Bitcoin News Today: Kiyosaki Urges Direct Bitcoin Ownership Over ETFs as Market Hits $152.73 Billion

Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, has reiterated his preference for direct Bitcoin ownership over investing via exchange-traded funds (ETFs), emphasizing the distinct risk profiles and control dynamics between the two approaches. In his recent commentary, Kiyosaki likened holding Bitcoin through ETFs to “a photograph of a weapon,” suggesting that while ETFs offer accessibility, they lack the tangible security of direct asset ownership. He argued that physical Bitcoin, gold, or silver provides a hedge against systemic risks, including counterparty failures and liquidity constraints, which could exacerbate investor losses during market crises [1].

Kiyosaki’s stance aligns with the growing Bitcoin ETF market, which has seen its total market cap surge to $152.73 billion. Prominent ETFs such as BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) at $86.11 billion, Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) at $23.14 billion, and Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC) at $21.33 billion dominate the sector [1]. While acknowledging ETFs as a simplified entry point for average investors, Kiyosaki urged sophisticated investors to prioritize direct ownership of Bitcoin and gold to mitigate risks tied to intermediated systems. His critique highlights concerns about ETFs’ reliance on custodians, such as Coinbase, which manage assets on a 1:1 basis but do not eliminate exposure to counterparty defaults [1].

The financial strategist’s advocacy reflects a broader skepticism toward traditional financial instruments. Kiyosaki has long criticized centralized systems, including 401(k) plans, and promoted alternative wealth-building strategies focused on diversification and control. By positioning Bitcoin as a decentralized, censorship-resistant asset, he frames it as a modern counterpart to gold, capable of preserving value amid inflation and geopolitical instability [2]. Analysts have echoed some of these views, with forecasts suggesting Bitcoin could reach $1 million by 2030, though such projections are speculative and not grounded in current market realities [6].

Kiyosaki’s dual-strategy approach—leveraging ETFs for accessibility while advocating direct ownership for security—has sparked debate. While ETFs benefit from regulatory oversight and ease of use, direct Bitcoin holdings require technical knowledge and robust custodial solutions. Critics argue that the latter may be impractical for retail investors prioritizing liquidity over outright asset control. However, Kiyosaki’s emphasis on physical assets resonates with a segment of investors seeking to bypass traditional financial intermediaries, particularly amid his warnings about a looming “Greater Depression” and AI-driven economic disruptions [7].

The debate underscores broader tensions in the investment landscape. Institutional strategies increasingly favor ETFs for scalability, while Kiyosaki’s philosophy aligns with a narrative positioning Bitcoin as a post-sovereign refuge. His rationale hinges on Bitcoin’s design as an immutable, decentralized store of value, uncorrelated to fiat currencies, which he argues addresses systemic vulnerabilities in global finance [3].

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