Cryptocurrency has witnessed a remarkable surge in value over the past few months, marking the end of the crypto winter.
Bitcoin, the poster child of the digital currency revolution, has more than doubled in value, reaching an all-time high of $73,000 in March.
This surge has propelled the total value of all cryptocurrencies by a staggering 170%, adding $1.6 trillion in market value over the past 12 months, according to CoinGecko.
With this surge, the number of crypto billionaires has also significantly increased, with at least 17 individuals now holding this esteemed title, up from just nine last year.
Here’s a closer look at the top crypto billionaires of 2024 and their impressive net worths as reported by Forbes.
1. Changpeng Zhao – $33 billion
Source of Wealth: Binance
Despite facing federal money laundering charges and agreeing to pay hefty fines, CZ remains crypto’s wealthiest individual, with a staggering net worth of $33 billion. His majority stake in Binance continues to propel his fortune.
2. Brian Armstrong – $11.2 billion
Source of Wealth: Coinbase
The cofounder of Coinbase, Armstrong has seen his wealth soar as the crypto exchange’s stock skyrocketed over the past year, reaching a market capitalization of nearly $60 billion.
3. Giancarlo Devasini – $9.2 billion
Source of Wealth: Tether
Serving as the CFO of Tether, Devasini has played a pivotal role in the stablecoin issuer’s success, amassing a substantial net worth of $9.2 billion.
4. Michael Saylor – $4.4 billion
Source of Wealth: MicroStrategy, Bitcoin
Saylor’s strategic investments in Bitcoin through MicroStrategy have paid off handsomely, making him one of the biggest crypto billionaire gainers with a net worth of $4.4 billion.
5. Paolo Ardoino – $3.9 billion
Source of Wealth: Tether
As the CEO of Tether, Ardoino has overseen the stablecoin’s growth, contributing to his substantial net worth of $3.9 billion.
6. Jean-Louis van der Velde – $3.9 billion
Source of Wealth: Tether
Van der Velde’s role as the former CEO of Tether has significantly contributed to his wealth, with an estimated net worth of $3.9 billion.
7. Chris Larsen – $3.2 billion
Source of Wealth: Ripple, XRP
A key figure in the development of Ripple and XRP, Larsen’s holdings in the cryptocurrency have made him a billionaire with a net worth of $3.2 billion.
8. Fred Ehrsam – $3.2 billion
Source of Wealth: Coinbase, Paradigm
The co-founder of Coinbase, Ehrsam’s continued involvement in the crypto space has contributed to his net worth of $3.2 billion.
9. Matthew Roszak – $3.1 billion
Source of Wealth: Bitcoin, Ethereum
Roszak’s early investments in bitcoin and ethereum have propelled his net worth to $3.1 billion, making him one of the top crypto billionaires.
10. Jed McCaleb – $2.9 billion
Source of Wealth: XRP sales
As a pioneer in the crypto space, McCaleb’s involvement in XRP sales has earned him a net worth of $2.9 billion.
11. Tyler Winklevoss – $2.7 billion
Source of Wealth: Bitcoin, Gemini
Alongside his brother Cameron, Tyler Winklevoss has amassed a substantial fortune through their investments in bitcoin and the Gemini exchange.
12. Cameron Winklevoss – $2.7 billion
Source of Wealth: Bitcoin, Gemini
Cameron Winklevoss shares his brother’s success, boasting a net worth of $2.7 billion.
13. Mike Novogratz – $2.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Galaxy Digital Holdings, Bitcoin
Novogratz’s leadership in Galaxy Digital Holdings has contributed to his net worth of $2.5 billion.
14. Stuart Hoegner – $2.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Tether
As a key figure in Tether, Hoegner’s involvement has earned him a net worth of $2.5 billion.
15. Tim Draper – $2 billion
Source of Wealth: Bitcoin
Draper’s early investments in bitcoin have propelled his net worth to $2 billion.
16. Joe Lau – $1.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Alchemy
Lau’s cofounding of Alchemy has contributed to his net worth of $1.5 billion.
17. Nikil Viswanathan – $1.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Alchemy
Viswanathan shares Lau’s success, boasting a net worth of $1.5 billion.
With cryptocurrency continuing to reshape the global financial landscape, the fortunes of these crypto billionaires serve as a testament to the immense potential of the digital asset revolution.
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