Binance founder Changpeng Zhao says Bitcoin's shrinking available supply could make it hard for millionaires to own a full coin. He points to more than 20.07 million BTC already mined against a 21 million cap, plus coins that may be permanently lost, while the comments have revived his longer-term $1 million Bitcoin outlook.
Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, says the dwindling supply of new Bitcoin could put a full coin out of reach even for millionaires. His comments, posted on X, center on how little Bitcoin is left to mine and how much of the existing supply may never move again.
Bitcoin's Shrinking Supply Fuels the Scarcity Argument
CZ noted that more than 20.07 million BTC had been mined by August 2026, leaving roughly 4.4% of Bitcoin's maximum 21 million supply still to be created. He then pointed to a second factor squeezing availability further.
He also estimated that 10% to 20% of existing Bitcoin may be lost, stuck, or permanently inaccessible. That estimate matters because lost private keys can effectively remove coins from circulation, and the network cannot replace coins their owners can no longer access. However, the exact amount of permanently lost Bitcoin remains difficult to determine.
Millionaire Math Behind the Claim
Trader Quinten Francois noted that the United States has around 23.6 million millionaires, arguing there are not enough bitcoins for each of them to hold one. Commenting on that, CZ suggested millionaires could eventually find themselves unable to purchase a complete Bitcoin.
The remark has fueled market discussion about Bitcoin's potential to reach the million-dollar mark, especially given CZ's own earlier price calls.
The Million-Dollar Bitcoin Debate Resurfaces
In July, CZ outlined a scenario where Bitcoin could reach $1 million around the 2033 market cycle, describing it as a possible outcome rather than a guaranteed prediction, tied to continued adoption of BTC and the broader crypto market.
Other market figures have floated similar targets. Ark Invest's Cathie Wood has shared comparable calls for Bitcoin, and Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego has argued Bitcoin could eventually reach $1 million, backing that view by putting around 70% of his total portfolio into Bitcoin.
CZ's scarcity comments offer a bullish argument for Bitcoin holders, but scarcity alone cannot guarantee higher prices. Demand can still shift quickly given current macroeconomic and geopolitical tensions, so investors are advised to exercise due diligence before acting on the outlook.
Source: CoinGape
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