Bitcoin to be key asset for central banks within five years

Bitcoin is ‘following in gold’s footsteps’ and will become a key part of central bank balance sheets within five years, analysts at Deutsche Bank have predicted.

Experts said the cryptocurrency has been treated with scepticism and suspicion – but will eventually win acceptance.

The forecast is likely to horrify many in the financial community and regulators who have long warned that Bitcoin and other such assets have no intrinsic value and anyone who invests in them is liable to lose all their money.

Claim: Bitcoin is ‘following in gold’s footsteps’ and will become a key part of central bank balance sheets within five years

Yet Bitcoin has also been likened to gold as a hedge against assets such as stocks and bonds which can move sharply during periods of political and market instability. Gold is seen as a safe haven in times of volatility even though – like Bitcoin – it earns no regular dividends or yields for investors.

And the cryptocurrency was given a big leg up with Donald Trump’s decision to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

‘History appears to be repeating itself,’ Deutsche’s experts said.

‘Like Bitcoin, gold was once subject to scepticism, suspicion and demand speculation. Like Bitcoin, gold has seen periodic episodes of volatility – its performance has often been marked by the slightest of shifts in public perception.

‘We believe Bitcoin adoption will continue, as regulatory developments, macroeconomic conditions and – above all – time should enable the public to increasingly embrace Bitcoin as a store of value.’

DIY INVESTING PLATFORMSAJ BellAJ BellEasy investing and ready-made portfoliosLearn MoreLearn MoreHargreaves LansdownHargreaves LansdownFree fund dealing and investment ideasLearn MoreLearn Moreinteractive investorinteractive investorFlat-fee investing from £4.99 per monthLearn MoreLearn MoreInvestEngineInvestEngineAccount and trading fee-free ETF investingLearn MoreLearn MoreTrading 212Trading 212Free share dealing and no account feeLearn MoreLearn More

Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.

Compare the best investing account for you