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Whoโ€™s hoarding bitcoin? a look at centralization trends

Centralization Concerns | Are Powerful Entities Hoarding Bitcoin?

By

Liam O'Reilly

May 24, 2025, 03:31 AM

Edited By

Omar El-Sayed

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Illustration showing people holding Bitcoin coins, highlighting the centralization in Bitcoin ownership.
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A growing number of people are raising alarms about a troubling trend in the Bitcoin community. Recent comments suggest a stark reality where central banks might be eyeing significant control over this cryptocurrency, prompting fears of another round of monetization surveillance.

The Situation Unfolds

Interestingly, this sentiment comes as members of central banks are reportedly analyzing the potential interest in a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). According to comments from the space, this new digital currency would have similarities to a digital USD, but with key differences. The CBDC will not exist in physical form, which proponents claim saves trees, but many are skeptical.

Future Trends in Bitcoin Centralization

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that central banks will accelerate their push for CBDCs over the next few years, with estimates indicating that about 60% of global economies could adopt such currencies by 2030. This trend could shift the landscape of Bitcoin trading, as many people might opt for government-backed digital currencies instead. As central banks solidify their positions, Bitcoin could face downward pressure if its decentralized nature is compromised by these centralized alternatives, leading to a split in the market. The ongoing tug-of-war between traditional finance powerhouses and the crypto community may result in new regulations that could further complicate the ability of individuals to freely trade or hold Bitcoin without scrutiny.

Lessons from Past Financial Shifts

This situation draws an intriguing parallel to the rise of credit cards in the 1970s, when banks quickly adopted this new payment method that initially offered freedom and ease of use. Over time, however, centralized entities altered the landscape, leading to fees and restrictions that shifted power away from consumers. Just as people once celebrated credit cards for their convenience, the initial enthusiasm for CBDCs could mask the eventual constraints they may impose on financial autonomy, demonstrating how innovations can evolve into tools for central control.