Strategy Chairman Saylor Says Quantum Threat to Bitcoin Is Decade Away

• Michael Saylor says the quantum computing risk to Bitcoin is over a decade away.
• He highlights market dynamics and credit systems as price drivers.
• Bitcoin sentiment and digital credit instruments remain key discussion points.

Strategy executive chairman Michael Saylor has said concerns that quantum computers will break Bitcoin’s cryptography are premature and likely a decade away. Speaking on Natalie Brunell’s Coin Stories podcast, he said the cybersecurity community generally agrees that any credible threat is not near-term.

He explained that if a powerful quantum breakthrough were to occur, banks, tech firms, regulators, and digital networks would coordinate software updates to protect systems. He added that Bitcoin’s software can adapt to emerging risks, and major infrastructure changes would not be sudden.

More so, Saylor described the crypto sector as highly security-focused. He said moving Bitcoin, especially from long-term storage, often involves stronger safeguards than traditional banking transactions.

Ethereum’s Quantum Preparations

While Saylor downplayed urgency, others in crypto are taking precautions. Vitalik Buterin noted forecasting models that suggest the possibility of advanced quantum systems before 2030. He has called for a transition to quantum-resistant systems.

The Ethereum Foundation included post-quantum readiness in its 2026 security plan, forming a dedicated research team.

Notably, other market participants, including Willy Woo, have also debated whether quantum concerns contributed to Bitcoin’s recent price decline. 

Notably, Bitcoin trades at $63,374, extending its 29% loss over the past month. Some analysts suggested investor caution may reflect long-term security risks, while others said broader market factors explain the move.

Why Bitcoin Didn’t Reach a Higher Price

When Natalie asked why Bitcoin did not surpass its previous highs, Saylor said structural market factors, not quantum fears, explain the phenomenon. He said the growth of regulated U.S. derivatives markets has dampened extreme price moves.

He also highlighted the lack of deep bank credit linked to Bitcoin. Unlike stocks that investors can pledge for loans, Bitcoin holders face limited credit options at high rates. This restricts broader financial use and may limit price expansion.

Saylor said banks may take years to fully embrace Bitcoin, offering credit, custody, and other services at scale. The slower pace can reduce upside momentum, he said.

Saylor compared Bitcoin’s adoption cycle to earlier technologies such as electricity and aviation, saying broad acceptance can take years, as Bitcoin has only existed for 17 years. 

The chairman, meanwhile, noted that Bitcoin is currently in that commercial growth phase, where adoption is expanding but full mainstream acceptance is still developing.

$STRC and Digital Credit Performance

Saylor also discussed digital credit instruments like $STRC. He said engineered credit products aim to reduce volatility and create yield. These instruments are designed to offer less price swing and defined returns.

He said some structures have succeeded in lowering volatility compared with raw Bitcoin. By over-collateralizing and managing credit quality, platforms aim to attract investors who prefer steady returns over high price risk.

These developments could broaden crypto’s appeal, Saylor said, by offering alternatives to direct Bitcoin exposure.

For those unaware, Strategy remains the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin. The firm holds 717,722 BTC and has continued purchases despite the recent price decline.

Related: Willy Woo Says Quantum Risk Weighs on Bitcoin