Spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States have surpassed Satoshi Nakamoto, BTC’s anonymous creator, in total Bitcoin holdings. Eric Balchunas, Senior ETF Analyst at Bloomberg, highlighted this milestone on X, sending a wave of optimism in the crypto community amid the ongoing BTC price consolidation.
Balchunas wrote, “KING OF THE HILL: The US spot ETFs have just passed Satoshi in total bitcoin held, now hold more than 1.1m, more than anyone in the world, and they’re not even a year old yet, literally babies still. Mind blowing.”
According to data, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs currently hold 1,104,534 Bitcoin, edging out Satoshi Nakamoto, whose holdings are estimated at 1,100,000 BTC. These ETFs now rank as the largest Bitcoin holders globally, a significant development considering their relatively recent launch.
KING OF THE HILL: The US spot ETFs have just passed Satoshi in total bitcoin held, now hold more than 1.1m, more than anyone in the world, and they’re not even a year old yet, literally babies still. Mind blowing. h/t @EdmondsonShaun for the data pic.twitter.com/FQBIGGz5ei
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) December 6, 2024
Trailing the ETFs and Nakamoto are other notable Bitcoin holders, including Binance with 633,103 BTC, MicroStrategy with 402,100 BTC, and the U.S. government, which holds 198,109 BTC. The Chinese government follows closely with 194,000 BTC, while Bitfinex and Kraken hold 184,027 BTC and 158,959 BTC, respectively. Other large holders include Block One with 164,000 BTC and Robinhood with 142,361 BTC.
The rapid accumulation by U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs underscores the increasing institutional interest in BTC. Their ascent to the top of Bitcoin’s ownership landscape within less than a year illustrates the growing prominence of financial products offering direct exposure to BTC. Moreover, as BTC has fallen to the $98,000 level after touching the high of $103,900 on Thursday, this feat has reignited hopes of a swift rebound above $100,000.
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