Bitcoin continues to captivate the world with its allure, despite its price currently hovering below the $30,000 mark. Many individuals aspire to join the ranks of Bitcoin holders, hoping to ride the digital wave of potential riches. Today, we delve into the world of cryptocurrency's elite, spotlighting the biggest Bitcoin holders of 2023, often referred to as "cryptowhales."
The Largest Bitcoin Holders in 2023:
1. Binance Cold Wallet (Wallet Number: 34xp4vRoCGJym3xR7yCVPFHoCNxv4Twseo)
Leading the pack is the Binance cold wallet, stashing a colossal 248,597 BTC with a staggering dollar value of approximately $6.4 billion. Binance, as the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange in terms of trading volume and users, unsurprisingly houses the world's largest Bitcoin wallet. This wallet, active since October 2018, primarily serves as a long-term storage for Bitcoins owned by Binance clients, rarely engaging in outgoing transactions. However, when it does, it moves substantial amounts, sometimes up to 21,600 BTC.
2. Bitfinex Cold Wallet (Wallet Number: bc1qgdjqv0av3q56jvd82tkdjpy7gdp9ut8tlqmgrpmv24sq90ecnvqqjwvw97)
The second position belongs to the Bitfinex cold wallet, sheltering 178,010 BTC, equating to a value of approximately $4.6 billion. Bitfinex, founded in 2012, shares a similar modus operandi with Binance's cold wallet—infrequent Bitcoin transactions, typically involving substantial amounts. Notably, it received a massive 50,000 BTC transaction in February 2020.
3. Robinhood Wallet (Wallet Number: Bc1ql49ydapnjafl5t2cp9zqpjwe6pdgmxy98859v2)
Securing the third place is the Robinhood wallet, containing at least 118,300 BTC, valued at $3 billion. Though Robinhood hasn't publicly affirmed its ownership of the wallet, Arkham Intelligence suggests that Jump Trading manages the funds. Starting in May 2023, the wallet received a series of substantial transactions, subsequently ceasing to accept them by June 30th, only entertaining small transactions. To date, it has only initiated one outgoing transaction, transferring 0.051 BTC in May 2023.
4. Binance Cold Wallet (Wallet Number: 39884E3j6KZj82FK4vcCrkUvWYL5MQaS3v)
Occupying the fourth place is another Binance cold wallet, containing 115,177 BTC valued at $3 billion. In June 2023, it received a massive transfer of 130,177 BTC from another Binance cold wallet. So far, this wallet has refrained from conducting any Bitcoin transactions, except for a few meager incoming transfers.
5. FBI Wallet (Wallet Number: Bc1qazcm763858nkj2dj986etajv6wquslv8uxwczt)
In fifth place is the FBI wallet, which holds 94,643 BTC worth $2.4 billion. Under the control of U.S. federal authorities, this wallet safeguards BTC stolen from the Bitfinex cryptocurrency exchange in 2016. Its major transactions took place on February 1, 2022, following charges against Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather R. Morgan for allegedly conspiring to launder stolen Bitcoin. Since then, the wallet has solely accepted small BTC transactions without making any outbound transfers.
6. Unknown Owner (Wallet Number: 37XuVSEpWW4trkfmvWzegTHQt7BdktSKU)
Finally, in the sixth position is an enigmatic wallet owner. Holding 94,505 BTC, equivalent to $2.4 billion, the identity of this wallet's owner remains shrouded in mystery. Active since September 2019, it garnered attention by receiving a massive 94,500 BTC transaction in a single event. However, it has since only dealt with minuscule Bitcoin transactions, with just two outgoing transfers in July 2021.
These wallets exemplify the incredible wealth amassed within the cryptocurrency realm. While some belong to renowned platforms, others remain enigmatic, adding to the mystique surrounding the world of Bitcoin and digital wealth.