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As of June 30, 2025, the title of the richest person in the world is a fiercely contested crown, with names like Elon Musk, Bernard Arnault, and Jeff Bezos often dominating the conversation. According to the latest Forbes Billionaires List and Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Elon Musk holds the top spot with an estimated net worth exceeding $400 billion USD. His wealth stems from his stakes in Tesla, SpaceX, X Corp, and Neuralink, with SpaceX’s valuation soaring due to its advancements in reusable rocket technology and Starlink’s global internet dominance.

But the race is tight. Bernard Arnault, the French luxury goods magnate behind LVMH, and Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, are hot on Musk’s heels, with net worths fluctuating between $200–$300 billion depending on market conditions. Curious about who is the most richest person in the world? Keep reading as we break down the key players and their empires.

A Look Back: Who Was the Richest Person in the World in 2023 and 2024?

To understand the current wealth landscape, let’s rewind. In 2023, Elon Musk briefly lost the top spot to Bernard Arnault due to Tesla’s stock volatility but reclaimed it by year-end with a net worth of approximately $250 billion. In 2024, Musk solidified his lead, driven by SpaceX’s skyrocketing valuation and Tesla’s recovery in the electric vehicle market. Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos and Indian billionaire Gautam Adani saw significant gains, with Adani briefly entering the top three due to his energy and infrastructure empire.

Why does this matter? For those searching who is the richest person in the world 2023 or 2024, these shifts highlight how volatile wealth can be. Stock market fluctuations, currency exchange rates, and global economic trends all play a role in determining who holds the crown.

How Do Billionaires Build Their Fortunes?

Wondering how these titans of wealth amassed their fortunes? The world’s richest individuals often share common traits: innovation, risk-taking, and a knack for spotting opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of the industries and strategies behind the top billionaires in 2025:

Elon Musk (Technology and Space): Musk’s wealth is tied to Tesla’s dominance in electric vehicles, SpaceX’s revolutionary space exploration, and X Corp’s influence in digital communication. His ventures thrive on cutting-edge innovation and global scalability.

Bernard Arnault (Luxury Goods): As the chairman of LVMH, Arnault controls brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Moët & Chandon. His wealth reflects the global demand for luxury, especially in markets like China and Europe.

Jeff Bezos (E-commerce and Cloud Computing): Amazon’s e-commerce empire and AWS (Amazon Web Services) drive Bezos’ wealth. His investments in Blue Origin also signal his ambition in the space race.

Gautam Adani (Energy and Infrastructure): Adani’s conglomerate dominates India’s energy, ports, and logistics sectors, capitalizing on the country’s rapid economic growth.

For readers in countries like the United States, India, or Europe, these billionaires’ success stories offer insights into global markets. Whether you’re an investor or simply curious, understanding their strategies can inspire your financial journey.

Why Do People Care About the Richest Person in the World?

The fascination with who is the richest person in the world transcends borders and currencies. For some, it’s about inspiration—proof that innovation and grit can lead to unimaginable wealth. For others, it’s about understanding global economic trends or making informed investment decisions. Here are some reasons users like you search for this topic:

• Inspiration: Aspiring entrepreneurs want to emulate the success of Musk or Bezos.
• Investment Opportunities: Knowing which industries (tech, luxury, energy) are thriving can guide stock or crypto trading decisions.
• Cultural Curiosity: Wealth is a universal metric of success, and people want to know who’s winning the game.
• Economic Insights: Billionaires’ wealth reflects market trends, from renewable energy in the U.S. to luxury goods in Europe.

If you’re wondering how this impacts you, consider-country specific factors. For example, in India, Gautam Adani’s rise signals opportunities in infrastructure. In the U.S., tech stocks like Tesla remain a hot topic for traders with varying levels of experience.

What Can You Learn from the World’s Richest People?

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a beginner exploring financial markets, the stories of the most richest person in the world offer valuable lessons. Here are actionable takeaways:

• Diversify Your Portfolio: Musk and Bezos invest across industries—tech, space, and media. Consider diversifying your investments to mitigate risk.
• Embrace Innovation: The richest individuals thrive by disrupting industries. Stay ahead by learning about emerging sectors like AI or renewable energy.
• Think Long-Term: Arnault’s LVMH empire took decades to build. Patience and strategic planning are key to financial success.
• Leverage Global Trends: Adani’s wealth reflects India’s growth. Research markets in your region, whether it’s USD-based tech stocks or EUR-denominated luxury goods.

Fun Facts About the Richest People in the World

To keep things engaging, here are some surprising tidbits about the world’s wealthiest individuals:

• Elon Musk: Once slept on the Tesla factory floor to oversee production.
• Bernard Arnault: Owns over 70 luxury brands, including Tiffany & Co.
• Jeff Bezos: His wealth could buy every house in a small U.S. city—twice!
• Gautam Adani: Rose from a modest background to become Asia’s richest person at one point.

These facts add a human touch to the billionaire narrative, making their stories relatable and inspiring.

How to Stay Updated on the Richest Person in the World

The billionaire leaderboard changes frequently due to market shifts, new ventures, and global events. To stay informed about who is the richest person in the world 2025 and beyond:

• Follow Forbes and Bloomberg for real-time billionaire rankings.
• Monitor stock markets, especially for companies like Tesla, Amazon, or LVMH.
• Join online communities on platforms like X to discuss wealth trends and investment tips.
• Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on billionaires and financial strategies.

Ready to Make Your Own Wealth?

While you may not become the richest person in the world overnight, the strategies of Musk, Arnault, and Bezos can inspire your financial journey. Whether you’re in the U.S., India, or Europe, start by setting clear goals, researching markets, and learning from the best. For those ready to invest, platforms like BYDFi or Binance offer beginner-friendly options to explore stocks or cryptocurrencies tied to billionaire empires.

Don't just read about billionaires—build your own portfolio with BYDFi.

On January 27, blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain flagged three wallets that collectively withdrew around $14.33 million in tokenized gold from exchanges such as Bybit, BYDFi , and MEXC. One wallet alone pulled 1,959 XAUT, valued at nearly $10 million, while others moved smaller but still significant amounts of XAUT and PAXG.

These tokenized assets track the price of gold rather than represent immediate physical delivery. However, their movement carries a clear message: crypto whales are seeking safety within the ecosystem without needing to exit digital channels.

The timing is notable. Spot gold has surged past $5,000 an ounce, attracting defensive capital, while Bitcoin has remained largely range-bound, trading near $88,125—up only 0.28% since the start of 2026. This divergence underlines a tactical approach: hedge in gold first, while Bitcoin waits for a favorable macro catalyst.

Tokenized Gold: Crypto’s On-Chain Safe Haven

The growing interest in tokenized gold is redefining how crypto investors hedge risk. Unlike traditional gold purchases, these tokenized assets allow investors to stay entirely within crypto rails, buying and moving gold on-chain without cashing out into fiat. This speed, flexibility, and familiarity are key advantages for whales who want security but remain embedded in digital markets.

Large exchange withdrawals often indicate intent to hold long-term rather than engage in short-term speculation. This aligns with the broader market trend: gold is rallying, with spot prices climbing 64% in 2025 and another 18% year-to-date into January 2026. Even major stablecoin issuers, like Tether, added 27 metric tons of gold to their reserves in late 2025, reflecting a growing acceptance of gold as a crypto-native hedge.

Bitcoin Stalls Amid ETF Outflows

While gold surges, Bitcoin’s slower movement is less about sentiment and more about market flows. Weekly reports from Bitwise Europe showed net outflows of $1.811 billion from global crypto ETPs, with over $1.1 billion from Bitcoin-specific products. Even US-listed Bitcoin ETFs recorded net outflows of $1.324 billion over the same period.

These outflows suppress incremental demand, meaning price stagnation does not reflect a lack of conviction but rather a flow-driven pause. Derivatives data supports this, with a three-month annualized basis near 4.8% and options skew leaning toward downside protection—a clear sign of risk management rather than a crowded long position.

Meanwhile, the Crypto Fear and Greed Index has swung back to fear after a brief January surge, highlighting the cautious sentiment dominating the market. A “maximum pain” stress channel between $75,000 and $81,000 for Bitcoin further illustrates how hedgers navigate downside risk when liquidity is thin.

Understanding the Sequencing of Gold and Bitcoin

The narrative emerging from these flows is not one of abandonment but strategic sequencing. Gold is the immediate safe-haven during risk-off periods, while Bitcoin may take the spotlight later when macro conditions favor liquidity and risk appetite.

The macro picture explains this rotation. Persistent geopolitical tensions, central bank gold purchases, and debates over reserve diversification have all contributed to gold surpassing the US dollar as the largest global reserve asset. In this context, investors diversify across bullion and Bitcoin, but timing and objectives differ: gold for stability, Bitcoin for potential upside during reflation or liquidity surges.

Wall Street asset managers are increasingly formalizing this relationship. Crypto-focused firms like Bitwise and Proficio Capital Partners recently launched an ETF bundling gold, metals, and Bitcoin, providing investors structured exposure to non-fiat assets and reinforcing the gold-first, Bitcoin-later strategy.

Could Bitcoin Be Poised for the Next Leg Up?

Some models suggest the next phase may favor Bitcoin, driven by relative value and liquidity rather than its status as a safe haven. Analysts at Bitwise Europe note that the BTC-to-gold ratio is at a minus-2-standard-deviation extreme relative to global money supply, a level not seen since 2015. Historical cycles indicate that BTC/Gold bear markets typically last around 14 months, and the current cycle has already reached this duration.

If flows reverse—from ETF outflows to inflows—Bitcoin could reconnect with gold’s momentum, and predictions point to potential prices above $125,000. The rotation would signal that risk appetite has returned and the market is ready to embrace Bitcoin as a high-convexity, trustless store of value.

Gold Sets the Stage, Bitcoin Awaits

For now, gold dominates the hedge narrative. Its historical stability, lower volatility, and central-bank support make it the go-to asset in a fear-driven market. Bitcoin, with its self-custody architecture and trustless design, is positioned as the next phase of macro hedging, waiting for the liquidity and market sentiment to shift.

Crypto whales are signaling a methodical approach: secure the present with gold, prepare for the future with Bitcoin. Understanding this sequencing may be key for traders and investors looking to navigate risk, maximize opportunities, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving intersection of digital and traditional finance.

The launch enables users on X Layer to access Uniswap’s markets with lower transaction costs and faster execution, leveraging layer-2 efficiencies while remaining fully compatible with Ethereum’s ecosystem. For traders and liquidity providers alike, this integration removes many of the traditional barriers associated with mainnet congestion and high gas fees, making decentralized trading more practical for everyday use.

X Layer’s Role in OKX’s Long-Term DeFi Vision

X Layer, introduced in 2024, serves as the foundational infrastructure behind OKX’s decentralized ambitions. Built as an Ethereum Virtual Machine–compatible network, it allows developers to deploy familiar smart contracts while benefiting from reduced costs and improved scalability. More importantly, X Layer is deeply integrated with OKX’s centralized exchange and wallet services, creating a unified environment where users can move seamlessly between centralized and decentralized finance.

This level of integration reflects a deliberate strategy. Rather than treating DeFi as a separate ecosystem, OKX is embedding it directly into its broader product offering. Assets can flow from exchange accounts to onchain applications with minimal friction, helping onboard users who may be new to decentralized finance but already trust established platforms.

Why Uniswap’s Integration Matters

Uniswap’s presence on X Layer immediately strengthens the network’s credibility. As one of the most widely used decentralized exchanges in the world, Uniswap consistently ranks among the top DeFi protocols by total value locked and trading volume. Its liquidity pools support thousands of token pairs, making it a critical component of the broader crypto market infrastructure.

According to Uniswap Labs, swaps on X Layer are executed without additional protocol fees, allowing users to benefit directly from lower layer-2 costs. Uniswap founder Hayden Adams has emphasized that expanding to new networks like X Layer is essential for driving long-term growth, increasing liquidity, and reaching users where they already operate.

For OKX, Uniswap is not just another application; it is a cornerstone of the exchange’s second-phase rollout, which focuses on integrating major DeFi protocols and reinforcing core infrastructure. This phase is part of a larger, multi-stage roadmap aimed at transforming OKX into a hybrid platform that bridges centralized liquidity with decentralized innovation.

Exchanges Embrace Layer-2 Networks to Capture Onchain Activity

OKX is not alone in this approach. Across the industry, major exchanges are increasingly launching or supporting layer-2 blockchains as a way to connect centralized user bases with onchain activity. Coinbase’s launch of Base demonstrated how quickly exchange-backed networks can gain traction when paired with strong developer tools and popular DeFi protocols.

Base rapidly emerged as a dominant environment for decentralized exchange trading, with Uniswap accounting for a significant share of its activity. This success has reinforced the idea that exchanges can play a pivotal role in scaling DeFi adoption by offering familiar interfaces, trusted infrastructure, and seamless access to decentralized applications.

Other platforms have followed similar paths, using layer-2 technology to reduce costs, improve performance, and retain users within their ecosystems. These developments suggest that the future of crypto trading will increasingly blur the line between centralized and decentralized models.

BYDFi and the Expanding DeFi Access Landscape

As exchange-led DeFi strategies continue to mature, platforms like BYDFi are also becoming increasingly relevant. BYDFi has built its reputation by offering flexible trading tools that cater to both beginners and experienced traders, while maintaining a strong focus on accessibility and global reach.

As more users seek exposure to decentralized finance without sacrificing usability or security, exchanges that support both traditional trading and DeFi access stand to gain a competitive edge. BYDFi’s growing presence in the crypto market highlights how platforms can complement the broader DeFi ecosystem by providing gateways to onchain opportunities, whether through direct integrations or simplified access to decentralized markets.

What This Means for the Future of DeFi

The launch of Uniswap on OKX’s X Layer underscores a broader shift in how decentralized finance is being built and distributed. Rather than existing solely on independent blockchains, DeFi protocols are increasingly being embedded within exchange-backed networks that offer scalability, liquidity, and user-friendly access.

This model has the potential to accelerate adoption by lowering technical barriers and aligning incentives between exchanges, developers, and users. At the same time, it intensifies competition among layer-2 networks, where success will depend on liquidity depth, application diversity, and real-world usability.

With Uniswap now live on X Layer and further integrations expected, OKX has taken a decisive step toward shaping the next phase of decentralized finance. As platforms like OKX, Coinbase, and BYDFi continue to evolve, the crypto industry appears to be moving toward a more interconnected future—one where centralized exchanges and decentralized protocols work together to define how digital finance operates at scale.

Omid Malekan, an adjunct professor at Columbia and a well-known crypto educator, argues that much of the resistance to stablecoin yield-sharing is rooted in misinformation deliberately pushed to protect the traditional banking model. In a recent post on X, Malekan expressed frustration that progress on crypto legislation is being slowed by what he described as  unsubstantiated myths  surrounding stablecoin economics.

The Real Fight: Who Controls Stablecoin Yield?

At the heart of the debate lies a simple but powerful question: who should benefit from the interest generated by stablecoin reserves?

Stablecoin issuers typically hold reserves in US Treasury bills and bank deposits, which generate yield. Banks and their lobbyists argue that allowing issuers or platforms to share this yield with users creates a dangerous loophole. Their fear is that consumers, attracted by passive returns of around 5%, could pull billions of dollars out of traditional savings accounts, triggering a so-called  deposit flight.

Malekan rejects this argument outright, calling it a convenient narrative designed to shield banks from competition rather than protect the financial system.

Why Stablecoins Don’t Drain Bank Deposits

One of the most persistent claims from the banking industry is that stablecoin adoption will inevitably shrink bank deposits. Malekan says this assumption ignores how the stablecoin market actually works.

Much of the demand for stablecoins comes from outside the United States. When foreign users purchase dollar-backed stablecoins, issuers are required to place reserves into US-based assets, including Treasury bills and bank deposits. Rather than draining the system, this process can inject new capital into American banks and government debt markets.

From this perspective, stablecoins are not a threat to deposits but a mechanism that can expand financial activity across borders.

Competition Isn’t the Problem — Profits Are

Another key myth, according to Malekan, is that stablecoins will cripple bank lending. In reality, stablecoins do not prevent banks from issuing loans. What they do is challenge banks’ ability to pay near-zero interest while earning substantial returns elsewhere.

Today, the average US savings account yields just over half a percent. If banks fear losing customers to yield-bearing stablecoins, Malekan argues, the solution is straightforward: pay savers more. Stablecoins introduce competition, not collapse.

Banks Are No Longer the Main Credit Engine

The argument that stablecoins could choke off credit also ignores a structural shift in the US financial system. Banks now provide only about one-fifth of total credit in the economy. The majority comes from non-bank sources such as money market funds, private credit firms, and capital markets.

These sectors could actually benefit from stablecoin adoption through faster settlement, lower transaction costs, and potentially reduced Treasury yields. Rather than weakening the system, stablecoins may enhance its efficiency.

Community Banks Aren’t the Real Victims

Much of the lobbying effort frames community and regional banks as the most vulnerable players. Malekan calls this another misleading narrative.

According to him, large money-center banks have far more to lose if stablecoins disrupt the status quo. Community banks are often used as a shield in public messaging, while the real objective is protecting the outsized profits of the largest financial institutions.

He describes the situation as an uncomfortable alliance between big banks defending their margins and certain crypto startups pitching services to smaller banks under the guise of protection.

Savers Matter Too — Not Just Borrowers

Public policy discussions often focus heavily on borrowers, but Malekan insists that savers deserve equal attention. Preventing stablecoin issuers from sharing yield effectively forces consumers to subsidize bank profits by accepting minimal returns on their money.

A healthy economy depends on both savers and borrowers. Blocking innovation that benefits savers simply to preserve existing profit structures undermines that balance.

Congress Faces a Choice: Consumers or Corporations

Malekan concludes with a clear message to lawmakers. The stablecoin yield debate should not be about preserving legacy advantages but about encouraging innovation and serving consumers.

He warns that many of the claims circulating in Washington lack empirical support and urges Congress to remain focused on progress rather than pressure from powerful lobbies.

Growing Pushback Against Banking Influence

The debate has also drawn reactions from legal and political figures. Lawyer and Senate candidate John Deaton recently reminded voters that senators are facing intense pressure from banking interests to prevent platforms like Coinbase from offering stablecoin rewards.

Deaton’s message was blunt: banks and career politicians do not necessarily act in the public’s best interest. He pointed out that restrictions on stablecoin yields could stifle innovation and limit consumer choice.

Coinbase has reportedly gone as far as warning that it may withdraw support for the CLARITY Act if lawmakers impose restrictions on stablecoin rewards beyond basic disclosure requirements — a sign of how high the stakes have become.

A Defining Moment for Crypto Regulation

As the market structure bill heads toward markup, the stablecoin yield issue may determine whether the US embraces a more competitive, consumer-focused financial system or reinforces the dominance of traditional banks.