Bitcoin Surpasses Gold in American Ownership as 401(k) Adoption Nears

In a historic shift, Bitcoin has overtaken gold as the preferred asset for wealth storage among Americans, with 49.6 million individuals now holding the cryptocurrency, according to a late May report from River. This milestone highlights the growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a mainstream financial asset, especially as its potential inclusion in $8.9 trillion worth of 401(k) funds looms. Currently priced at 104,121.03 USDT, Bitcoin’s rise reflects a seismic change in investment preferences, moving away from traditional assets like gold to digital alternatives. This trend underscores the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies in reshaping the future of finance.

Americans Now Hold More Bitcoin Than Gold as 401(k) Rollout Looms

Bitcoin has surpassed gold in ownership among Americans, with 49.6 million individuals now holding the cryptocurrency compared to fewer gold owners, according to a late May report from River. This marks a seismic shift in wealth storage preferences, as Bitcoin—a digital asset born in 2009—outpaces gold, a centuries-old staple of financial security.

The potential inclusion of bitcoin in $8.9 trillion worth of 401(k) funds could further accelerate this trend. Regulatory changes may soon unlock this vast pool of retirement capital for cryptocurrency investments, amplifying Bitcoin’s mainstream adoption.

River’s data reveals that 15% of the U.S. population owns Bitcoin, drawing a younger, tech-savvy demographic away from gold’s traditional base. While Gold jewelry ownership could narrow the gap if counted, Bitcoin’s rapid ascent in just 15 years underscores its disruptive potential in the financial landscape.

Metaplanet Expands Bitcoin Holdings to 8,888 BTC in Aggressive Treasury Strategy

Metaplanet has bolstered its Bitcoin reserves to 8,888 BTC, committing approximately ¥122.3 billion (~$851 million) to its digital asset treasury. The Tokyo-based firm acquired an additional 1,088 BTC at an average price of ¥15.5 million (~$108,072) per Bitcoin, signaling unwavering confidence in cryptocurrency as a Core reserve asset.

The company’s systematic accumulation strategy mirrors MicroStrategy’s playbook, leveraging capital markets through equity offerings and bond issuances to fund purchases. This latest ¥16.9 billion (~$117 million) acquisition underscores Metaplanet’s outlier position in Asia’s traditionally conservative corporate landscape, where few publicly traded companies maintain substantial crypto holdings.

Market observers note the 8,888 BTC threshold carries symbolic significance in Asian numerology, potentially reflecting deliberate positioning. The firm continues to position Bitcoin as both an inflation hedge and long-term store of value, diverging from regional peers while aligning with global tech-forward corporations embracing crypto treasury strategies.

Bitcoin Adoption Mirrors Late-90s Internet Despite Record Rally

Bitcoin’s recent surge above $200,000 and the spectacle of Bitcoin 2025—where 35,000 attendees including policymakers and institutional players gathered—paints a picture of mainstream acceptance. Yet beneath the surface, adoption metrics tell a different story. With just 337 million holders globally, Bitcoin reaches only 4% of the world’s population, lagging behind Snapchat’s user base and resembling internet adoption rates from 1996.

The cryptocurrency ecosystem remains nascent, with wallet usage akin to installing Netscape via CD-ROM in the dial-up era. While Wall Street’s embrace through ETFs has fueled price appreciation, Bitcoin continues to function as a fringe asset rather than a ubiquitous financial tool. The gap between perception and reality echoes through comparative data: today’s 659 million crypto users pale against the internet’s 5.5 billion-strong penetration.

’We’re at the AOL stage of blockchain adoption,’ remarked one conference attendee, drawing parallels to email’s pre-mainstream phase. The Las Vegas event’s celebratory tone belies the technology’s unfinished journey toward mass utility—a trillion-dollar promise still constrained by onboarding friction and regulatory uncertainty.

Sberbank Launches Bitcoin-Linked Structured Bonds Amid Russian Crypto Expansion

Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, has unveiled a new structured bond product tied to Bitcoin’s USD price and the dollar-ruble exchange rate. The offering targets qualified investors, enabling exposure to crypto markets without direct wallet ownership or foreign exchange access. All settlements occur in rubles within Russia’s domestic financial infrastructure.

The bank plans to list similar crypto-linked instruments on the Moscow Exchange, with Bitcoin futures launching June 4 through its SberInvestments platform. This development follows the Bank of Russia’s recent approval allowing financial institutions to offer cryptocurrency-related products to eligible investors.