A recent study by River highlights the pivotal role of U.S. citizens and companies in the global Bitcoin 
$60,983 ownership landscape. According to the research, Americans hold 40% of all Bitcoins worldwide. In the corporate realm, an overwhelming 94.8% of institutional Bitcoin assets belong to U.S.-based companies. Moreover, as a “country,” the U.S. holds 65.3% of Bitcoin reserves.
Widespread Bitcoin Adoption in the U.S.
The study underscores the U.S. as the clear leader in Bitcoin usage, with 14.3% of its population owning Bitcoin. This percentage starkly contrasts with ownership rates in Europe at 3.4%, Asia at 3.6%, and Oceania at 3.3%. Such disparities indicate the U.S.’s significant adaptation to Bitcoin. Notably, Bitcoin ownership spans across different income, race, education, and political beliefs within the society.
Ownership of Bitcoin is not limited to only tech enthusiasts; it is prevalent across various income and identity groups. However, noticeable differences exist based on age and gender, with younger generations and men having higher ownership rates.
Bitcoin is accessible to everyone; there’s no need to be wealthy or an accredited investor to get involved. Yet, it tends to attract more young people and men.
Analyses suggest that since the publication of the Bitcoin Whitepaper in 2008, approximately $790 billion in new wealth has been created in the U.S. This economic impact is attributed to the increasing adoption of digital assets.
The Role of Companies and States in Bitcoin’s Ascent
According to River’s research, thirty-two U.S.-based publicly traded companies, with a combined market capitalization of $1.26 trillion, include Bitcoin as a treasury asset in their portfolios. These public companies hold about 795,000 Bitcoins, mostly controlled by U.S. firms.
Several U.S. states are also making positive strides towards Bitcoin. Currently, 36 states have proposed various supportive regulations. States like Arizona and New Hampshire have led the way by legalizing Bitcoin reserves.
Initially, Arizona rejected proposals for digital asset acquisition but later approved a new law allowing the state to use dormant digital assets. New Hampshire became the first U.S. state to establish a Bitcoin reserve. Other states are working on similar reserve plans.
Bitcoin continues to proliferate among institutions, individuals, and state governments in the U.S., enhancing its strong position in the global digital asset market. With its current advantages, the U.S. is observed as a leading force in Bitcoin’s global distribution. The rise in Bitcoin interest diversity indicates a higher participation rate of institutional and mid-level users in the U.S. as compared to other regions. Those seeking to understand the economic value and potential returns of digital assets should closely follow these developments.
