Are you curious about the top crypto billionaires of 2024?
We’ve gathered the names of those who have shaped the crypto world and built incredible fortunes along the way. Today, more than 172,300 people globally hold over $1 million in crypto assets, showing how powerful digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have become.
Crypto has not only shaken up the financial world but also changed the lives of many. People who recognized the potential of digital currencies early on have built massive fortunes, while others with little background in the field have unexpectedly joined the ranks of the rich and famous.
Though the crypto industry has faced its share of challenges, fraud charges, money laundering issues, and legal battles, 2024 feels more settled. With the digital currencies market cap now exceeding $2.6 trillion, the wealth of these top figures continue to rise as the industry matures.
Let’s look at these people to see how they’ve managed the crypto world’s twists and turns. Are you excited to see who’s made it to the top this year?
The Richest Crypto Billionaires in 2024
These people took early risks, bet on digital assets, and built companies that shaped the future of finance. In 2024, they continue to be some of the wealthiest individuals around. Let’s see who these crypto billionaires are, their worth, and the projects that launched them into the spotlight.
13. Alex Atallah
Net worth: $2.2 billion | Source of wealth: OpenSea
Alex Atallah co-founded OpenSea, one of the most successful NFT marketplaces. His role in developing the platform has made him an important player, with NFTs experiencing skyrocketing growth in recent years.
Atallah’s net worth reflects his stake in OpenSea, and as the NFT market continues to flourish, his fortune grows alongside it. His success is a testament to the value of digital assets beyond traditional cryptocurrencies.
12. Devin Finzer
Net worth: $2.2 billion | Source of wealth: OpenSea
Devin Finzer, the co-founder of OpenSea, benefits from the booming NFT market. OpenSea’s success in facilitating digital asset trading has cemented Finzer’s status as one of the richest individuals in the crypto industry.
His platform remains dominant in the NFT space, making him a key figure in the future of digital assets. His wealth is tied to the increasing trading volume and market capitalization of NFTs worldwide.
11. Jed McCaleb
Net worth: $2.7 billion | Source of wealth: Ripple, Stellar
Jed McCaleb is known for co-founding Ripple and creating Stellar, two noteworthy blockchain projects. McCaleb was an early contributor to Ripple, which transformed how cross-border payments were made using XRP and laid the foundation for his wealth.
Later, he founded Stellar to offer a more decentralized approach to financial transactions. His considerable holdings in both projects have made him one of the top crypto billionaires, benefiting from their rising market capitalization.
10. Fred Ehrsam
Net worth: $2.9 billion | Source of wealth: Coinbase, Paradigm
Fred Ehrsam and Brian Armstrong co-founded Coinbase, the leading U.S. crypto exchange. After stepping away from Coinbase, he founded Paradigm, a venture capital firm focused on blockchain and digital assets.
Paradigm has supported a variety of crypto startups, which has helped Fred Ehrsam secure his spot as one of the top names in the crypto world. His net worth reflects his stake in both Coinbase and the success of Paradigm’s investments.
7. Chris Larsen
Net worth: $3.2 billion | Source of wealth: Ripple
Chris Larsen co-founded Ripple, the company behind XRP, one of the top cryptocurrencies by market cap. Ripple focuses on improving cross-border payment systems, and despite ongoing legal battles with the SEC, Larsen’s wealth remains largely tied to his noteworthy holdings in XRP.
He is considered one of the crypto’s most influential figures, and his fortune is built on the growing adoption of blockchain technology.
8. Barry Silbert
Net worth: $3.5 billion | Source of wealth: Digital Currency Group
Barry Silbert is the founder and CEO of Digital Currency Group (DCG), a company that’s been fundamental in backing blockchain startups. DCG also owns Grayscale, one of the biggest crypto asset management firms.
Silbert has become a central figure in cryptocurrency, with investments in over 200 blockchain companies. His wealth comes from his holdings in DCG and its associates and early investments in Bitcoin and other digital assets.
9. Song Chi-Hyung
Net worth: $3.7 billion | Source of wealth: Upbit
Song Chi-Hyung founded Upbit, one of South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. His platform has grown to play a bigger role in the global crypto market, reaching millions of users and leaving a lasting impact worldwide.
Upbit’s success, driven by the rise of digital currencies and tech startups in South Korea, has helped Song become one of the wealthiest figures in the crypto world. The platform’s massive trading volume and market dominance have contributed to his growing fortune.
6. Jean-Louis van der Velde
Net worth: $3.9 billion | Source of wealth: Tether
Jean-Louis van der Velde, the former CEO of Tether, helped shape USDT into the world’s most popular stablecoin.
Tether’s role in the cryptocurrency market is ample, providing liquidity and stability. Despite regulatory scrutiny and fraud charges, van der Velde’s net worth has continued to grow, as Tether remains a key part of digital asset trading.
5. Paolo Ardoino
Net worth: $3.9 billion | Source of wealth: Tether
Paolo Ardoino, the current CEO of Tether, has overseen the company’s expansion, helping USDT become the leading stablecoin.
Tether’s dominance in the crypto market has made Ardoino one of the wealthiest figures in the industry. His net worth is closely tied to Tether’s trading volume and market capitalization. Ardoino continues to have a big impact on shaping the future of digital assets.
4. Michael Saylor
Net worth: $4.4 billion | Source of wealth: MicroStrategy, Bitcoin
Michael Saylor is the executive chairman of MicroStrategy, and his decision to invest billions of the company’s funds into Bitcoin has made him a leading supporter of the cryptocurrency.
Saylor’s wealth started when Bitcoin’s price rose, and he remains one of the most influential voices in the digital asset space. His personal investments in Bitcoin have also contributed to his net worth.
3. Giancarlo Devasini
Net worth: $9.2 billion | Source of wealth: Tether
Giancarlo Devasini, Tether’s CFO, has built his wealth through his substantial stake in USDT, the world’s most popular stablecoin. His involvement with Tether has been a big part of his success, as USDT continues to play an important role in the crypto market.
Despite ongoing investigations and allegations of money laundering and fraud charges against Tether, Devasini’s wealth continues to grow as the demand for USDT remains strong. His influence in the crypto ecosystem is undeniable.
2. Brian Armstrong
Net worth: $11.2 billion | Source of wealth: Coinbase
Brian Armstrong co-founded Coinbase, the largest U.S. crypto exchange. Under his leadership, Coinbase became a public company, and Armstrong’s net worth soared.
His success in making digital assets more accessible has built his personal fortune and made Coinbase a household name in the crypto industry. Armstrong remains one of the most influential figures in cryptocurrency.
1. Changpeng Zhao (CZ)
Net worth: $33 billion | Source of wealth: Binance
Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ, is the founder and CEO of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume.
Despite facing regulatory limitations and legal challenges worldwide, Zhao’s wealth has grown as Binance expands its reach. His influence in the cryptocurrency world is unmatched, making him the richest person in the crypto space in 2024.
How Many New Crypto Millionaires Are There?
As of the Crypto Wealth Report 2024, there are 28 crypto billionaires worldwide.
Not to mention that as the crypto industry flourishes, with 172,300 individuals holding over $1 million in crypto assets—a 95% increase from last year—the number of Bitcoin millionaires has shot up by 111%, totaling 85,400 people.
Thus, the total market value of crypto assets has surged to $2.3 trillion, representing an 89% growth compared to last year’s $1.2 trillion.
Other than the well-known names we’ve already mentioned, some notable crypto billionaires still deserve recognition for their contributions to the crypto space.
Matthew Roszak, Net worth: $1.4 billion, thanks to his early investments in Bitcoin and his role in advancing blockchain technology.
Nikil Viswanathan, Net worth: $2 billion, built through his work as co-founder of Alchemy, which provides key infrastructure for blockchain projects.
Tim Draper, Net worth: $2 billion. His fortune comes from his early belief in Bitcoin as a Bitcoin investment vehicle—a decision that paid off big when he purchased 30,000 BTC from a government auction.
Joe Lau, Net worth: $1.5 billion, has also risen through his work as co-founder of Alchemy, a company essential to blockchain’s development.
Even though these individuals might not top every list, they’re still worthy of being mentioned because they’ve made big contributions to the crypto industry, and their careers reflect the growing influence of digital assets.
What’s more, these crypto figures show how the digital currency world continues to expand and open new opportunities, not only in tech but in finance as a whole. Their stories are a testament to the rapid growth and potential of the crypto space, shaping what’s possible for future investors and entrepreneurs alike.
FAQ
Has anyone gotten rich from cryptocurrency?
Yes, many people have become wealthy from cryptocurrency. Early adopters, like the Bitcoin billionaires, saw their fortunes rise dramatically as the value of digital assets grew. For example, Changpeng Zhao and Tim Draper are among those who gained great wealth through early involvement.
Are there any crypto billionaires?
Yes, there are currently 28 crypto billionaires worldwide, according to the Crypto Wealth Report 2024. These individuals earned their fortunes by investing in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies and through businesses they created in the crypto space.
Who is the richest crypto trader?
The richest crypto trader is Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance. His net worth is an impressive $33 billion, making him the wealthiest individual in the crypto world.
Are there millionaires from crypto?
Definitely! In 2024, 172,300 individuals will have more than $1 million in crypto assets, a 95% increase from last year. Many of these millionaires made their money by investing in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other popular digital assets.
How many billionaires own Bitcoin?
Many of the 28 crypto billionaires have substantial Bitcoin holdings. Bitcoin is still one of the most popular and valuable digital assets, contributing greatly to the wealth of many in the crypto space.
Conclusion
The rise of cryptocurrency has made it possible for people to become incredibly wealthy, with the top 13 crypto billionaires leading the way.
From Changpeng Zhao (net worth of $33 billion), the CEO of Binance, the largest crypto exchange, to Matthew Roszak (net worth of $1.4 billion) with early Bitcoin investments, these individuals have made their mark on the crypto world.
Whether you’re looking to open a bank account for crypto or take your first steps into digital assets, it’s clear that this industry is full of potential. So, it’s never too late to get involved in the crypto space.
With the right timing and knowledge, you could join the ranks of these successful entrepreneurs and investors. Now could be your time to explore what crypto has to offer!
