The number of individuals holding at least $1 million in cryptocurrency assets has surged by 40% year-on-year, reaching 241,700 by the end of June 2025. This significant growth, as detailed in Henley & Partners' Crypto Wealth Report 2025, is largely attributed to Bitcoin's strong price performance and the overall cryptocurrency market valuation surpassing $3.3 trillion by mid-2025.
The report also highlights a substantial increase in ultra-high-net-worth individuals within the crypto space. Centimillionaires (those holding over $100 million) saw a 38% rise to 450, while billionaires increased by 29% to 36. Bitcoin has been a primary driver of this wealth creation, with Bitcoin millionaires experiencing a 70% surge to 145,100. This outperformance is linked to Bitcoin's strong market performance between July 2024 and June 2025, solidifying its role as a key asset for wealth accumulation. Phillipp Baumann, founder of Z22 Technologies, noted that Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as the "base currency for accumulating wealth" for many investors.
Institutional adoption has been a pivotal factor in this market expansion. Public companies and major financial firms have significantly increased their cryptocurrency investments, particularly in the U.S., bolstered by supportive policies. Inflows into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw a substantial rise in 2025, increasing from $37.3 billion to $60.6 billion, while spot Ether ETF inflows quadrupled to $13.4 billion. Investment advisory firms and hedge funds have been major participants in these inflows, increasing their holdings in Ether ETFs.
The broader regulatory landscape is also evolving, with a global trend towards greater clarity and coordination. Countries like Singapore and Hong Kong are leading with licensing regimes and stablecoin frameworks designed to foster growth while mitigating risks. The U.S. is also moving towards a more defined and supportive stance, with legislative efforts aiming to provide clearer oversight. This evolving regulatory environment is crucial for legitimizing digital assets and attracting further institutional capital.
In comparison to traditional assets, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have demonstrated extraordinary growth over the past decade, significantly outperforming traditional assets such as stocks, bonds, and gold, though this growth comes with higher volatility. While traditional assets offer more stability and a long track record of returns, cryptocurrencies present a high-risk, high-reward profile. The accessibility and 24/7 trading nature of cryptocurrencies also differentiate them from traditional markets.
Amidst this wealth surge, migration trends indicate that high-net-worth individuals are increasingly seeking crypto-friendly jurisdictions. Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S. are identified as top destinations for crypto migration, with the UAE and Switzerland also noted for their supportive environments and tax-friendly policies. This movement reflects a desire for global mobility that aligns with the borderless nature of digital assets.