Bitcoin is currently trading near $63,000, drawing attention to its dwindling supply as Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, popularly known as CZ, warns that even millionaires may soon find themselves priced out of owning a full Bitcoin.
In a recent post on X, CZ highlighted a staggering statistic: with over 20.07 million of the total 21 million Bitcoin already mined, the competition for the remaining coins is intensifying. This finite supply becomes even more concerning when considering that the U.S. alone is home to approximately 23.6 million millionaires, surpassing the total Bitcoin supply.
“There simply aren’t enough whole coins to distribute among just American millionaires,” CZ emphasized, underscoring the urgency of the situation. As of mid-August 2026, only about 929,000 Bitcoin remain to be mined. This stark reality could lead to a bidding war among wealthy investors eager to secure their share of the digital asset.
Lost Coins Increase Scarcity
Adding to the complexity of Bitcoin’s supply dynamics, CZ estimates that between 10% and 20% of existing Bitcoin may be lost forever—stuck in wallets with inaccessible private keys or otherwise unrecoverable. If this estimate holds true, the effective supply of Bitcoin available to potential buyers could be significantly lower than current figures suggest.
This issue is not new. Earlier in August, CZ responded to analysis from Bitcoin expert Willy Woo, who reported that 1.57 million Bitcoin were lost due to self-custody practices, while 1.51 million had been lost on exchanges. Although CZ asserted that holding coins on exchanges is statistically safer than self-custody, he recognized that both methods carry inherent risks.
Bitcoin’s price has fluctuated between $62,525 and $63,171 over the past 24 hours as of August 15, reflecting a 3.1% decline over the past week. Notably, this valuation remains approximately 50% below its all-time high of $126,080, reached in October 2025.
CZ’s remarks on scarcity have reignited discussions regarding Bitcoin’s long-term price trajectory. Just last month, he posited a scenario whereby Bitcoin could reach $1 million by the 2033 market cycle, contingent upon sustained adoption. This bullish outlook aligns with similar predictions from notable figures like Cathie Wood of Ark Invest and Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego.
Binance Takes Action Against Non-Compliant Platforms
In addition to the supply discussion, Binance recently announced a decision to halt transactions involving 16 cryptocurrency platforms. This move is part of the European Union’s 21st package of sanctions related to Russia and includes two entities flagged by the U.S. Treasury on August 7.
Affected platforms include HTX and EXMO, with the transaction restrictions set to roll out on staggered dates, culminating on August 23 for the final group of 11 platforms. These measures reflect Binance’s commitment to regulatory compliance in a rapidly evolving landscape.
The convergence of a tightening Bitcoin supply and regulatory actions by major platforms like Binance paints a picture of a crypto market under pressure, characterized by dwindling available assets and heightened scrutiny.
