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Bitcoin, often dubbed ‘digital gold,’ has attracted a wide range of investors, from retail to large institutions. In India, particularly, the interest in Bitcoin has grown immensely, amid increasing regulatory acceptance of cryptocurrencies globally. However, identifying the largest holders of Bitcoin in a decentralized system can be challenging. Let’s take a closer look at the biggest stakeholders of BTC in India in 2025.
It's important to note that Bitcoin, being a decentralized asset, does not require anyone to disclose their exact BTC holdings to the public. Hence, the list below may not account for exact figures. However, according to multiple reports and rumours, these are the people and institutions who own the most bitcoin in India:
Balaji Srinivasan, the former CTO of Coinbase and General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, is one of the most well-known figures in the cryptocurrency world. Though originally based in the United States, his Indian heritage and significant influence in the crypto space make him an important figure. Srinivasan is a vocal advocate for Bitcoin and decentralized technologies. While the exact amount of Bitcoin he holds is not publicly disclosed, his deep involvement in the industry suggests substantial holdings.
Nischal Shetty, the founder and CEO of WazirX, India's largest cryptocurrency exchange, is another prominent Bitcoin holder. WazirX has played a pivotal role in popularizing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in India. The company is now under a legal scrutiny for a $230 million hack that took place in July 2024. However, Shetty's significant influence in the space indicates that he likely holds a considerable amount of Bitcoin.
Sathvik Vishwanath is the co-founder and CEO of Unocoin, one of India's leading cryptocurrency exchanges. Vishwanath has been a strong proponent of Bitcoin in India, and Unocoin was among the first platforms to offer Bitcoin trading in the country. As a pioneer in the Indian crypto space, Vishwanath is expected to hold substantial Bitcoin assets.
Unocoin is another major player in the Indian cryptocurrency market. Founded in 2013, it has been a cornerstone of Bitcoin trading in India. Unocoin holds substantial Bitcoin reserves, both for its operations and as custodians for its users. The exchange's long-standing presence in the market has made it a trusted platform for Bitcoin transactions.
ZebPay is one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges in India and has a significant share of the Bitcoin market. With a user base spread across multiple countries, ZebPay holds a large amount of the token. The exchange has been pivotal in driving Bitcoin adoption in India and remains a major holder of the cryptocurrency.
While not an Indian entity, Digital Currency Group's influence extends globally, including India. DCG invests in a wide array of cryptocurrency ventures, including Indian startups. Through its investments, DCG indirectly holds a substantial amount of Bitcoin, influencing the Indian market significantly.
Sequoia Capital India is a prominent venture capital firm that has invested in several Indian cryptocurrency exchanges and startups. Through its investments, Sequoia Capital India holds indirect stakes in Bitcoin, as many of its portfolio companies maintain significant Bitcoin reserves.
Institutional interest in Bitcoin in India is on the rise. As regulations become clearer, more institutions are likely to allocate a portion of their portfolios to Bitcoin. This trend is already visible with traditional financial institutions exploring cryptocurrency investments and partnerships with crypto exchanges.
The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in India has been evolving. While there have been uncertainties, recent developments suggest a move towards more structured regulations. Clear guidelines could lead to increased institutional and retail participation in the Bitcoin market.
The adoption of blockchain technology in various sectors in India is another factor that could drive Bitcoin ownership. Blockchain’s potential for enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency is being recognized across industries. This could lead to broader acceptance and investment in Bitcoin.
Raj Kundra, a British-Indian businessman, has also been linked to significant Bitcoin investments. Kundra has expressed interest in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, furthering his investment portfolio in the digital asset space.
Amit Bhardwaj, a controversial figure in the Indian cryptocurrency space, was one of the early adopters of Bitcoin in India. Despite legal issues surrounding his ventures, Bhardwaj's early investments in the token was substantial. Thus, making him a notable figure in the discussion of Bitcoin ownership in India.
Bitcoin ownership in India is characterized by a mix of individual investors, corporate entities, and institutions, all contributing to the growing adoption of this digital asset. Figures like Balaji Srinivasan, Sathvik Vishwanath, along with exchanges like Unocoin and ZebPay, play crucial roles in the ecosystem. As regulatory clarity improves and institutional interest grows, the landscape of Bitcoin ownership in India may lead to its integration into the broader financial system.
