Crypto Millionaires Drop 43.9% to 135,694 Globally

Global cryptocurrency millionaires totaled 135,694 as of August 31, 2026, according to Henry & Partners' '2026 Cryptocurrency Asset Report.' However, the report notes that a new calculation method was applied compared to last year's figures, making direct comparison difficult.

The report states that individuals holding over $1 million in cryptocurrency (excluding stablecoins) were estimated at 135,694 as of August 31, 2026. In the 2025 report, the figure was projected at 241,700 for the same metric. Henry & Partners clarified that the 2026 methodology adjusted for exchange and fund wallets, lost assets, multiple addresses under one holder, and indirect holdings via spot ETFs, so a simple 43.9% decline cannot be assumed.

High-net-worth holders also decreased: 290 individuals held over $100 million in crypto (referred to as 'centi-millions'), while 23 were classified as billion-dollar holders. Among these, 92,272 people held over $1 million solely in Bitcoin.

Crypto market weakness continued, with total market capitalization reaching approximately $262 billion as of August 31, 2026, and Bitcoin's market cap at around $156 billion. Bitcoin price dropped from roughly $105,869 in June 2025 to $78,008 by August 31, 2026.

Morningstar attributed the decline partly to capital outflows from U.S.-listed spot crypto ETFs, which had been a major demand driver in 2025. Chris Perkins of Franklin Templeton Active Digital Assets noted that retail risk capital has shifted toward AI investments, stating, 'Retail risk capital is moving to new focal points like AI,' while adding that institutional adoption continues and foundational network fundamentals remain strong.

AI investment surged, with global funding for AI companies reaching $223 million in 2025—a 77% increase from $126 million in 2024—and $394 million in the first half of 2026, surpassing the full-year 2025 total by 76.7%.

Meanwhile, crypto user base expanded: Bitcoin wallet addresses with active funds grew 4.9% over the past year, leading to an estimated 371 million Bitcoin holders and a total of 742 million cryptocurrency holders globally based on the assumption that Bitcoin accounts for half of all crypto holdings.