Cryptocurrency’s allure stretches far beyond just digital coins; it’s famed for transforming visionary pioneers and early believers into staggering billionaires overnight.
Here’s a rundown of five of the most affluent figures in the crypto universe — from the masterminds behind massive exchanges to the steadfast investors weathering the wild storms of the market, including trailblazers who paved the way.
| Changpeng Zhao | $45 billion | Binance |
| Brian Armstrong | $15 billion | Coinbase |
| The Winklevoss Twins | $13.7 billion | Bitcoin, Gemini |
| Giancarlo Devasini | $11.5 billion | Tether |
| Michael Saylor | $8.3 billion | Bitcoin / MicroStrategy |
Data compiled from Bloomberg as of June 30, 2025
1. Changpeng Zhao: Architect of Binance’s Meteoric Rise
Binance, one of the globe’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, owes much of its breakthrough to Changpeng Zhao, who helmed the company as co-founder and former CEO. What began as a career coding trading algorithms spiraled into something far grander when Zhao, in 2013, was advised by Bobby Lee—then CEO of BTCC—to tuck away 10% of his savings into Bitcoin.
Although initially hit by Bitcoin’s sharp downturn, Zhao bet the farm by selling his apartment to double down on the digital asset. As Bitcoin bounced back, Zhao seized the moment to launch his own exchange. By 2017, Binance was born—and it turned a profit in under three months.
However, Zhao’s tenure ended in 2023 following his guilty plea to U.S. anti-money laundering violations. The ensuing penalty saw Binance shelling out a hefty $4.3 billion fine. Despite the controversy, Binance’s user base ballooned past 250 million by late 2024, with Zhao reportedly holding a commanding 90% ownership stake, according to Forbes.
The bottom line: Zhao’s net worth is estimated at an eye-watering $45 billion.
2. Brian Armstrong: From Airbnb to Crypto Trailblazer
Brian Armstrong’s journey began in software engineering, which led him to Airbnb—a place where he spotted a glaring inefficiency: sluggish and expensive payments to Latin America. Recognizing crypto’s potential to overhaul this cumbersome system, Armstrong moonlighted developing a crypto marketplace on the side.
That side project eventually blossomed into Coinbase, the crypto exchange giant that went public on NASDAQ in 2021, sporting a market cap near $89 billion. Armstrong remains its CEO and owns roughly 13% of shares, based on filings from early 2025.
Net worth snapshot: Around $15 billion, riding the wave of Coinbase’s growth.
3. The Winklevoss Twins: From Olympic Rowers to Bitcoin Billionaires
Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss carved their place in crypto lore after famously tussling with Mark Zuckerberg over Facebook’s origins. Using the $11 million settlement from that dispute, they plunged into Bitcoin back in 2012—the very move that crowned them the first Bitcoin billionaires five years later.
Beyond Bitcoin, the twins spearheaded Gemini, a leading crypto exchange and custodian, fortifying their position in the market.
Quick Fact:
- The Winklevoss twins invested early, turning their Facebook settlement into a multi-billion-dollar Bitcoin empire.
- They are pioneers not only in investing but in building infrastructure for crypto trading and custody.
4. Giancarlo Devasini: The Brain Behind Tether’s Stability
Giancarlo Devasini’s entry into the cryptosphere was sparked by his fascination with Bitcoin and partnership with Raphael Nicolle during their work on Bitfinex, a platform revered for its advanced trading features. Devasini rose through the ranks as CFO before founding Tether in 2014, the groundbreaking stablecoin project that revolutionized crypto liquidity.
Although not the creator of the currency itself, Devasini steered Tether’s corporate growth for years and shifted to chairman in March 2025. Forbes credits him with owning nearly half—47%—of the company.
Estimated fortune: Approximately $11.5 billion.
5. Michael Saylor: Software Mogul and Bitcoin’s Biggest Advocate
Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy, rebranded as Strategy, boasts a market capitalization north of $113 billion and is widely noted for its massive Bitcoin treasury. The company’s holdings peaked at an astonishing nearly 700% increase, highlighting the scale of its crypto bet.
As of mid-2025, Strategy owns 597,325 bitcoins, amassed at an average entry price of $70,982 each, underscoring its deep commitment to crypto exposure. Some investors view Strategy as a leveraged avenue into Bitcoin, though this approach carries inherent risks.
Saylor’s net worth: Stands around $8.3 billion.