Bitcoin News Today: Kiyosaki Warns Bitcoin Gold ETFs Pose Counterparty Risks as Assets Surge 28% in 2025

Robert Kiyosaki, the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad and a prominent figure in personal finance, has reiterated his warnings about the risks associated with exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to Bitcoin (BTC), gold, and silver. In late July 2025, Kiyosaki emphasized that ETFs, while convenient for investors, do not equate to direct ownership of physical assets. He likened ETFs to “a picture of a gun for personal defense,” arguing that tangible assets like gold, silver, or Bitcoin offer superior security during financial crises [1]. His critique centers on the reliance of ETFs on custodians and intermediaries, which introduces counterparty risks and obscures true ownership [2].

Kiyosaki’s stance aligns with his broader skepticism of centralized financial systems, which he views as vulnerable to systemic failures. He reiterated that physical gold and silver “offer resilience during financial downturns,” contrasting their reliability with ETFs, which may lose perceived value when trust in custodians or market structures erodes [4]. The author also highlighted that ETFs do not grant investors direct control over the underlying commodities, a point he has stressed in previous warnings about paper assets [5].

The warnings come amid a surge in demand for Bitcoin, gold, and silver ETFs in 2025, driven by investors seeking safe-haven assets amid economic uncertainty. Kiyosaki acknowledged the utility of ETFs for indirect market exposure but stressed the importance of distinguishing between convenience and true security [6]. His remarks reflect a broader debate within the crypto and precious metals communities about the trade-offs between accessibility and risk mitigation. While ETFs offer liquidity and ease of trading, Kiyosaki’s analysis underscores the tension between modern financial infrastructure and traditional wealth preservation strategies [8].

Senior Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas defended the integrity of ETF structures, noting that they legally require custodians to hold assets separately from the issuing entity. “All the shares of the ETF are connected to actual Bitcoin; it’s a one-for-one ratio, there is no paper,” he stated, citing robust safeguards against fraud [3]. Balchunas acknowledged skepticism from the crypto community but emphasized that ETFs have maintained a “sterling reputation” over three decades, with strong security protocols to protect against custodial risks [3]. He also argued that ETFs could be safer for wealthy Bitcoin holders, who might otherwise face risks from self-custody, such as theft or ransom attempts [3].

Kiyosaki’s warnings resonate with investors wary of centralized control, particularly in an era marked by geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures. The surge in Bitcoin, gold, and silver prices—exceeding 28% in 2025—has amplified discussions about asset ownership models. While ETFs provide a streamlined way to participate in these markets, Kiyosaki’s emphasis on physical assets highlights concerns about the potential for systemic collapses in custodial systems or regulatory shifts that could devalue paper assets [7].

The debate underscores a fundamental question for investors: how to balance the practicality of financial instruments with the security of tangible assets. Kiyosaki’s advocacy for direct ownership contrasts with the efficiency of ETFs, which remain popular for their accessibility. As markets evolve, the tension between these approaches may shape how investors navigate economic uncertainties and asset preservation strategies.

Source: [1] [Robert Kiyosaki Warns: ETFs Are Just 'Pictures of a Gun'](https://coincentral.com/robert-kiyosaki-warns-etfs-are-just-pictures-of-a-gun-why-he-still-prefers-real-gold-and-bitcoin/)

[2] [Bitcoin News Today: Kiyosaki Warns Bitcoin ETFs Pose...](https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-kiyosaki-warns-bitcoin-etfs-pose-centralization-ownership-risks-2507/)

[3] [ETFs have some of the most robust security guarantees...](https://cointelegraph.com/news/robert-kiyosaki-warns-risk-paper-btc-gold-silver)

[4] [Bitcoin News Today: Kiyosaki Warns Paper Assets Can't...](https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-kiyosaki-warns-paper-assets-replace-physical-etfs-surge-28-2025-2507/)

[5] [An ETF is like having a picture of a gun...](https://m.economictimes.com/markets/stocks/news/an-etf-is-like-having-a-picture-of-a-gun-for-self-defense-says-rich-dad-poor-dad-author-robert-kiyosaki/articleshow/122902112.cms)

[6] [Bitcoin, Gold, and Silver ETFs Are Booming in 2025, but...](https://www.xt.com/en/blog/post/bitcoin-gold-and-silver-etfs-are-booming-in-2025-but-paper-isnt-enough)

[7] [Robert Kiyosaki Warns Crypto ETF Investors, Urges to Hold...](https://coingape.com/trending/robert-kiyosaki-warns-crypto-etf-investors-urges-to-hold-real-bitcoin/)

[8] [Rich Dad Poor Dad Author Warns Against Paper Assets...](https://www.bitget.com/news/detail/12560604880068)