Bitcoin Is Not Yet a ‘Store of Value’ Asset, Says SkyBridge Capital Founder

As a seasoned researcher with a background in finance and technology, I find myself intrigued by the insights shared by Anthony Scaramucci during his recent interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” His extensive industry experience and keen understanding of both traditional finance and emerging technologies make him a valuable voice in discussions about Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.


On the 22nd of August, Anthony Scaramucci, who is both the founder and the managing partner at SkyBridge Capital, appeared on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” program to discuss his views about Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general.

Scaramucci began by talking about the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium, pointing out its strategic placement close to the Federal Reserve’s central banking meeting in Jackson Hole. This deliberate positioning aimed to underscore the decentralized essence of blockchain technology compared to conventional central banking. The symposium drew a substantial number of influential figures from the cryptocurrency sector, including prominent names like Senator Cynthia Lummis, Senator Tim Scott, and ex-SEC Chairman Jay Clayton.

Anthony Scaramucci expressed confidence regarding Bitcoin’s future, particularly towards the end of 2024. He noted that the excess supply seems to be diminishing, which he believes is a promising indicator for Bitcoin’s price trend. However, he also touched upon a frequent discussion about Bitcoin vs. gold. While gold has experienced a 30% growth over the past two years, Bitcoin’s value has mainly held steady. Nevertheless, Scaramucci continued to endorse his view that Bitcoin is still in its infant stages as a technology rather than a means of storing value. He proposed that with more than a billion digital wallets, Bitcoin might eventually be perceived as a store of value in the future.

Scaramucci highlighted the potential of Bitcoin and other Layer 1 technologies to revolutionize payment systems and reduce transaction costs. He drew parallels to how technological advancements have previously reduced telecom costs and increased efficiencies in the economy. This, he believes, is the future trajectory for Bitcoin as it continues to integrate into the financial system.

A large part of the conversation revolved around how Bitcoin Spot ETFs might influence the market. Scaramucci pointed out that the regulatory approval for these Bitcoin ETFs makes it more secure for institutional investors to participate, as prominent entities like Morgan Stanley now permit their financial advisors to suggest investments in Bitcoin. He also highlighted that the introduction of Bitcoin Spot ETFs, particularly BlackRock’s, has been quite successful – breaking records with $23 billion in assets managed. This launch stands out as the most prosperous ETF debut ever recorded.

Anthony Scaramucci admitted that the financial sector anticipated Bitcoin’s value would be higher at this point in time, but the journey has taken longer than expected due to regulatory challenges and market turbulence. Nevertheless, he maintains a positive outlook, believing that eventually, Bitcoin will reach $100,000.

In their conversation about Bitcoin’s current market dynamics, Scaramucci pointed out that around 65% of new investments are being funneled into spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). The remaining 35% bypass these ETFs and go straight to Bitcoin. He underlined the convenience of purchasing Bitcoin via spot ETFs and holding it in brokerage accounts as a significant factor driving this pattern. Furthermore, he hinted that Wall Street has yet to fully leverage the potential of Bitcoin and other digital currencies, positioning them as potential future “selling machines.”

The conversation also touched on the regulatory environment and its impact on cryptocurrency. Scaramucci mentioned that while former President Donald Trump initially criticized Bitcoin, there has been a noticeable pivot in his stance, as well as in the broader political landscape. He referenced recent comments by Senator Chuck Schumer about the possibility of passing crypto legislation by the end of 2024, suggesting that there could be growing bipartisan support for crypto regulation heading into 2025 and 2026.

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2024-08-22 19:49