Arthur Hayes, the BitMEX co-founder who’s watched the crypto rollercoaster from the front seat, is back in the news again. This time around, he’s got Bitcoin reaching a nice round million within the next 5 years—by 2028. The previous generation can laugh all they want, but Gen Z should be concerned. They’re up against student debt, wage freeze, and a planet on fire. This isn’t just about economic opportunity — it’s about economic justice.

Bitcoin A Million-Dollar Trojan Horse?

Hayes points to global reflation – governments printing money like it's going out of style – as fuel for the Bitcoin rocket. More dollars pursuing a limited supply of Bitcoins? Basic economics suggests the price goes up. He even goes so far as to call US Treasuries the “worst thing to own.” Ouch.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Another crypto bro making outlandish predictions." What if Hayes is right, that this isn’t really about just enriching the already rich? What if this investment boom could be our Trojan horse for the more equitable, inclusive, and just financial system we’ve long been striving toward?

Think about it. After all, the conventional banking system hasn’t really proven itself to be the most equitable of environments either. Redlining, predatory lending, and outright discrimination have for decades systematically locked marginalized communities out of wealth-building opportunities. And as Gen Z, keenly attuned to these inequities, is starting to make clear, they’re already looking for something different.

Bitcoin – and the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem that’s sprung up around it – are a shining beacon of hope. DeFi holds tantalizing promises to democratize access to financial services – lending, borrowing, investing, you name it – without the gatekeepers of traditional banks. Picture a future where your credit score isn’t the most important factor in determining whether you’ll receive a loan. Imagine an innovation that lets you earn a competitive return on your savings, without having to go through the typical Wall Street broker. That's the potential of DeFi.

DeFi: A Robin Hood In Code?

Of course, DeFi isn't a perfect solution. We’ve seen it change from the Wild West full of its own risks and scams. Rug pulls, impermanent loss, complex smart contracts—3 things that can seem overwhelming to anyone. The underlying premise – financial empowerment through decentralization – is a value that rings true to Gen Z’s principles.

Let’s be honest, the status quo is no walk in the park. Remember the 2008 financial crisis? The bailouts? The institutions that created this horrible crisis were deemed “too big to fail.” They were built with taxpayer support. That's a risk too.

The Daily Hodl covered Hayes’ full interview, which first appeared on the White Crypto YouTube channel. The long-term future of finance is the subject of this publication. This future needs to correct the shortcomings of the past and present. Bitcoin hitting a million dollars could be a catalyst, a forcing function that compels us to rethink our relationship with money and power.

Here’s a crucial point: a million-dollar Bitcoin alone won't solve anything. It must be accompanied by education, thoughtful investment, and a community-wide push to create inclusive DeFi platforms.

Your Bitcoin Million: A Call to Action

This isn't about blindly chasing quick riches. It’s about forging a new, more just and equitable future. Hayes’ prediction, as extreme as it sounds, provides us with an opportunity to completely re-assess our fiscal institutions. If Bitcoin does reach a million dollars, let's make sure it's a stepping stone towards real economic justice for Gen Z and everyone else left behind by the old order.

  • Educate Yourself: Dive into the world of Bitcoin and DeFi. Understand the risks and rewards. Resources are abundant, but start with reputable sources.
  • Explore DeFi Platforms: Experiment with small amounts of crypto. Learn how to lend, borrow, and earn yield.
  • Advocate for Regulation: Support policies that encourage responsible innovation in the crypto space while protecting consumers.
  • Demand Transparency: Hold traditional financial institutions accountable for their practices.

What if the answer to addressing economic inequality has been in code all along?

But what if the key to solving economic inequality has been code this whole time?