealth landscape. A recent report reveals a dramatic surge in the number of millionaires and billionaires whose fortunes are tied to digital assets — with Bitcoin leading the charge. As institutional adoption accelerates and regulatory frameworks evolve, crypto is no longer a speculative niche but a mainstream driver of wealth creation.

Explosive Growth in Crypto Millionaires and Billionaires

According to a joint report by New World Wealth and Henley & Partners, the number of individuals holding over $1 million in cryptocurrency surged by 95% in just one year — rising from 88,200 in 2023 to 172,300 in 2025. This staggering growth highlights the increasing confidence in digital assets as a viable form of long-term investment.

Among these high-net-worth individuals, 85,400 are now "Bitcoin-only" millionaires, more than doubling from the previous year. The report also identifies 325 crypto centi-millionaires (those with $100 million or more in crypto) and 28 crypto billionaires, all of whom have built their fortunes primarily through digital asset appreciation.

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Bitcoin ETFs Fuel Institutional Adoption and Wealth Surge

A key catalyst behind this surge is the launch of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in January 2025. These ETFs have rapidly attracted over $50 billion in assets, drawing major financial institutions like BlackRock and Fidelity into the crypto ecosystem.

This institutional influx has had a ripple effect:

As a result, Bitcoin’s price has risen 45% year-to-date, reaching approximately $64,000**. The total market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies has grown from **$1.2 trillion in mid-2024 to $2.3 trillion in early 2025, according to Henley & Partners.

Andrew Amoils, Research Director at New World Wealth, noted:

“Of the six new crypto billionaires created in the past year, five owe their status primarily to Bitcoin. This underscores Bitcoin’s dominance in attracting long-term, high-conviction investors.”

Top Crypto Billionaires: Who’s Leading the Pack?

Despite regulatory challenges, several pioneers continue to dominate the crypto wealth rankings:

These figures reflect not just personal success but also the broader trend of tech-savvy entrepreneurs capitalizing on decentralized finance innovations.

From Digital Gains to Global Mobility

Cryptocurrency wealth is not only changing balance sheets — it's influencing where the ultra-rich choose to live. Unlike traditional financiers tied to legacy systems, many new crypto millionaires are geographically mobile, seeking jurisdictions that offer favorable tax policies and clear crypto regulations.

Dominic Volek, Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, observed:

“We’ve seen a significant increase in cryptocurrency millionaires exploring alternative residency and citizenship options.”

To meet this demand, Henley developed the Crypto-Adoption Index, which ranks countries based on:

Top Jurisdictions for Crypto Wealth Holders

  1. Singapore – Ranked #1 due to its supportive banking system, comprehensive regulations like the Payment Services Act, regulatory sandbox programs, and alignment with international standards.
  2. Hong Kong – Offers a pro-innovation environment and growing crypto infrastructure.
  3. United Arab Emirates – Known for zero income tax and forward-thinking digital asset policies.
  4. United States – Despite complex regulations, 15% of Americans own cryptocurrency — one of the highest adoption rates globally.

The U.S. leads in infrastructure, with widespread crypto ATMs, crypto-friendly banks emerging, and increasing merchant acceptance — making it both a hub for innovation and adoption.

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Why Bitcoin Still Dominates the Wealth Game

While thousands of cryptocurrencies exist, Bitcoin remains the primary engine of billionaire creation. Its limited supply (capped at 21 million), growing institutional backing, and recognition as “digital gold” make it the preferred store of value.

Even though most altcoins remain below their 2021 peaks, Bitcoin’s recovery to near its all-time high reflects sustained demand. The 2021 peak saw total crypto market cap hit $3 trillion, and current momentum suggests another bull run may be underway.

Moreover, Wall Street giants like Morgan Stanley have begun integrating crypto offerings into their advisory platforms — equipping 15,000 brokers to discuss digital assets with clients. This level of mainstream integration was unthinkable a decade ago.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Crypto Wealth

As adoption deepens, experts predict:

These developments will likely fuel further wealth creation — not just among early adopters but also retail investors gaining access through simplified platforms.

However, volatility remains a reality. Investors must balance opportunity with risk management strategies such as diversification, secure storage, and staying informed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many cryptocurrency billionaires are there in 2025?
A: There are currently 28 known cryptocurrency billionaires, according to the New World Wealth and Henley & Partners report.

Q: What caused the surge in crypto millionaires?
A: The launch of Bitcoin ETFs, rising institutional adoption, and increased retail participation have driven asset prices up — significantly expanding the number of individuals holding over $1 million in crypto.

Q: Who is the richest person in crypto?
A: Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder of Binance, is ranked as the wealthiest individual in the space with an estimated net worth of $33 billion.

Q: Which country is most friendly toward cryptocurrency investors?
A: Singapore ranks highest on Henley & Partners’ Crypto-Adoption Index due to its balanced regulation, supportive banking policies, and innovation-friendly legal framework.

Q: Is Bitcoin still the most valuable cryptocurrency for wealth creation?
A: Yes — five out of six newly created crypto billionaires in the past year gained their wealth primarily through Bitcoin holdings.

Q: Can I become a crypto millionaire in 2025?
A: While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, strategic investing, dollar-cost averaging, and education can improve your chances — especially when using secure, regulated platforms.

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