Bitcoin is a revolutionary monetary system. For the first time in human history, a decentralized digital currency has been put in place. The mechanisms of blockchain allow this innovation. No centralized body to control a currency. It is a first.
Despite the fact that Bitcoin’s protocol has proven to be decentralized and powerful, a new threat could hit it. I’m not talking about new technology that could threaten the calculation mechanisms of the protocol. I’m talking about monetary appropriation. Indeed, the distribution of Bitcoins is beginning to become highly centralized. Here is a list of the largest holders of Bitcoins.
- Satoshi Nakamoto : 1 125 150 BTC
- BlackRock : Plus de 350 000 BTC
- Grayscale : 291 760 BTC
- MicroStrategy : 214 400 BTC
- Gouvernement des États-Unis : 212 847 BTC
- Gouvernement chinois : 194 775 BTC
- Block.one : 164 000 BTC
- Fidelity : 181 087 BTC
- Mt. Gox : 140 000 BTC
- Gavin Andresen : 100 000 BTC
The top 10 holders of Bitcoin account for more than 10% of the total volume of Bitcoin in circulation. With the arrival of institutional investors, this trend could accelerate. Some states may also set up reserves of cryptocurrencies. Centralization via the holding of Bitcoin could be established. This phenomenon is to be monitored. While it may be a threat, it can also be an opportunity. A cryptocurrency holding race could have a positive effect on prices, which could benefit cryptocurrency holders. The big losers could be the late ones.
