Global crypto wealth has continued rising, according to the newly published Crypto Wealth Report 2026 from Henley & Partners. The advisory firm identified 135,694 individuals who own digital assets amounting to at least $1 million.
Bitcoin leads the crypto millionaire count
Of those wealthy digital asset holders, 92,272 people are classified as bitcoin millionaires. This group’s fortunes are attributed primarily to bitcoin holdings, highlighting the continued dominance of the world’s largest cryptocurrency among high-net-worth individuals.
Outside of the millionaires, Henley & Partners also identified 290 individuals who possess more than $100 million in cryptocurrencies, with 151 of these major holders primarily invested in bitcoin. At the highest level, 23 people have achieved billionaire status through crypto assets, and nine of these built their wealth specifically through bitcoin.
The report places the overall crypto market capitalization at approximately $2.6 trillion as of August 31, with bitcoin making up an estimated $1.6 trillion. Despite this robust total, bitcoin is trading around 38% below its October 2025 all-time high.
Henley & Partners noted that while bitcoin prices remain well below previous peaks, the number of crypto millionaires has reached an unprecedented level and continues to rise globally.
Crypto downturn less severe than previous cycles
Analysts at Henley & Partners found that the current decline in bitcoin’s price, at just 38% below its peak, has been less severe than previous crypto market downturns. After earlier peaks in 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2021, bitcoin saw price losses exceeding 75% each time.
| Crypto Cycle Year | Peak-to-Trough Drop |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Over 75% |
| 2013 | Over 75% |
| 2017 | Over 75% |
| 2021 | Over 75% |
| 2025 | 38% |
Meanwhile, global crypto ownership has continued to expand. Approximately 742 million people now hold some form of digital asset, with 371 million of these individuals owning bitcoin.
Crypto adoption and regulatory landscape
The Crypto Wealth Report also features the Henley Crypto Adoption Index, which assesses and ranks 36 countries on regulatory environment and adoption rates. Singapore remained at the top spot for the fourth consecutive year, driven by progressive regulatory policy and widespread adoption.
The United Arab Emirates rose to second place, gaining recognition for its favorable tax environment and rapidly growing crypto sector. Hong Kong followed in third, while the United States ranked fourth, standing out as the only country to receive a perfect score for public crypto adoption. Switzerland completed the top five. This year’s index added The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and Bahrain as new entries.
Stablecoins are increasingly being used as vehicles for cross-border wealth transfer. Dollar-backed stablecoins enable quick movement of funds between countries, often within minutes, according to researchers referenced by Henley & Partners.
On the regulatory front, authorities have been moving toward greater oversight. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, known as MiCA, came fully into effect in December 2024, introducing a harmonized framework for crypto across 30 member states.
Looking forward, tax reporting requirements for crypto wealth are expected to intensify. Seventy-six nations have agreed to the OECD’s new crypto information-sharing framework, which will see the first exchange of tax data among 46 countries take place in September 2027.
Henley & Partners, based in London, is known for its research into global wealth migration, investment citizenship, and high-net-worth financial trends.
Mini dictionary: Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), a law enacted by the European Union that standardizes regulations for crypto asset issuers, service providers, and stablecoins across the EU’s member states.
