Arkham Intelligence Publishes New Government Bitcoin Holdings Leaderboard: US Leads the Pack With $12.16B in BTC

Arkham Intelligence has published its newest government Bitcoin holdings leaderboard, which provides an intriguing view of global cryptocurrency strategy among nation-states.

According to Arkham Intelligence, the United States leads the world in government Bitcoin (BTC) holdings, with an impressive $12.16 billion. This vast hoard, which amounts to roughly 203,239 BTC, is primarily comprised of assets seized by law enforcement agencies, notably in the high-profile Silk Road case.

The US government's approach to managing these assets is evident in regular transactions, suggesting active management strategies to optimize returns. In addition to Bitcoin, the US also holds substantial holdings in other digital assets, such as Ethereum, showcasing a diverse approach to cryptocurrency portfolio management.

In contrast to the US's active approach, the United Kingdom ranks second with $3.67 billion in Bitcoin, or around 61,245 BTC. The UK government has opted for a more passive stance in its cryptocurrency management.

Over the last few years, there have been no large-scale cryptocurrency transactions by the UK government, with the last significant shift occurring three years ago. This indicates the UK's preference for holding Bitcoin as a long-term investment, rather than engaging in frequent trades or diversifying into other digital assets.

Bhutan's presence on the leaderboard is both surprising and notable. As we previously reported, the small Himalayan nation boasts an impressive $782.46 million in Bitcoin, placing it third among government BTC holders. Bhutan's strategy is unique, as it actively participates in Bitcoin mining operations.

The cash generated by mining pools like "Foundry USA Pool" and "Ant Pool" contributes to the country's economy, highlighting the role of cryptocurrencies in Bhutan's financial landscape.

Apart from Bitcoin, Bhutan also holds smaller amounts in Ethereum, valued at approximately $1.51 million, and other altcoins, showcasing a more diverse portfolio compared to El Salvador, which focuses solely on Bitcoin.

El Salvador, renowned for adopting Bitcoin as legal tender, ranks fourth on the list with its government holding an estimated $351.75 million in Bitcoin, which equates to roughly 5,877 BTC. Unlike other countries, El Salvador's strategy revolves entirely around Bitcoin, which aligns with the country's broader economic policies.

The Salvadoran government maintains a close watch over its Bitcoin holdings and engages in daily trades. Its portfolio has fluctuated over the last year, recently stabilizing at around $350 million. Despite the inherent risks and volatility associated with Bitcoin, El Salvador remains fully engaged in the cryptocurrency experiment.

One of the most striking shifts in the rankings is Germany's transition from holding $3.56 billion in BTC to none at all. This drastic decline in ownership indicates a complete withdrawal from Bitcoin, although the reasons for this move are not yet clear.