Recent calculations indicate that the enigmatic figure behind Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, possesses around 1.96 million BTC, which translates to approximately $120 billion at current market values. This astounding amount positions Nakamoto as the 11th wealthiest individual globally, controlling about 5.2% of the total Bitcoin ever mined.
The Enigma of Satoshi’s Holdings
The intrigue surrounding Satoshi deepens further, with wallet activity remaining dormant since 2011. Back then, Bitcoin was considered an experimental asset, but now the holdings held in those wallets significantly exceed the reserves of many countries. Any movement from these accounts could have massive implications for market prices.
Bitcoin’s Meteoric Rise
Recently, Bitcoin surged to nearly $112,000 before retracting to around $110,000. This resurgence is notably higher than its previous peak of approximately $67,000 back in November 2021. Such a dramatic rise is sending ripples through both seasoned investors and newcomers entering the market.
Satoshi Nakamoto now holds $120 BILLION USD of Bitcoin.
He owns 5.2% of the BTC supply, making him the 11th richest person in the world. pic.twitter.com/cX6D1nYjqG
— Arkham (@arkham) May 26, 2025
Cryptocurrency versus Major Corporations
Market analyses reveal that Bitcoin’s total worth has now surpassed $2.16 trillion, overshadowing Amazon’s market capitalization of £2.13 trillion. Investors are increasingly acknowledging Bitcoin as one of the top global assets. However, it’s important to note that Bitcoin is inherently decentralized, contrasting sharply with Amazon’s single-corporation structure. Experts caution against excessively simplifying these comparisons.
Institutional Moves and Market Dynamics
Michael Saylor’s company, Strategy, acquired an additional 4,020 BTC from May 19 to May 25, raising its total holdings to 580,250 BTC. Despite this significant acquisition, Strategy’s stock experienced a decline of over 7% in pre-market trading on May 26, indicating that large Bitcoin purchases may not significantly influence traditional market performance.
In a related commentary, Robert Kiyosaki, the financial author, described Bitcoin as “real money” while expressing concerns about fiat currencies potentially losing their reliability. He referenced Gresham’s Law and Metcalfe’s Law to bolster his argument.
Institutional interest continues to grow, spurred by the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs across various markets. These funds allow large investors to purchase Bitcoin without the complexities of managing private keys. This has essentially boosted demand, even as retail investors may be pulling back.
Nevertheless, the crypto community remains vigilant regarding Satoshi’s dormant wallets. The uncertainty surrounding whether these coins will ever be moved adds an element of volatility to the market. A sale of even a fraction—say, 100,000 BTC—could saturate the market, creating significant price fluctuations. Such volatility keeps traders on high alert.
The evolution of Bitcoin is a testament to its resilience and the excitement it generates. From being valued at mere cents to soaring past $110,000, this journey has been remarkable. The massive reserve held by the elusive Satoshi adds another layer to the ongoing narrative. For now, these coins remain untouched, their mystery contributing to ongoing discussions within the financial landscape.
Image source: Wexo, chart data from TradingView
