A New Milestone in Bitcoin ETF History
United States spot Bitcoin ETFs have achieved a remarkable milestone by collectively holding more Bitcoin than is estimated to be held by Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of the cryptocurrency. According to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US now hold over 1.1 million BTC, exceeding Nakamoto’s estimated holdings of 1.1 million BTC.
This accomplishment underscores the growing popularity and institutional adoption of Bitcoin through regulated investment vehicles like ETFs. The data, corroborated by market observer HODL15Capital, highlights the rapid accumulation of Bitcoin by these funds since the launch of the first US spot Bitcoin ETF in January.
How Much Bitcoin Does Satoshi Nakamoto Hold?
Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, is believed to have mined approximately 1.1 million BTC during the cryptocurrency’s early days. These holdings remain untouched and account for roughly 5.2% of Bitcoin’s total 21 million supply.
While the identity of Nakamoto continues to be a mystery, this new development places US Bitcoin ETFs as some of the largest holders of Bitcoin globally, even surpassing major corporate and exchange holdings.
Spot ETFs Leading the Way
In addition to surpassing Satoshi Nakamoto’s holdings, US spot Bitcoin ETFs now hold more Bitcoin than Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, by 42%. They also outpace MicroStrategy, a leading corporate Bitcoin investor, by 63%.
The rapid rise in ETF holdings reflects the growing trust in institutional frameworks for Bitcoin investment and signals strong demand among investors seeking exposure to the cryptocurrency.
Is Satoshi Nakamoto Still Alive?
The mystery surrounding Nakamoto has given rise to speculation over the years. Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital, shared his thoughts in a recent interview, stating that he does not believe Nakamoto is alive. Referring to Bitcoin’s rise above $100,000 for the first time, Novogratz remarked, “If Satoshi was alive, I’m sure he’d have a big smile on his face.”
This sentiment echoes the broader community’s recognition of Bitcoin’s meteoric rise and its expanding role in global finance.
