US Government Tops Global List in Bitcoin Reserves

The U.S. government has amassed the largest stash of Bitcoin compared to any other nation, with its holdings valued at around $14.7 billion. This positions the U.S. just slightly below MicroStrategy, a significant player in the cryptocurrency space with 214,246 BTC valued at $14.8 billion, according to data from Arkham.

In addition to Bitcoin, the U.S. holds a diverse array of other cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum and stablecoins such as USDC and Tether, collectively worth close to $200 million. This substantial portfolio underscores the country’s robust involvement in the digital currency market.

Comparatively, the UK and Germany are also notable for their significant Bitcoin investments. The UK currently holds Bitcoin assets worth nearly $4.2 billion, making it the second-largest national holder. Germany follows with around $3.4 billion in Bitcoin.

The increase in the U.S. Bitcoin holdings in early 2023 by approximately 5,000 BTC can be attributed to seizures from criminal activities. Notable cases include the takedown of the Silk Road marketplace and actions against individuals like Jimmy Zhong as well as groups such as the Bitfinex hackers.

Interestingly, El Salvador, which declared Bitcoin legal tender in September 2021, holds ‘only’  5,717 BTC valued at nearly $400 million, showing a 50% increase in unrealized profit on its holdings.