Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan , has once again voiced his doubts about Bitcoin , comparing it to smoking, which he considers an unhealthy habit. In a January 12 interview with CBS News, Dimon criticized Bitcoin for lacking intrinsic value and being frequently linked to illegal activities, such as money laundering, ransomware, and sex trafficking. While acknowledging the potential emergence of digital currencies in the future, Dimon remains firmly opposed to Bitcoin itself. Dimon clarified that he is not against cryptocurrency in general, but he questions Bitcoin’s legitimacy and long-term value. “We’re going to have some kind of digital currency at some point. I’m not against crypto. Bitcoin itself has no intrinsic value. It’s heavily used by criminals,” he said. Drawing an analogy to smoking, Dimon noted that while people have the right to invest in Bitcoin, he does not believe it is a wise or healthy choice. “I applaud your ability to buy or sell it, but I don’t think you should,” he added. This is not Dimon’s first critique of Bitcoin. In the past, he has called it a “Ponzi scheme” and likened it to a “pet rock,” dismissing it as having no real worth. Despite his harsh stance, Dimon is a staunch supporter of blockchain technology, which he views as revolutionary. He emphasized its importance in making the transfer of money and data more efficient, stating, “Blockchain is real. It’s a technology. We’ve been using it to move money and data for over a decade.” Interestingly, JPMorgan, under Dimon’s leadership, continues to participate in the cryptocurrency market. The bank holds significant investments in Bitcoin exchange-traded funds ( ETFs ), signaling its recognition of the growing potential of digital assets. This contradiction highlights a broader tension within the financial industry, as firms grapple with the opportunities and risks associated with cryptocurrencies. Dimon’s comments align with his long-standing skepticism, but they come amidst suggestions of a potential shift in his views. Former President Donald Trump, speaking last year, remarked that Dimon seemed to have softened his stance on Bitcoin. “He was very negative, but now he’s changed his tune a little,” Trump said. However, Dimon’s latest remarks indicate he remains critical of Bitcoin, rejecting its role as a legitimate investment. While some in the financial world embrace Bitcoin as a transformative innovation, Dimon continues to focus on its risks and potential misuse. Nonetheless, his endorsement of blockchain demonstrates that even skeptics acknowledge the broader technology’s potential to reshape the financial landscape.
