Warning Issued Against Using Home Equity to Invest in Bitcoin

Wednesday, Jun 4, 2025 3:28 pm ET1min read

Pro-XRP lawyer John Deaton warns against using home equity to invest in Bitcoin, citing potential "bad outcomes" due to risks involved. Deaton, a Bitcoin bull who holds 80% of his net worth in Bitcoin, advises against mortgaging homes or acquiring preferred stocks for the purpose of investing in Bitcoin. Despite Bitcoin's 50% growth over the last 12 months, Deaton cautions against using unconventional methods to invest in the cryptocurrency.

John Deaton, a prominent lawyer known for his work on the Pro-XRP case, has issued a cautionary warning against using home equity to invest in Bitcoin. Despite his bullish stance on Bitcoin, Deaton advises against mortgaging homes or acquiring preferred stocks for the purpose of investing in the cryptocurrency. This advice comes amidst Bitcoin's significant 50% growth over the last 12 months.

Deaton, who holds 80% of his net worth in Bitcoin, acknowledges the potential of the cryptocurrency but stresses the importance of responsible investment practices. He argues that leveraging home equity to invest in Bitcoin carries significant risks, including potential "bad outcomes." This warning is particularly relevant given the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market and the potential for substantial financial losses.

Deaton's advice aligns with the broader trend of companies and individuals diversifying their portfolios to include Bitcoin. For instance, Vanadi Coffee, a Spanish coffee chain, recently announced plans to invest over $1.1 billion in Bitcoin [1]. Similarly, Michael Saylor's Strategy is planning to raise $250 million through a new perpetual preferred stock offering to buy more Bitcoin [2].

However, Deaton's caution is a reminder that while Bitcoin offers promising returns, it also comes with substantial risks. The volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market can lead to significant price fluctuations, making it a high-risk investment. Therefore, investors are advised to exercise caution and consider alternative investment strategies that may offer a more balanced risk-reward profile.

In conclusion, while Bitcoin's growth over the last 12 months is impressive, it is essential for investors to approach the cryptocurrency with a cautious and responsible mindset. Using home equity or acquiring preferred stocks to invest in Bitcoin should be done with a clear understanding of the risks involved. As Deaton emphasizes, it is crucial to avoid unconventional investment methods that could lead to "bad outcomes."

References:
[1] https://beincrypto.com/spain-coffee-chain-bitcoin-investment/
[2] https://cointelegraph.com/news/michael-saylor-strategy-250m-preferred-stock-buy-more-bitcoin

Warning Issued Against Using Home Equity to Invest in Bitcoin