As bitcoin continues its journey toward mainstream adoption, the asset's evolution and global impact remain pivotal topics.
Host of The Wolf of All Streets Podcast, Scott Melker, recently sat down with Frank Holmes, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of
HIVE Digital Technologies
, to discuss bitcoin's transformative growth, the rise of ETFs, and the role of miners in a rapidly shifting financial landscape.
Holmes began by recounting the origins of his involvement in crypto, stating, "I was trying to launch a bitcoin ETF in 2017, but it wasn't possible at that stage due to KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) concerns. Realizing miners don't face those challenges, I put up the capital to launch the first crypto mining company in Canada." He also highlighted his transition from chairman to overseeing global strategy for HIVE, emphasizing the adaptability required in the evolving industry.
Melker observed how much the market has changed since bitcoin's early days, noting its mainstream presence and the emergence of ETFs. Holmes compared this shift to the gold market, explaining, "When the GLD came out, we saw a separation between the best gold stocks and those growing for the sake of growth. I think crypto mining companies will experience a similar divide with bitcoin ETFs."
Expanding on the global adoption of bitcoin, Holmes shared an eye-opening insight from his travels, stating, "There's a massive demand for U.S. dollars in countries like Argentina and Venezuela, where oppression drives people to use Tether as a proxy. This demand is creating a unique crossover between traditional currency and bitcoin."
Holmes also stressed the importance of global trends in shaping bitcoin’s future. "Outside of America, there’s an entirely different dynamic. People are mining in countries like Paraguay and Norway, and this activity is fueling another wave of adoption worldwide," he noted.
In discussing these dynamics, Holmes underscored the resilience of bitcoin miners, who are strategically positioned to navigate the complexities of a global financial system increasingly intertwined with digital assets. "The adoption globally will continue to grow significantly," he concluded, marking a hopeful trajectory for bitcoin's next chapter.