- The U.S. government holds the largest Bitcoin reserve, with 207,189 BTC worth $17.32 billion, primarily from seized assets like Silk Road funds.
- China follows closely with 194,000 BTC ($16.22 billion), despite banning crypto trading and mining, while the UK holds 61,000 BTC ($5.10 billion).
- As Bitcoin’s role in global finance grows, more governments may increase their holdings, either through strategic accumulation or asset seizures.
Bitcoin ($BTC) has had an incredible 16-year journey, going from a mocked digital experiment to the best-performing asset of the last decade-and-a-half. Once dismissed by world leaders and financial experts, BTC is now legal tender in El Salvador and the Central African Republic and a major geopolitical tool.
Bitcoin’s Growing Influence on Governments
While only two nations officially recognize BTC as legal tender, many governments quietly hold large reserves of the cryptocurrency. Bitcoin has also become a workaround for sanctions, with countries like Iran and Russia using it to bypass financial restrictions. Meanwhile, North Korea’s infamous Lazarus Group continues to exploit crypto for cybercrime.
With BTC becoming a key asset on the global stage, let’s take a look at the three biggest government holders of Bitcoin.
Top 3 Government Bitcoin Holders
1. United States of America
The U.S. government is the largest BTC holder worldwide, with an estimated 207,189 BTC, worth roughly $17.32 billion. A significant portion of these holdings comes from seized assets, particularly from dark web operations like Silk Road. Despite past skepticism from U.S. regulators, the country remains deeply intertwined with Bitcoin’s ecosystem.
2. China
China ranks second on the list, with an estimated 194,000 BTC, valued at around $16.22 billion. While China has cracked down on crypto trading and mining, its government still controls a massive BTC stash, largely from seized funds. As China continues to compete with the U.S. in financial markets, its Bitcoin reserves remain a strategic asset.
3. United Kingdom
The UK holds around 61,000 BTC, worth approximately $5.10 billion. While this is far less than the U.S. and China, it still makes the UK one of the top government Bitcoin holders. The country recently passed laws allowing the seizure of crypto used in crime, signaling an increasing regulatory grip on digital assets.
What’s Next for Government Bitcoin Reserves?
As crypto adoption expands, more governments are likely to increase their BTC holdings, whether through strategic accumulation or asset seizures. With Bitcoin’s growing role in global finance, the question isn’t whether more countries will stockpile BTC—it’s who will be next to join the race.
