Imagine Aissata, a single mother in Senegal. Prior to Bitcoin, she was using costly remittance services to receive transfers from her brother living and working in France. So every time she needed to make a transaction it devoured a huge portion of that money, leaving her less and less to feed her family. Then, she discovered Bitcoin. Today, those remittances come almost immediately, with little to no cost, right to her phone. That's the real story behind Bitcoin's surge. Put aside the spreadsheets and the lingo for just a second.
Bitcoin's Unexpected Connection To Freedom
We talk about Bitcoin's price hitting $94,743.16 (as of April 28, 2025, at 10:12 p.m. ET), inching towards that magical $100,000 mark. Now analysts are bandying about estimates such as $120,000 by mid-2025. Institutions are piling in. But that isn’t the real story nor the motivating factor behind these investments. It's about liberation.
Think about it. For billions of people around the world, the old financial system is an impenetrable wall. They’re unbanked, underserved—forced to rely on the worst of predatory lending practices, at the mercy of apps like Dave and Earnin. Aissata is the rule, not the exception.
For Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies more broadly, they provide a parallel financial system. A race-based lottery system that’s open to anyone with a smartphone. A system resistant to censorship and control. A model that is, at least in its truest expression, democratic.
It's easy to get caught up in the technical details – the halving event reducing supply, the ETF inflows, the Federal Reserve's rate cut decisions. These are just catalysts. The deeper, more powerful force behind Bitcoin’s ascendance is a quest for financial independence.
Bitcoin is commonly called a “store of value.” Yet this narrative often focuses on its function to protect rich investors from inflation. What about protecting everyone from inflation? How do we protect ordinary Americans from the worst impacts of hyperinflation and currency collapse? These problems have caused enormous suffering already in nations such as Venezuela, Argentina and Zimbabwe.
- Lower transaction fees: Especially for international remittances.
- Faster transaction times: Compared to traditional banking systems.
- Accessibility: To those excluded from traditional finance.
- Control: Over one's own assets.
Redefining "Store Of Value" For Everyone
For them, Bitcoin isn't just an investment. It's a lifeline. A means to protect their savings and gain entry into the world economic order. It’s an alternative to or at least a means of getting around corrupt national governments and failing national institutions. It's a hedge against their reality.
Take small businesses, for example. For most developing countries, getting a loan or even being able to open a bank account is an administrative hell. Bitcoin provides merchants with another simple option to receive payments. As an individual, you can access microloans directly through decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and avoid burdensome regulations entirely.
The institutions are piling in because they see the future. You should see the present:
Now, let's be realistic. Bitcoin isn't a magic bullet. The volatility is real. The learning curve can be steep. You better believe that the opportunity for scams and other bad actors is out there.
| Feature | Traditional Finance | Bitcoin |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Limited for many | Open to anyone |
| Transaction Fees | High, especially internationally | Significantly lower |
| Control | Limited | Full control by the user |
| Censorship Resistance | Vulnerable | Highly resistant |
Addressing The Risks, Embracing The Opportunity
We must own these risks and collectively be in the business of reducing them. Education is key. We need to empower people with the knowledge to use Bitcoin safely and responsibly. We must all be careful to advocate for regulations that protect consumers while encouraging, rather than dampening, innovation. To realize these goals, we need to address the digital divide. Second, it’s important that all Americans have access to the technology and infrastructure required to participate in the growing crypto economy.
The fears of a regulatory crackdown on crypto exchanges and DeFi platforms are very well founded. Macroeconomic volatility and whale selling pressure might further catalyze sharp price drawdowns. These are challenges to be overcome, not reasons to throw in the towel.
The next Federal Reserve meeting on May 7 promises to be the most watched yet. Even the slightest clue regarding future rate policy will most certainly move the market. While continued, strong inflows into Bitcoin ETFs is a good positive signal in its own right, we need to be on watch.
The objective shouldn’t simply be Bitcoin hitting $100,000 or $120,000. It’s all part of our mission to create a more inclusive and equitable financial system. Our aim is to equip more people like Aissata with the tools and information they need to feel in control of their financial futures.
Fund initiatives that educate and empower individuals in developing countries so they can take advantage of Bitcoin. Tackle usability issues by investing in companies creating easier to use crypto solutions. Support policies that advance financial inclusion and smart, responsible innovation.
Don't just watch the price soar. Be a part of the movement. Be a part of the solution. Join us in creating a future where all people can prosper. That's the true potential of Bitcoin's surge.
Support organizations working to educate and empower people in developing countries to use Bitcoin. Invest in companies building accessible and user-friendly crypto solutions. Advocate for policies that promote financial inclusion and responsible innovation.
Don't just watch the price soar. Be a part of the movement. Be a part of the solution. Be a part of building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. That's the true potential of Bitcoin's surge.
