More Americans now hold bitcoin than gold, with financial services firm River counting 49.6 million US owners. The milestone arrived in a week that also brought a rejected CLARITY Act draft, a bitcoin treasury company voting to liquidate, and a closing date for BitMEX.
More Americans own bitcoin than gold, according to bitcoin financial services firm River, which puts the number of US holders at 49.6 million. That makes BTC the preferred hard asset among American investors.
River reads the shift as broader adoption, with bitcoin surpassing gold in US ownership. The same week delivered a stalled market-structure bill in Washington, a London-listed treasury company voting to sell its coins, and a shutdown date for BitMEX.
Seven Senate Democrats reject the CLARITY Act draft
Seven Senate Democrats rejected the latest CLARITY Act draft, saying it does not go far enough on ethics, consumer protection and illicit finance. Negotiations continue, but the rejection raises regulatory uncertainty over the bill.
In its editor’s comment, Bitcoin.com News cited Blockworks’ Felix, who said passing CLARITY would be bullish while a failure to pass would likely catalyze the final leg down for bitcoin and crypto, allowing a bear market bottom to form.
Cathie Wood backs SpaceX after a 48% slide
Away from crypto, Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood endorsed SpaceX while its shares traded 48% below their peak. Wood said SpaceX could become the most important company in history.
Satsuma shareholders vote to sell 668 bitcoin
Satsuma Technology shareholders voted overwhelmingly to liquidate the London-listed company and sell its remaining 668 bitcoin. The vote makes Satsuma another bitcoin treasury firm shutting down amid further industry consolidation.
Bitcoin.com News points to two treasury companies that could follow: Nakamoto, down 99.6%, and Twenty One Capital, down 92%.
BitMEX shuts down on Sept. 23, 2026
BitMEX operator HDR Global Trading Limited announced the exchange will close permanently on Sept. 23, 2026. The venue invented the perpetual swap and served as the launchpad for Arthur Hayes’ career in crypto.
Its CEO and several other executives resigned or stepped down last month, before the exchange announced it was shutting down.
Source: Bitcoin News
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