The Forbes 2025 World's Billionaire List, published on April 1, features 3,028 billionaires from various industries. Among them, 16 individuals have amassed their fortunes in the cryptocurrency sector, with a combined net worth of over $164 billion and a median wealth of $6.8 billion.
Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao Remains Crypto's Richest
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, 48, tops the crypto billionaire ranking with an estimated net worth of $63 billion. Zhao famously tweeted in 2023, 'I quit my job, sold my house, and aped into bitcoin.' His wealth is primarily derived from his stake in Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, and personal bitcoin holdings. Despite a 2023 settlement with U.S. authorities, Zhao's fortune has continued to grow, reflecting the exchange's market dominance.
Tether Mints Four Billionaires
Stablecoin issuer Tether has become a billionaire factory. Chief Financial Officer Giancarlo Devasini is the second-richest crypto mogul at $22.4 billion, likely the company's largest shareholder. Tether reported a record $13 billion profit in 2024, despite employing only about 100 people. Former CEO JL van der Velde, current CEO Paolo Ardoino, and General Counsel Stuart Hoegner also made the list for the first time.
Exchange Founders Dominate the Ranks
Cryptocurrency exchanges continue to generate immense wealth. Coinbase co-founders Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam both qualified, with Armstrong's net worth estimated at $11 billion. Gemini's twin co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss each hold fortunes of around $4.5 billion. Tron founder Justin Sun, whose holdings include the Poloniex exchange through Polo Digital Assets, is valued at $8.5 billion, largely from the Tron blockchain project.
Investors and Entrepreneurs Cash In
Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen and Stellar co-founder Jed McCaleb join the list with respective net worths of $4.5 billion and $3.8 billion. Venture capitalist Tim Draper appears thanks to early crypto investments. Mike Novogratz (Galaxy Digital) and Matthew Roszak (Bloq) also feature. Perhaps most notably, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) chairman Michael Saylor is worth $7.4 billion. His company holds 528,185 Bitcoin, currently worth around $45 billion. Saylor personally owned 17,732 BTC in 2020 and has continued to accumulate, making him one of the largest individual bitcoin holders.
The 16 crypto billionaires represent a significant increase from previous years, driven by the 2024 approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, Bitcoin surpassing $100,000 for the first time, and the overall maturation of the digital asset industry. Forbes notes that the median crypto billionaire is now worth $6.8 billion, compared to just $2.1 billion a year ago.