A recent report by River reveals that Americans dominate Bitcoin in total supply, mining, and investment, highlighting its position as the global leader in the cryptocurrency ecosystem as of May 2025.
The United States has solidified its position as the global leader in the Bitcoin ecosystem, according to a comprehensive report by River. The data underscores America’s significant influence across various facets of Bitcoin, from ownership and mining to venture funding and ETF investments.
Americans Dominate in Bitcoin Ownership, Mining, and Investment
River’s report paints a clear picture of America’s commanding presence in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Approximately 40% of Bitcoin’s total supply, estimated at $790 billion, is held by Americans, a figure that underscores the U.S.’s substantial ownership stake.
Read more: 2025 Crypto Ownership Report: 70% of American Adults Own Cryptocurrency
Source: River
This dominance extends to corporate holdings, with 94.8% of Bitcoin BTC owned by public firms globally belonging to U.S.-based companies.
Since 2021, American companies have added $42.6 billion worth of Bitcoin to their treasuries, reflecting a growing trend of corporate adoption. MicroStrategy, for instance, has been a pioneer in this space, holding over 576,230 BTC.
The U.S. also leads in Bitcoin mining, controlling 36% of the global hashrate with over 40 mining sites exceeding 10 MW capacity. This is a significant shift from 2021, when China dominated with over 50% of the hashrate. The U.S.’s rise in mining power coincides with China’s 2021 crackdown on crypto mining, which drove miners to North America.
Additionally, the report highlights that over 150 Bitcoin companies are headquartered in the U.S., employing more than 20,000 Americans, further solidifying the country’s role as a hub for crypto innovation.
Moreover, 79.2% of Bitcoin ETF ownership is held by U.S. investors, with major financial institutions like BlackRock and Fidelity leading the charge. As of May 14, 2025, Bitcoin ETFs have reached ATH with over $41 billion in inflows.
Concerns Over Centralization Risks
The U.S.’s overwhelming influence in Bitcoin signals a maturing market where institutional and corporate involvement is driving growth. The 40% ownership by Americans suggests that the U.S. has a vested interest in Bitcoin’s success, potentially influencing regulatory decisions. For instance, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a more favorable stance on Bitcoin ETFs since 2024, a shift that aligns with the growing economic stake of American investors.
However, this concentration of ownership also raises concerns about centralization in a decentralized ecosystem, as a small group of U.S.-based entities could exert significant influence over Bitcoin’s market dynamics.
The dominance in mining and corporate adoption highlights the U.S.’s strategic positioning in the Bitcoin economy. With 36% of the global hashrate, the U.S. plays a critical role in securing the Bitcoin network, but this also ties Bitcoin’s energy consumption to American infrastructure, raising environmental concerns.
On the investment front, the 70% share of venture funding and 82% of development funding indicate that the U.S. is shaping Bitcoin’s technological evolution, potentially prioritizing innovations that align with American financial interests, such as ETF products and custody solutions.
