Bitcoin News Today: Kiyosaki calls BTC gold silver ETFs paper claims as 2025 inflows hit 28%

Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad and a prominent financial commentator, has reiterated warnings about the risks of investing in Bitcoin (BTC), gold, and silver exchange-traded funds (ETFs), labeling them as “paper claims” rather than direct ownership of tangible assets. In July 2025, Kiyosaki emphasized that ETFs, while accessible, do not confer physical possession of the underlying assets they track. He compared holding ETFs to “having a picture of a gun for self-defense,” arguing that physical assets like gold, silver, and Bitcoin retain real-world utility during crises [1][2].

Kiyosaki’s critique centers on the counterparty risks inherent in ETFs, which rely on custodians and intermediaries to hold assets. He warned that financial institutions may lack sufficient liquidity to meet investor demands if confidence in the system wavers, potentially triggering a “bank run” and systemic collapse [3]. Despite acknowledging ETFs as convenient for average investors, he advocated for direct ownership of physical assets, which he described as “resilient” and capable of preserving value during downturns [4]. His stance aligns with broader skepticism about centralized financial systems and the growing preference for decentralized wealth preservation strategies.

The warnings come amid a surge in demand for BTC, gold, and silver ETFs in 2025, with assets inflows exceeding 28% as investors seek safe-haven assets amid inflationary pressures and concerns over the U.S. dollar’s stability [5]. Kiyosaki, however, cautioned that ETFs centralize control and expose investors to systemic vulnerabilities. “Physical assets are the only way to ensure security,” he stated, contrasting their tangibility with the perceived fragility of paper-based instruments [6]. His remarks reflect a long-standing advocacy for self-directed wealth management, a theme central to his career.

Critics of Kiyosaki’s position, including senior Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, argue that ETFs are legally required to segregate assets with custodians, ensuring a one-to-one ratio between shares and underlying holdings. Balchunas noted that ETFs have a 30-year track record of integrity and robust safeguards against fraud, making them “a very clean industry with a sterling reputation” [7]. He also highlighted that self-custody of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin carries risks such as theft or ransomware attacks, which ETFs mitigate through institutional infrastructure.

Kiyosaki’s warnings underscore a broader debate about trust in financial intermediaries. While ETFs offer liquidity and accessibility, they introduce counterparty risk that physical assets avoid. His emphasis on direct ownership resonates with investors prioritizing autonomy over convenience, particularly in volatile markets. As ETFs continue to attract capital, the tension between institutional finance and decentralized wealth strategies remains a key discussion in investment circles.

Sources:

[1] [Robert Kiyosaki warns risk paper BTC gold silver](https://cointelegraph.com/news/robert-kiyosaki-warns-risk-paper-btc-gold-silver)

[2] [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/)

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

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

[5] [Bitcoin, Gold, and Silver ETFs Are Booming in 2025, but Paper Isn't Enough](https://www.xt.com/en/blog/post/bitcoin-gold-and-silver-etfs-are-booming-in-2025-but-paper-isnt-enough)

[6] [An ETF is like having a picture of a gun for self-defense](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)

[7] [ETFs have some of the most robust security guarantees](https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6883db34f4dca2206ba472c4/)