In a recent appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Assets Research at VanEck, projected a significant shift in global trade, with BRICS nations potentially adopting Bitcoin as an alternative asset. Sigel’s forecast arrives amid growing fiscal policy concerns in the United States and increased interest from emerging economies in bypassing traditional financial systems.
Expansion of BRICS and Strategic Moves Toward Bitcoin
The BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently added five new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, expanding its economic influence. With this expansion, the bloc now surpasses the GDP of the G7 nations. Sigel noted that three of the new members are involved in government-backed Bitcoin mining, underscoring a regional commitment to crypto and a pivot from U.S.-centric economic policies.
Russia, in particular, is strengthening its Bitcoin mining capacity through a collaboration between BitRiver, the country’s largest data center operator, and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). Announced during the recent BRICS Business Forum, this partnership aims to build Bitcoin mining and AI infrastructure across BRICS nations, supporting trade settlement in Bitcoin and enhancing technological independence within the bloc.
Bitcoin’s Role in Global Trade and Future Valuation
Looking to the future, Sigel speculated on Bitcoin’s potential to revolutionize international trade, raising questions about the U.S.’s approach to countries adopting Bitcoin in trade. With fiscal policy changes and geopolitical shifts on the horizon, Sigel maintained a positive outlook, projecting that Bitcoin’s value could rise to $100,000 or even $200,000, driven by global adoption and post-election fiscal developments in the U.S. VanEck’s long-term vision posits Bitcoin as a global reserve asset by 2050, with an anticipated price reaching up to $3 million.
Conclusion
As BRICS nations explore Bitcoin’s potential in international trade, the stage is set for transformative shifts in the global economy. With VanEck’s projections and BRICS’ strategic moves, Bitcoin could become a pivotal asset in the future of global trade, reshaping financial dynamics for decades to come.
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this article are not financial or investing advice. The information provided in this article is the author’s opinion only and should not be considered as offering trading or investing recommendations. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. The cryptocurrency market suffers from high volatility and occasional arbitrary movements. Any investor, trader, or regular crypto users should research multiple viewpoints and be familiar with all local regulations before committing to an investment.
