Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev Comments On BTC Rally & Paul Atkins’ Nomination

Bitcoin price has crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time, sparking discussions among financial experts and business leaders.

Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev, during an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, addressed Bitcoin’s recent surge, the Federal Reserve Chair’s comments comparing Bitcoin to gold, and the nomination of Paul Atkins to lead the US SEC.

Bitcoin’s Status Evolves Amid Record Price Milestone

Vlad Tenev remarked on Bitcoin’s transformation in perception over the last decade. “Bitcoin has gone from being ridiculed and ignored to now being taken very seriously,” he said. The cryptocurrency’s price exceeded $103,900, driven partly by growing institutional interest and regulatory shifts.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s recent comments about Bitcoin also fueled its momentum. Powell stated, “Bitcoin is a speculative asset, like gold, only virtual and digital.” He added that Bitcoin competes with gold, not the U.S. dollar, sparking optimism among crypto advocates who viewed this as a sign of growing legitimacy for the digital asset.

Robinhood, which offers cryptocurrency trading, saw a 400% increase in crypto trading volume in November compared to the previous month. The platform processed over $30 billion in crypto transactions, highlighting the surging interest in digital currencies amid the recent price rally.

Robinhood CEO on Paul Atkins’ SEC Nomination

Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev also discussed the potential impact of President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for SEC Chair, Paul Atkins, who is seen as favorable to cryptocurrency even by Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse. He compared Atkins’ nomination to the policies of the current administration, stating,

“This administration has been hostile to crypto. Having people that understand and embrace it is very important for the industry.”

Under the current leadership, the SEC has pursued strict enforcement actions against crypto firms. Tenev expressed optimism that the change in leadership could lead to more supportive regulatory frameworks. He emphasized the need to move away from “regulation by enforcement” and toward clearer guidelines for the industry.

Vlad Tenev believes that the incoming administration, along with a Republican-led Congress, is more likely to support legislative changes that promote innovation in the crypto sector. He suggested that embracing cryptocurrency as a foundational infrastructure layer could unlock new opportunities for the financial system.

Bitcoin and Strategic Reserve Discussions

The idea of Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset has gained attention, with proponents arguing that it could play a role similar to gold reserves. Tenev referenced these discussions, noting,

“A Bitcoin strategic reserve is something that gets people very excited, especially within the Bitcoin maximalist community.”

The concept has gained traction as Bitcoin continues to be viewed as an alternative store of value. With its growing acceptance among institutional investors, some industry participants believe it could become a key component of national reserves.

This shift is also reflected in growing institutional adoption. Analysts predict Bitcoin price could reach $120,000 by year-end if current trends persist. They attributed this to increased interest from institutions and the possibility of Bitcoin being considered for strategic reserves.