Why Bitcoin matters

Former PwC Crypto leader and partner and adjunct professor at the university of Hong Kong, Henri Arslanian is the co-founder and managing partner of the crypto hedge fund Nine Blocks Capital Management. In partnership with CoinShares, he explains why Bitcoin matters.

Bitcoin has shifted from being a niche curiosity among tech enthusiasts to a mainstream financial topic. Where the question once was “Why Bitcoin?”, it is increasingly becoming “Why not Bitcoin?” The appeal lies in its role as a decentralized, scarce, and programmable form of value transfer that does not rely on intermediaries. In an era of fiscal uncertainty, quantitative easing, and currency devaluation risks, Bitcoin is emerging as a form of “digital gold,” offering portfolio diversification and a potential hedge against inflation.

In this opening segment, Henri Arslanian underscores the shift in perception around Bitcoin, from a fringe asset to a credible component of modern finance. He positions Bitcoin as a strategic asset increasingly recognized by institutions and nation-states alike, particularly in the face of monetary instability and digital transformation.

Key takeaways

• Bitcoin has evolved from a niche interest to a strategic reserve asset, now held or discussed at the sovereign level.

• The question has shifted from “Why Bitcoin?” to “Why not Bitcoin?”—reflecting a growing acceptance among investors and financial professionals.

• Bitcoin appeals in times of fiscal uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and quantitative easing, offering a hedge through digital scarcity (only 21 million bitcoins will ever exist).

• Institutional and long-only investors increasingly view Bitcoin as a viable portfolio diversifier akin to digital gold.