The post Government Bitcoin Holdings in 2025: Who Owns the Most? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News As of January 2025, governments worldwide collectively hold approximately 471,000 Bitcoin (BTC), accounting for 2.5% of the total Bitcoin supply. At the current market price of $34,750 per Bitcoin, this amounts to a staggering value of approximately $16.37 billion. These government bitcoin holdings are obtained through criminal asset seizures, strategic acquisitions, and public donations. The government is increasingly finding out how it can use Bitcoins as both a financial asset and an enabler of the modernization of economic systems. Top Government Bitcoin Holdings in 2025 Rank Country Bitcoin Holdings (BTC) Approximate Value (USD) Primary Acquisition Method Notes 1 United States 212,000 $7.37 billion Criminal seizures (Silk Road, Bitfinex, etc.) Largest holder; reserves impact the market significantly. 2 China 194,000 $6.74 billion Seized from the PlusToken Ponzi Scheme Retains Bitcoin despite crypto trading ban. 3 United Kingdom 61,000 $2.12 billion Seizures from money laundering and fraud operations Proactively auctions Bitcoin to fund law enforcement efforts. 4 Bhutan 13,029 $780 Million Bitcoin Mining Bitcoin mining through renewable hydropower 5 El Salvador 5,800 $201 million Actively purchased for national adoption strategy First country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. 6 Ukraine 1,200 $41.7 million Public donations during the Russia-Ukraine conflict Bitcoin used for humanitarian and military funding. 7 Finland 1,890 $65.6 million Seized during narcotics trafficking investigations Sold some Bitcoin to fund social programs. 8 Germany 0 $0 Seizures from cybercrime (previously held 46,359 BTC) Liquidated all holdings in mid-2024, causing price drop. 9 India 450 $15.6 million Seized in crypto fraud investigations Exploring potential use of Bitcoin for a national digital asset fund. 1. United States The United States continues to hold the largest government Bitcoin holding. Much of this Bitcoin was obtained through legal enforcement actions against cybercriminals and dark web marketplaces. Bitcoin Holdings: 212,000 BTC Approximate Value: $7.37 billion Primary Sources Silk Road shutdown that led to the seizure of 69,370 BTC. Bitfinex hack case where the government recovered 94,636 BTC from hackers in 2022. Jimmy Zhong’s arrest in 2022 where 50,676 BTC were seized. Management Strategy: The U.S. auctions off parts of its holdings but holds a significant part for further study or long-term storage. The U.S. government has been controlling Bitcoin; this affects the market trend, as previous sales trigger price changes. 2. China China, which has strict regulations on trading and mining cryptocurrencies, is in fact the country that holds the world’s second-largest Bitcoin reserve. It is basically due to the crackdown on fraudulent schemes on digital assets. Bitcoin Reserves: 194,000 BTC Estimated Worth: $6.74 billion Main Accumulation : China’s Bitcoin was mainly acquired through the PlusToken Ponzi Scheme, where the scam made off with more than $2 billion in Bitcoins and Ethers. Current Status : Although it has banned all crypto trading activities, China is keeping its confiscated Bitcoin rather than liquidating it and may be hoarding it to hedge against the continued rise of digital currency as a global currency. 3. United Kingdom Due to the forceful effort to curb financial crimes related to using digital assets, the United Kingdom has become one of the leading powers. Bitcoin Holdings: 61,000 BTC Estimated Worth: About $2.12 billion in value Source: Confiscation from Illegal Money Laundering and Other Fraudulent Acts The famous case is related to a Chinese citizen running Bitcoin’s illegal operation as an illegal exchange. Strategy: It has been auctioning off cryptocurrencies seized, offering the government revenues to invest in more policing. 4. Bhutan Bhutan now accounts for the sum of 13,029 BTC that is worth over $780 million, being considered the world’s fourth biggest state Bitcoin owner. This portfolio in terms of share makes it equate about 25% of Bhutan’s GDP, where the big BTC reserve reflects this distinct approach from other countries integrating crypto into national economics. Bitcoins held: 13,029 BTC Approximately worth$780 million. Source: Unlike other governments that are acquiring Bitcoin by seizure or purchase, Bhutan acquired its Bitcoin from its investment in Bitcoin mining with the use of its vast, sustainable hydropower resources. Strategy: It is a greener strategy as it supports the country’s policy of more extensive renewable energy commitments, which has placed Bhutan at the centre of the fast-emerging area of cryptocurrency and environmental sustainability. 5. El Salvador El Salvador is the first nation to adopt BitcoinBitcoin as legal tender. While most countries secure their Bitcoin assets through seizures alone, El Salvador is purchasing an active amount to incorporate into its financial system. Bitcoin Holdings: 5,800 BTC Approx. Value: $201 million Acquisition Method: The government has acquired Bitcoin since its adoption as a legal tender in 2021. At the tail end of 2022, it introduced a “1 Bitcoin per Day” program to acquire even more cryptocurrency in an organized manner. Usage: Bitcoin is used for public infrastructure development, economic development, and financial inclusion. Transactions in Bitcoin can be conducted by citizens while using Chivo Wallet, facilitated by the government. 6. Ukraine Ukraine’s Bitcoin reserves are special because they are mostly sourced from donations to fund its defence against Russia. Bitcoin Reserves: 1,200 BTC Estimated Value: $41.7 million Source In February 2022, the Ukrainian government made its Bitcoin wallet addresses public on social media and sought donations to supplement its military’s funding. Many people and institutions from all over the world donated to this effort. Current Balance: Despite the government taking in more than 1,300 BTC, the active utilization of these funds for humanitarian and military purposes has resulted in 1,200 BTC being set aside. 7. Germany Germany has been known to confiscate large amounts of Bitcoin from cybercrime operations. As of January 2025, however, the country no longer maintains any Bitcoin reserves. Previous Balance: 46,359 BTC Liquidation Value: $1.58 billion Source: Seizures of bitcoins from online piracy sites and dark web activities. Present Situation: In mid-2024, Germany sold its entire Bitcoin, which caused its market value to depreciate by 15%. Newly Emerging Players In 2025 1. Finland Finland gained publicity after it confiscated 1,890 BTC in some cases of narco-trafficking. Number of Bitcoins Owned: 1,890 BTC Estimated Value: $65.6 million Policy: Finland used part of the Bitcoin proceeds to finance social programs, thus being pragmatic in its use of the digital asset’s revenue. 2. India India confiscated 450 BTC in 2024 as part of a crackdown on crypto-related scams. Bitcoin Holdings: 450 BTC Estimated Value: $15.6 million Future Potential: The Indian government is considering incorporating confiscated Bitcoin into its economic development policies, and talks are still being held regarding the establishment of a national digital asset fund. Implications of Government Bitcoin Holdings High Bitcoin reserve possession gives a government significant influence over the cryptocurrency market. Huge liquidations, such as the 2024 sale by Germany, are also going to cause price volatility, whereas a declaration of purchase or retention is likely to boost market confidence. Bitcoin is emerging as a tool for geopolitical strategy. Countries like El Salvador and Ukraine demonstrate its potential for economic development and wartime funding, respectively. Meanwhile, larger economies like the U.S. and China are using their holdings to enhance regulatory oversight and mitigate risks associated with illegal activities. Methodology The government led crypto reserves reflect an intersection between law enforcement, money strategy, and tech advances. As of 2025, the largest holders, including the U.S., China, and the UK, continue to shape the cryptocurrency landscape through their acquisitions and management strategies. Finland and India are among the emerging players, but their entry will further enhance recognition of Bitcoin’s potential as a state-level financial asset. The pioneers, on the other hand, are like El Salvador, where the adoption of Bitcoin transforms economic development. The role of governments in the cryptocurrency space will be further expanded in the future. National strategies around Bitcoin will play an important role in specifying the future of digital finance as blockchain technology continues to integrate into global financial systems.
