Imagine a future in which traditional conceptions of money have been turned into digital gold mines known as crypto, which are bursting with unlimited possibilities. That is the arena of cryptocurrencies, a once-niche subject that has grown into a thriving economy populated by risk-takers and innovators.
The advent of digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum has significantly altered the financial landscape over the last decade, ushering in a new breed of billionaires.
In 2024, the cryptocurrency rush has continued and increased, resulting in fortunes practically overnight. According to the most recent Forbes World Billionaires List, more people have become billionaires as a result of their cryptocurrency investments.
1. Changpeng Zhao (Binance)
Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, is the founder and CEO of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. CZ has pushed Binance to unprecedented heights by focusing on innovation and a relentless expansion ethos.
What is his personal net worth? A cool $33 billion, owing to his roughly 90% interest in the corporation. His journey from humble beginnings to cryptocurrency mogul is nothing short of inspiring.
2. Brian Armstrong (Coinbase)
Brian Armstrong stands out among the busy corridors of Coinbase’s offices as a pioneer who contributed to the mainstreaming of cryptocurrencies. Since co-founding Coinbase in 2013, Armstrong has seen the company grow into a crypto industry stalwart, benefiting from the growing wave of digital currencies.
Armstrong’s wealth, which includes an 18% stake in the company, is intimately related to Coinbase’s performance, which is increasing as more people turn to bitcoin.
3. Giancarlo Devasini (Tether)
Giancarlo Devasini is the Chief Financial Officer of Tether, the world’s leading issuer of stablecoins—cryptocurrencies designed to provide stability by being tied to assets such as the US dollar. His keen financial acumen and strategic foresight have helped Tether stabilize and expand into a major player in the crypto market, and his personal wealth is estimated to be $9.2 billion.
4. Michael Saylor (MicroStrategy, Bitcoin)
Michael Saylor, a firm believer in Bitcoin’s potential, has grown his company, MicroStrategy, into a big corporate Bitcoin holder.
His aggressive acquisition strategy has helped not only the company, but also his personal assets, as Saylor owns considerable sums of Bitcoin. This risky move has positioned him as one of the top gainers in the crypto millionaire club this year.
5. Paolo Ardoino (Tether)
Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO, began his career in the cryptocurrency industry as a senior software developer at Bitfinex, Tether’s sister firm. His rise through the ranks and into the CEO chair is defined by a dedication to innovation and stability in the cryptocurrency sector.
Ardoino owns over 20% of Tether, making him a major figure in the sector as well as a billionaire.
6. Jean-Louis van der Velde (Tether)
Jean-Louis van der Velde, who shares a similar trajectory and ownership position with Paolo Ardoino, has played a key role in propelling Tether to the forefront of the stablecoin market. His involvement in developing strategic relationships and ensuring regulatory compliance has been critical to Tether’s success and his own financial fortune.
7. Chris Larsen (Ripple, XRP)
Chris Larsen, Ripple’s co-founder, is a major player in the cryptocurrency sector, with an estimated net worth of $3.2 billion. Larsen, who owns a large number of XRP tokens and has a significant investment in Ripple, has been ranked among the top cryptocurrency millionaires due to his ambition for a frictionless financial system.
8. Fred Ehrsam (Coinbase, Paradigm)
After co-founding Coinbase, Fred Ehrsam established Paradigm, a bitcoin investing firm. Despite his departure from day-to-day operations at Coinbase, his continuous impact in the cryptocurrency market and endeavors into investment management maintain him at the forefront of the industry.
9. Matthew Roszak (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
Matthew Roszak’s early bet on Bitcoin and subsequent investments in numerous cryptocurrency startups have earned him an estimated $3.1 billion. His ability to identify early chances in the crypto industry has paid off spectacularly, propelling him to the forefront of the bitcoin story.
10. Jed McCaleb (XRP sales)
Jed McCaleb, who founded the first major Bitcoin exchange and co-founded Ripple, made his name by selling the 9 billion XRP coins he received. His initiatives into space exploration and ongoing innovation in the technology realm demonstrate that his goals extend far beyond financial gain.