Bitcoin Billionaires Increased 50% in One Year: Rich List
The resurgence of Bitcoin and the broader crypto market has created a new class of billionaires. Last year, the total value of all cryptocurrencies increased by 170%, bringing the market to nearly $1.6 trillion, largely driven by the legalization of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States. This extraordinary growth pushed Bitcoin to a record high of $73,000 in March, creating new billionaires. 17 Crypto, Bitcoin Billionaires A new list of the world's billionaires reveals a significant increase in the number of individuals achieving billionaire status through cryptocurrency.
The number was recorded as at least 17 this year, compared to 9 the previous year, representing an increase of approximately 50%. These crypto moguls collectively command a staggering fortune of $93 billion. This wealth includes crypto assets, stock assets, and private assets and marks a significant jump from the $37 billion reported last year. Changpeng Zhao, founder and former CEO of Binance, continues to be at the top of this elite group. Despite legal battles that included being found guilty of money laundering charges in the US, Zhao's estimated net worth has risen from $10.5 billion to $33 billion, making him the standout crypto billionaire of the year. The success stories extend beyond Zhao.
MicroStrategy's Michael Saylor and Coinbase's Brian Armstrong saw their wealth rise to $4.4 billion and $11.2 billion, respectively, thanks to their companies' rising stock values. Both firms have experienced a fourfold increase in their share prices in the last twelve months, reflecting the explosion of interest in digital currencies.
Changpeng Zhao
Brian Armstrong
Giancarlo Devasini
Michael Saylor
Paolo Ardoino
Jean-Louis
van der Velde
Chris Larsen
Fred Ehrsam
Matthew Roszak
