Bitcoin News Today: Kiyosaki Criticizes Bitcoin Gold ETFs as Paper Assets $152.73B Market Unfazed

Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, has intensified his criticism of Bitcoin and gold ETFs, arguing that these instruments represent only “paper versions” of the underlying assets rather than tangible ownership. In recent statements, Kiyosaki compared ETFs to “a photograph of a weapon,” emphasizing their perceived ineffectiveness during economic crises [1]. He advocates for direct ownership of physical assets, including self-custodied Bitcoin and gold, to mitigate systemic risks and counterparty exposure. This stance aligns with his broader skepticism of centralized financial systems, including traditional retirement vehicles like 401(k) plans [2].

Despite Kiyosaki’s warnings, the Bitcoin ETF market has shown resilience. As of July 2025, spot Bitcoin ETFs collectively hold a market cap of $152.73 billion, with leading products such as BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), and Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC) accounting for over 95% of this total [1]. No significant outflows or shifts in trading behavior were observed immediately following Kiyosaki’s remarks, and on-chain data indicates minimal impact on asset liquidity or ETF share transactions. Analysts note that while Kiyosaki’s critique has sparked retail investor debates, institutional adoption of ETFs continues unabated [3].

Kiyosaki’s arguments center on the limitations of custodial models. He highlights that even ETFs backed 1:1 by assets, such as Coinbase-managed offerings, do not eliminate counterparty risks. These risks, he argues, could amplify losses during market turmoil. His advocacy for physical ownership reflects a broader narrative critical of centralized intermediaries, positioning Bitcoin as a decentralized, post-sovereign store of value akin to gold. This perspective contrasts with institutional preferences for ETFs, which offer scalability and regulatory oversight [2].

The debate underscores a growing divide in investment strategies. While ETFs provide accessibility for average investors, Kiyosaki emphasizes direct control as a safeguard against perceived vulnerabilities in traditional systems. He has also warned of potential economic instability, including a “Greater Depression” and AI-driven disruptions, further reinforcing his push for alternative asset allocation [7]. Critics counter that direct ownership of Bitcoin requires technical expertise and secure storage solutions, which may not align with liquidity needs for many retail investors.

Analysts observe that Kiyosaki’s influence remains largely ideological rather than market-driven. His critiques have not triggered tangible shifts in ETF flows or regulatory responses. However, his advocacy resonates with a segment of the market prioritizing autonomy over convenience, reflecting broader tensions between accessibility and control in asset management. The ongoing growth of ETFs, including those for Ethereum, gold, and silver, suggests that the debate will persist as Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical uncertainty continues to evolve [4].

Source:

[1] [Bitcoin News Today: Kiyosaki Urges ETFs for Average Investors](https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-kiyosaki-urges-etfs-average-investors-physical-assets-sophisticated-holders-monetary-instability-2507/)

[2] [Kiyosaki Turns to Bitcoin and Gold as Crisis Looms](https://www.cointribune.com/en/kiyosaki-bets-on-bitcoin-and-precious-metals-to-survive-the-looming-crisis/)

[3] [What Happens if Bitcoin Reaches $1 Million?](https://cointelegraph.com/explained/what-happens-if-bitcoin-reaches-1-million)

[4] [Blockchain.com Explorer News](https://www.blockchain.com/explorer/news)

[7] [Robert Kiyosaki Warns of a 'Greater Depression'](https://www.aol.com/finance/robert-kiyosaki-warns-greater-depression-111300857.html)