Quick facts
- Michael Saylor and MicroStrategy now own 140,000 Bitcoin, making them the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin worldwide.
- Critics argue that Saylor’s concentrated ownership introduces narrative risk, but not control risk, to the decentralized currency.
- Mitigating this risk involves educating people about Bitcoin ownership and control and continuing to build decentralized products and services.
Michael Saylor and his company MicroStrategy have accumulated an impressive 140,000 bitcoin, positioning them as the top corporate holders of the cryptocurrency. Considering their initial purchase of nearly 22,000 bitcoin in August 2020 amounted to $250 million, Saylor’s commitment to the digital asset is undeniable.
With Saylor’s personal ownership of about 17,000 bitcoin, some question whether it’s detrimental for one individual to possess such a large portion of it. Saylor’s holdings represent approximately 0.75% of all bitcoins that will ever be in circulation. Some critics argue that this concentration may pose a risk to the currency’s decentralized nature.
However, it’s essential to understand that owning a significant amount of Bitcoin doesn’t grant Saylor any extra control over the network compared to someone with a smaller holding. Control of nodes and mining hash power is separate from the amount of bitcoin owned. Even someone with 50% of all bitcoins would not have more control over the network than any other individual.
While Saylor’s ownership of around 1% of all bitcoin may appear concerning from a wealth equality perspective, it’s important to remember that bitcoin is only one asset in the global financial landscape. It has a relatively small market cap compared to other assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate.
The primary concern with Saylor’s significant bitcoin holdings is the narrative risk it introduces. As Saylor and MicroStrategy accumulate bitcoin, outsiders may associate the cryptocurrency’s success or failure with Saylor’s personal fortune. This could lead to a negative perception of Bitcoin’s decentralization, even though Saylor doesn’t hold any additional control over the network.
To mitigate these risks, the Bitcoin community needs to educate others about the separation between Bitcoin ownership and control. Additionally, focusing on developing products and services that promote decentralization of ownership, nodes, and hash power is crucial for maintaining the currency’s decentralized nature.
Does Michael Saylor’s significant Bitcoin ownership give him more control over the network?
No, the amount of Bitcoin one owns is separate from control over the network. Saylor has no more control over the Bitcoin network than someone with a smaller holding.
What is the primary concern with Saylor owning a large portion of Bitcoin?
The main concern is the narrative risk it introduces, as people may start associating the success or failure of Bitcoin with Saylor’s personal fortune.
How can the risks associated with concentrated Bitcoin ownership be mitigated?
To address these risks, the Bitcoin community should educate others about the distinction between Bitcoin ownership and control and continue developing decentralized products and services.
