The Richest Crypto Billionaires In The World

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Top 10 сrypto billionaires and investors you should know are:

Changpeng Zhao (Binance) – $61.80 billion
Chris Larsen (Ripple) – $5.50 billion
Winklevoss Brothers (BTC) – $2.70 billion each
Brian Armstrong (Coinbase) – $13.40 billion
Jihan Wu (Bitmain) – $1.80 billion
Satoshi Nakamoto (Bitcoin founder) – undetermined
Michael Saylor (MicroStrategy) – $9.50 billion
Barry Silbert (Digital Currency Group) – $3.2 billion
Jed McCaleb (Ripple and Stellar) – $2.9 billion
Vitalik Buterin (Ethereum) – $1.5 billion

You've probably heard different captivating tales about investing in cryptocurrencies and how some investors became crypto billionaires by doing so. Facts satisfy and dispel doubts; perhaps you need a Bitcoin billionaires list for references; this article will give you that information. You will discover the richest bitcoin owners and their net worth.

TOP 10 most influential crypto industry investors

Crypto billionaires are investors in cryptocurrencies whose holdings, trading, and investments have increased their wealth. They are either investors who invested in BTC, Altcoins, and NFTs or crypto startup developers attracting investors' money and growing the popularity of their products. The first group is more vulnerable because cryptocurrency billionaires could be confined to the Bitcoin millionaires list in the event of a market crash.

Despite all the volatility, some crypto billionaires have managed to weather the storm and have come out on top. These include top crypto investors like Changpeng Zhao, the founder, and CEO of the cryptocurrency trading platform Binance. Below is a review of the richest Bitcoin owners and their net worth.

1. Changpeng Zhao (Binance)

Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ, is the founder and former CEO of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. Born on February 5, 1977, in Jiangsu, China, CZ moved to Canada during his youth and later earned a degree in computer science from McGill University in Montreal. His journey into the crypto space began in 2013 when he sold his Shanghai apartment to invest in Bitcoin. In 2017, he launched Binance, which quickly became a dominant platform in the crypto exchange market. As of 2024, CZ's net worth was estimated at $61.80 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the cryptocurrency sector.

Net worth: $61.80 billion

2. Chris Larsen (Ripple)

Chris Larsen is best known for co-founding Ripple in 2012. Ripple aims to facilitate real-time, cross-border payment systems for banks and financial institutions using blockchain technology. Before Ripple, Larsen co-founded several Silicon Valley startups, including the online mortgage lender e-Loan in 1996 and the peer-to-peer lending platform Prosper in 2005. His ventures have significantly contributed to the fintech landscape, and his involvement in Ripple has positioned him as a key player in the crypto world.

Net worth: $5.50 billion

3. Winklevoss brothers (ВТС)

Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss became Bitcoin billionaires following the cryptocurrency's price surge in 2017. They initially invested a portion of the $65 million settlement from their legal dispute with Facebook into Bitcoin, accumulating a significant amount.

The twins later led an investment round for BitInstant and co-founded the Gemini cryptocurrency exchange. They also own Nifty Gateway, a leading marketplace for non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Net worth: $2.70 billion each

4. Brian Armstrong – CEO of Coinbase

Brian Armstrong is the co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges in the United States. Born on January 25, 1983, in San Jose, California, Armstrong earned degrees in economics and computer science from Rice University. He launched Coinbase in 2012, providing a user-friendly platform for buying and selling cryptocurrencies. Under his leadership, Coinbase has grown into a publicly traded company with millions of users worldwide. Through Coinbase Ventures, Armstrong has invested in numerous blockchain startups, including Ampleforth and dYdX, with some reports estimating over 550 investments. Brian Armstrong’s crypto portfolio includes Ethereum (ETH), Polygon, USDC, and various decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens.

Net worth: $13.40 billion

5. Jihan Wu – Co-founder of Bitmain

Jihan Wu, born in 1986 in Chongqing, China, is a well-known entrepreneur in the cryptocurrency world. In 2013, he co-founded Bitmain Technologies with Micree Zhan, turning it into a major name in crypto mining hardware with its Antminer devices. A graduate of Peking University with a background in economics and psychology, Wu was one of the first to recognize Bitcoin's potential in China. He even translated the Bitcoinwhitepaper into Chinese, sparking interest among early adopters. Wu's success with Bitmain and other blockchain ventures has made him a major player in the crypto industry.

Net worth: $1.80 billion

6. Satoshi Nakamoto - Bitcoin founder

Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous creator of Bitcoin, introduced the world to a new kind of digital currency in 2008. Their whitepaper laid the foundation for Bitcoin, a decentralized currency powered by blockchain technology. In 2009, Nakamoto launched the Bitcoin software, kicking off the cryptocurrency era. While no one knows who Nakamoto really is, they’re believed to own about 1 million Bitcoins, making them one of the wealthiest people in the world. The mystery of Nakamoto continues to capture imaginations and remains a key part of Bitcoin’s story.

Net worth: Undetermined

7. Michael Saylor – CEO of MicroStrategy

Michael Saylor is the CEO of MicroStrategy, a business intelligence firm that made headlines for its substantial investments in Bitcoin. Under Saylor's leadership, MicroStrategy adopted Bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset, purchasing billions of dollars' worth of the cryptocurrency. Saylor's advocacy for Bitcoin has made him a prominent figure in the crypto community, influencing other corporations to consider similar investment strategies.

Net worth: $9.50 billion

8. Barry Silbert – Founder of Digital Currency Group

Barry Silbert is the founder and CEO of Digital Currency Group (DCG), a conglomerate that invests in various cryptocurrency and blockchain companies. DCG's portfolio includes companies like Grayscale Investments and CoinDesk. Silbert's early and extensive involvement in the crypto space has established him as a key investor and influencer in the industry.

Net worth: $3.20 billion

9. Jed McCaleb – Co-founder of Ripple and Stellar

Jed McCaleb is a programmer and entrepreneur known for co-founding Ripple and later creating Stellar, both of which are platforms aimed at facilitating cross-border transactions. His work has focused on leveraging blockchain technology to improve financial systems, and his contributions have been significant in the development of cryptocurrency infrastructure.

Net worth: $2.90 billion

10. Vitalik Buterin – Co-founder of Ethereum

Vitalik Buterin is the co-founder of Ethereum, a decentralized platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Born in 1994 in Russia, Buterin moved to Canada during his youth and later attended the University of Waterloo. He conceived Ethereum in 2013, and the platform launched in 2015, introducing a new level of programmability to blockchain technology. Buterin's vision has been instrumental in expanding the use cases for blockchain beyond digital currency.

Net worth: $1.50 billion

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Can I get rich in crypto?

Yes, you can get rich investing in cryptocurrencies, but there are still more requirements to meet to join the crypto billionaires. Because you need a sizable amount of startup capital, it is challenging for a private investor to become a cryptocurrency billionaire. You also need to be willing to take more risks.

The decision to invest in cryptocurrencies may not be the best for you unless you have a very high-risk tolerance. When a cryptocurrency market becomes more volatile, especially when the economy sputters, even seasoned traders find it challenging to navigate it.

A key mitigant to crypto risks is trading with the right exchange. Below is a comparison of the top exchanges in 2025, each offering unique features and earning opportunities to suit various trading strategies.

Best crypto exchanges in 2025
	Min. Deposit, $	Coins supported	Spot Taker fee, %	Spot Maker Fee, %	Foundation year	Open an account
OKX	10	329	0,1	0,08	2017	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Kraken	10	278	0,4	0,25	2011	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Crypto.com	1	250	0,5	0,25	2016	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
CoinMetro	1	72	0,2	0,1	2018	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Ledger Wallet		1817	0	0	2004	Open an account Your capital is at risk.

Beginners should focus more on utility of the projects

For a beginner diving into crypto, think beyond just buying big-name coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Dig deeper into blockchain projects that solve real-world problems, like reducing transaction costs or making financial services available to people who don’t have banks. Look into projects building on top of existing networks (known as layer 2 solutions) or those helping blockchains work faster and cheaper. For instance, take inspiration from Michael Saylor — he didn’t just buy Bitcoin randomly; he studied how it could protect his company from inflation and other economic challenges. Your goal should be finding tokens that aren’t just hype but make existing systems better.

Another lesson to learn from crypto leaders is how they build strong networks. Jihan Wu, for example, didn’t succeed with Bitmain just by designing good mining hardware; he connected with people across the industry to grow his business. If you’re starting, join online groups where blockchain developers hang out or attend crypto events to meet others passionate about the space. This way, you’ll learn what’s happening behind the scenes and spot early-stage projects before they get big. Focus on projects with straightforward plans and teams you can trust.

Conclusion

The lives of these crypto billionaires teach us that winning in this space isn’t about luck — it’s about understanding the technology, spotting what others miss, and staying ahead of the curve. Changpeng Zhao didn’t just create an exchange; he changed how the world trades. Jihan Wu didn’t just sell mining machines; he built the backbone of a thriving ecosystem. If you’re an aspiring investor, look for projects that solve real problems and have the power to shape the future. Crypto is more than numbers on a screen — it’s a revolution, and those willing to think beyond short-term gains can help define what’s next.

FAQs

How many crypto billionaires are there?

As of 2024, there are approximately 28 cryptocurrency billionaires globally, reflecting a 27% increase from the previous year. This growth is part of a broader expansion in crypto wealth, with a significant rise in the number of crypto millionaires as well. The overall value of cryptocurrency markets has reached $2.3 trillion, driven by institutional adoption and innovations like crypto ETFs.

Who is the richest crypto billionaire?

The richest crypto executive is Changpeng Zhao, founder, and CEO of Binance.

Who lost billions in crypto?

The founder of FTX saw his $23 billion fortune wiped out following the collapse of his exchange in 2022. He faced criminal charges for fraud and conspiracy, leading to a prison sentence and the forfeiture of $11 billion.

Who is the youngest crypto billionaire?

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, is recognized as the youngest cryptocurrency billionaire. Born in 1994 in Russia and raised in Canada, Buterin developed Ethereum in 2013 and launched it in 2015. By age 27, he was already a billionaire, and his wealth has continued to grow alongside Ethereum's adoption and market performance.

Team that worked on the article

Rinat Gismatullin is an entrepreneur and a business expert with 9 years of experience in trading. He focuses on long-term investing, but also uses intraday trading. He is a private consultant on investing in digital assets and personal finance. Rinat holds two degrees in Economy and Linguistics.

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Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).

Day trading

Day trading involves buying and selling financial assets within the same trading day, with the goal of profiting from short-term price fluctuations, and positions are typically not held overnight.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital cryptocurrency that was created in 2009 by an anonymous individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a technology called blockchain, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers.

Ethereum

Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform and cryptocurrency that was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in late 2013 and development began in early 2014. It was designed as a versatile platform for creating decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts.

Leverage

Forex leverage is a tool enabling traders to control larger positions with a relatively small amount of capital, amplifying potential profits and losses based on the chosen leverage ratio.

Volatility

Volatility refers to the degree of variation or fluctuation in the price or value of a financial asset, such as stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies, over a period of time. Higher volatility indicates that an asset's price is experiencing more significant and rapid price swings, while lower volatility suggests relatively stable and gradual price movements.